This started with the Sacco and Vanzetti case, at the direct orders of Stalin, who saw the hapless duo as useful pawns. The communists started developing the tactics they would perfect later, like bringing in some celebrity, getting a quote from them, and publicizing it.
Thanks for that. Sounds like you really know your stuff.
Very impressive home page, btw.
http://www.freerepublic.com/~joefromsidney/