Ew

Ewert, Arthur (1890–1959) .

Son of small peasant, saddle-maker. Trade unionist and SPD (Sozialistische Partei Deutschlands, Social-Democratic Party) member in 1908. Went to Canada before war, served a year in jail there for a political offence. Returned to Germany in 1920, joined KPD (Kommunistischen Partei Deutschlands/German Communist Party) in Berlin, then became secretary of Hesse district, in Frankfurt. Tended to be associated with Left, but regarded as ‘lukewarm’. Elected to Zentrale in January 1923 in Leipzig. In April, attacked Left with Pfeiffer and Heinz Neumann. Military head of Oberbezirk West in 1923. In 1925 was member of centre tendency, on Central Committee, Zentrale and Politbureau. In illegality during 1926–8, candidate member of Comintern Presidium, resident in Moscow during 1928–9. Purged along with conciliators, worked in Comintern apparatus. Represented ECCI in China during 1929–34, then sent to Brazil. Arrested in 1935, was tortured, lost his reason, nevertheless sentenced to 13 years imprisonment. Repatriated to Germany in 1947, and diagnosed incurable. Still denounced as an ‘agent’ in 1956, but finally honoured at his death in psychiatric hospital.