Karl Albrecht sincerely believed in Communist ideals. This, however, did not prevent him from later serving Hitler faithfully and loyally. "We, German Socialists, are your genuine friends! Our great leader, Adolf Hitler, is bringing liberation to your homeland! Thousands of German workers and peasants have already given their lives for your freedom!" So wrote one of the most prominent propagandists of the Third Reich, Karl Albrecht, in a 1942 pamphlet, titled "Is this a socialist state?", distributed in the occupied territories. It is astonishing that 10 years earlier the same person had been one of the most senior Soviet officials,...