ABSTRACT
LED BY LUDWIG C.A.K.MARTENS, WHO SERVED AS THE UNOFFICIAL Soviet ambassador to the United States, the Soviet Bureau represented one of the most concerted efforts by Lenin’s Bolshevik regime to normalize relations between Russia and the U.S. during the period of non-recognition, from 1917 to 1933. Upon receiving his appointment on January 2,1919, Martens established the offices of the Bureau in the World Tower Building in New York City. The location was indicative of Martens’ stated mission: to establish economic ties with American businesses, including signing contracts to purchase supplies for Bolshevik Russia. However, from the outset, federal government officials questioned the Soviet Bureau’s motives, and as a result wavered on the question to grant Martens formal diplomatic recognition.
