Theremin Blind
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country throughout the world. “Workers of the world unite” was Trotsky’s
slogan, and Termen was Trotsky’s pawn. With Termen’s talent and charisma he
could move freely in different circles. Perhaps he was the key to infiltrating the
western world.
Lev Termen changed his name to Leon Theremin in order to sound
more western, and met with a group of German businessmen about German
patent rights. By making busine ss arrangements in Germany, Soviet intelligence
hoped to gain an open door to American secrets. For a paltry sum of money
Theremin signed over the rights of one of his inventions to a Gennan company
that had ties to American industry, engaging in subterfiige so that the Americans
would think they were dealing strictly with a German company, and have no
clue that the Soviets were involved. Theremin also registered patents in France
and Great Britain—other countries that Moscow had staked out for mass
surveillance (Glinsky 43).
Soon Theremin was a celebrity, playing concerts and showing off his
marvelous inventions around the world. In 1927 London’s Daily Chromcle said
Theremin had “received special leave from the Soviet government to travel
round the world demonstrating his invention to scientists and musicians, and at
the same time learning of other scientific developments.” The Soviets were
boldly declaring their purpose, sparking fears of western vulnerability to “the
Communist threat.” This was just after the Soviets had been expelled from
Britain because of another espionage threat (Glinsky 63).
Countries such as America and England were thrilled by the prospect of
free-trade with the Soviet Union—considered a wide-open market. Moscow had
easily set up “organizations designed to facilitate trade, and business between
nations.” Arcos was established in London, Wostwag in Germany, and Amtorg
in America. Of course their real purpose was espionage, and the British
government became suspicious after Arcos failed to produce any real business
for England’s failing economy. A search warrant was obtained, and a police raid
on Arcos resulted in numerous arrests, diplomatic relations with Russia were
severed, the Soviet Embassy in was London closed, and the Ambassador and his
staff were expelled (Glinsky 63). Although Amtorg (the American Trading
Organization) was doing millions of dollars in legitimate business, its purpose
was the same. Located in New York, it was the command center for all Soviet
intelligence activities in America.
Theremin finally made it to America, doing a successful concert tour
and attracting major media attention. Apparently he enjoyed his stay as he
requested that Moscow allow it to be extended, citing the difficulties of being a
Russian perfonning intelligence activities on American soil. The Soviet Union
allowed him to remain, as did the American government, continuously
extending his temporary visa. His etherphone—now known as the
Theremin—^was marketed as an amazing instrument that anybody could learn to
play with a simple waving of hands. “A Theremin in every home,” was the
advertising ploy (Martin documentary).