Swing (Jan-Dec 1945)

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The KREMLIN Really, now, do you know what it is? Quick, before the Palace of the Soviets grows up to its intended 1,364 feet — better learn about Russia's present governmental home, as described by JAMES N. MOSEL TWO Russian soldiers, just rC' turned from the United States as part of a military mission, were chal' lenged by a sentry who saw them wandering aimlessly amid the looming edifices of Moscow's Kremlin. "In America," one of them explained, "very few people know exactly what the Kremlin is. We'd never been in Moscow ourselves, and we became curious, too. Decided when we returned home, we would come and see the place at first hand." Typical of the Russian conscientious pursuance of information, this little incident is also indicative of what the average American knows about the Kremlin. Most of us are vaguely aware that the Kremlin is the home of the Russian Government, and as such corresponds to London's Whitehall and Washington's Capitol Hill. But to any Muscovite, mention of the word Kremlin calls up a much more vivid picture than this. The first thing an observer learns is that the Kremlin is the inner for^ tress of Moscow. In fact, the word j Kremlin itself was originally used to designate that central part of any early Russian city which was surrounded by strong walls and embattlements; sometimes there were even embankments and moats. Being in reality fortresses, these enclosures were usually located on an elevation dominating the surrounding terrain. In present day usage, however, the term Kremlin refers exclusively to the inner fortress of Moscow. Here, within bizarre and steepled walls dating back to medieval times, are the residences of the former court officials, as well as the most important offices of the Soviet Union. Here, spread out along its single street, renamed "Communist Street," are the lofty, green pleasure Palace of the old Czars; the Arsenal; a museum containing the more important treasures of tapestry, enamel, jewelled and silver work of the Russian Church; and the Kremlin Palace — a building of white stone with a gilded cupola where the various Soviet Congresses are held. In preSoviet times, the Kremlin contained the imperial palace, the