Democracy in the Russian army (1945)

From the November 1945 issue of the Socialist Standard

In “Soviet Democracy” (published by Gollancz in 1937), Mr. Pat Sloan contrasted the democracy of the Red Army with the relationship between officers and soldiers in the old armies. He declared (p. 157) that “the old relationship between soldier and officer was completely abandoned, and all ranks mixed together as equals when off duty. . . .” 

The following report from the Moscow correspondent of the Daily Mail (September 3rd, 1945), shows the latest development:—

“The Russian Army Newspaper Red Star to-day announced the formation of Officers’ clubs for the exclusive use of officers. Army clubs have up to now been open to all ranks. The newspaper says 'under present conditions of cultural enlightenment work, it is necessary to have sharp differentiation and separation.' ”