Bolsheviki had repudiated the four-billion-dollar debt which the government of the Tsar had contracted with the bankers.

...which doesn't matter much for automotive profits, since 6 or 7 of the top 10 selling vehicles are classified as trucks, where the US dominates. In fact, American trucks waffle-stomped the Japanese manufacturers in trucks.

This champagne is superb.

A Hottentot... expects to be called by his name if addressed by any one who knows it; and by those to whom it is not known he expects to be called Hottentot... or boy.