Communist record in protracted bureaucracy (3,4)
I believe the answer is:
red tape
'protracted bureaucracy' is the definition.
'red tape' can be an answer for 'bureaucracy' (thesaurus). I'm not sure about the 'protracted' bit.
'communist record' is the wordplay.
'communist' becomes 'red' (red is a kind of communist).
'record' becomes 'tape' ('tape' can be a synonym of 'record'**).
'red'+'tape'='RED-TAPE'
'in' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for red tape that I've seen before include "Colourful ribbon associated with bureaucracy" , "Excessive bureaucracy (3.4)" , "European regulations?" , "Irritating bureaucracy" , "Bureaucratic papers and routines" .)