Crypto-communism (or cryptocommunism) is a secret support for, or admiration of, communism. Individuals and groups have been labelled as crypto-communists, often as a result of being associated with, or influenced by communists.[1] Crypto-communism among political leaders aided the sovietization of the Baltic states.[2]
Historical use of the term
In 1947, Winston Churchill described a crypto-communist as, "one who has not the moral courage to explain the destination for which he is making".[3] In 1949, shortly before his death, George Orwell compiled a list for the Information Research Department of the British Foreign Office of thirty-eight journalists and writers who in his opinion were crypto-communists or fellow travellers.[4][5][6]
In 1960, Bruce Hutchison described what he viewed as a crypto-communist threat from the left wing of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan under Nobusuke Kishi.[7] In West Germany, some accused the Social Democratic Party under the leadership of Willy Brandt of being a crypto-communist front.[8]
The Black Book of Communism referred to some individuals as crypto-communist, namely Damyan Velchev and Ludvík Svoboda.[9]