French Communist Group in Moscow: Formation and Activities (1918—1920)

The problem of studying the activities of the French Communist Group (FCG), created in Russia in 1918 on the initiative of the Russian Communist Party, is examined. In domestic and foreign historiography, there are works devoted to the history of the formation of this organization and the composition of the group. An analysis of the works shows that the work of the French group in several cities of Russia is presented as the activity of one organization. In this article, special attention is paid to studying the work of the main bureau of the FCG, located in Moscow in the 1918—1920s, as the key core of the organization. The source base of the study is archival documents and sources of personal origin. The appearance, activity and dissolution of the Moscow bureau of the Federal Financial Group are analyzed, the quantitative and professional composition of the participants, the structure of subordination and the distribution of responsibilities are revealed. The main task facing the bureau members was determined — propaganda activities. The main lines of propaganda activity of the Moscow bureau among compatriots are systematized: publication and distribution of print media, holding meetings and rallies, personal meetings and conversations, participation in the First and Second Congresses of the Comintern, work with the parliamentary opposition in France to end the intervention and spread of world revolution ideas. It is proved that, in addition to campaigning, there was also active assistance of the bureau members to French citizens residing or arrested in Russia.