File No. 861.00/284 The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Russia (Francis) [Telegram] WASHINGTON, March 20, 1917, noon. 1271. Your 1107, March 18. Please call on Milyukov, Foreign Minister of the new Government, and ask for an appointment with the head of the Provisional Government to acquaint him with the desire of this Government to open relations with the new Government of Russia. At your interview state that the Government of the United States recognizes the new Government of Russia, and that you, as Ambassador of the United States, will be pleased to continue intercourse with Russia through the medium of the new Government. LANSING File No. 861.00/294 The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State [Telegram] PETROGRAD, March 22, 1917, 4 p. m. 1120. Your 1271 received March 22, 10 a. m. Earnest congratulations, hearty thanks. Called on Milyukov 11 a. m. who is arranging for Ambassador to meet President of Council of Ministers this afternoon. President will be accompanied by Council of Ministers and I by my staff, including military and naval attachés in full uniform. Milyukov delighted at our recognition and much pleased that we are the first. This formal presentation is my suggestion which Milyukov heartily approves saying that moral effect will be great. Workmen returning to work; tramways operating. The Government has every indication of system, having sent representative to the Embassy who said arrangements about perfected for supplying [relieving] scarcity of food through established depots and gave location of office to which the Embassy should apply if it met difficulty in procuring supplies. FRANCIS File No. 861.00/296 The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State [Telegram] PETROGRAD, March 22, 1917, 9 p. m. 1124. Accompanied by Embassy suite was received by Council of Ministers 4.30 p. m. After introduction by Milyukov spoke as follows: 1Ante, p. 5. Mr. President of the Council of Ministers, I have the honor, as American Ambassador and as representative of the Government of the United States accredited to Russia, to state in accordance with my instructions that the Government of the United States recognizes the new Government of Russia and that I, as Ambassador of the United States, will be pleased to continue intercourse with Russia through the medium of the new Government. May the cordial relations existing between the two countries continue to obtain and may they prove mutually satisfactory and beneficial. Every Minister present except Minister of War who out of city. Milyukov replied expressing great gratification and saying it was first formal recognition of new Government; was highly appreciated and would have great moral effect, etc. Have since heard that British and French Ambassadors formally recognized Government in note sent to Foreign Office 3 p. m., but I had formally recognized Government in interview with Milyukov at 11 a. m. American Consul, Odessa, wired 18th, received to-day: No strikes or disturbances have occurred in connection with the establishment of the Provisional Government here. FRANCIS File No. 861.00/365 The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State No. 657 PETROGRAD, March 13/26, 1917. SIR: In my unnumbered despatch of yesterday,' the original of which was sent in pouch to Stockholm and a copy of which is in this pouch, I gave the details and sequence of my recognition on behalf of our Government of the new Government of Russia. I have the honor to forward herewith copies of the correspondence between the American Embassy and the Foreign Office on the subject.2 I have [etc.] DAVID R. FRANCIS [Enclosure] The Russian Minister for Foreign Affairs (Milyukov) to the American No. 5112 PETROGRAD, March 12/25, 1917. MR. AMBASSADOR: By a note of the 9th/22d instant, your excellency was good enough to set forth the circumstances accompanying the recognition by the American Government of the Russian Provisional Government, that is to say: that your excellency, having received on March 9/22 instructions from your Government to formally and officially recognize this Government, was good enough to call on me at 11 o'clock in the morning of the same day to inform me of the said decision of the Government of the United States and that the same 'Not printed. Note of Ambassador Francis of Mar. 9/22 not printed. day, at half past 4 in the afternoon, having come to the Council of Ministers with the staff of the Embassy, you were officially introduced by me to the Premier as well as to the Council and were good enough on that occasion, according to the instructions of your Government, to officially communicate the news that the Government of the United States recognizes the Russian Provisional Government. I have the honor to thank you for this courteous communication and would appreciate it if you would kindly transmit to the Federal Government the lively gratitude of the Russian Provisional Government for the proof of friendly sympathy which the United States has been good enough to extend through its decision to the new democratic régime established in Russia. I am certain that henceforth the ties of traditional friendship which unite our countries will become still closer and imbued with greater confidence for the good of the two nations. Be good enough to accept [etc.] PAUL MILYUKOV CHAPTER II THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT: PREMIERSHIP OF PRINCE LVOV Relations with the Councils (Soviets) of Workmen's and Soldiers' Deputies-Efforts to Check Military and Economic Demoralization-The Questions of Constitutional Reorganization, Land Reform, and PeaceMessages from the American Government and the American Federation of Labor File No. 861.00/298 The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State [Telegram] PETROGRAD, March 23, 1917. 1130. Provisional Government issues a ringing proclamation addressed to citizens, soldiers and sailors, signed by President [Premier] and all the Ministers. After stating that the enemy is taking advantage of internal dissensions, and concentrating his forces to strike a terrific blow, it appeals to the pride and patriotism of all; assures soldiers and sailors that their feelings and rights will not be ignored as heretofore, and appeals to them to present an unbroken front to an advancing foe whose victory would be a victory over the new order and over liberated Russia; that the army cannot be strong without the observance of strict discipline which cannot be enforced by accidental and temporary chiefs but only by officers trained as such, who know how to lead, and who will not abandon their men in the hour of peril. It promises that former insults will not be repeated, that officers will respect the honor and personality of their soldiers, and deserve the authority exercised. The proclamation is timely, should be effective. Guchkov also issues address to army with which he is quite popular. Holy Synod also issues appeal to Orthodox Russians to support new Government. FRANCIS File No. 861.00/299 The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State [Telegram] PETROGRAD, March 23, 1917, 6 p. m. [Received March 24, 9.30 a. m.] 1127. Orderly quiet still prevails. Ministry daily strengthening but is compelled to handle socialistic element carefully and danger from that source is not entirely dissipated. Socialistic and labor organizations in England and France have cabled their colleagues. here, pledged submission to the new Government and respect therefor as the only advisable course now, especially for vigorous prosecution of the war. Cable from Gompers and other well-known labor leaders direct to Petrograd labor leaders, or through the Embassy if he prefers, would be opportunely helpful. Time is precious as socialistic element composed of workingmen and soldiers holding continuous meeting in the Duma are advocating abolition of classes and the right of soldiers to disobey their officers. Small bodies of armed soldiers marching orderly through the streets but seldom under the command of officers. Police supplanted by city militia. Kerensky, Minister of Justice and exceedingly popular with workingmen and socialists, is exerting powerful influence by advocating orderly conduct and respect for law. Milyukov suggests that Gompers's cable gram be addressed to N. S. Cheidze, member of the Duma and of committee which selected the Ministry. Our first formal recognition eliciting warm commendation. FRANCIS File No. 861.00/306 The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State [Telegram] PETROGRAD, March 27, 1917, 6 p. m. 1138. Please cable in ample time for publication here immediately after delivery the President's message to extraordinary session. Think it would have telling effect but would consult Milyukov before formally publishing. Five Russian regiments which for ten days have been outwardly orderly but inclined to ignore officers and defy discipline yesterday were addressed by a superior officer who after predicting revolution and eliciting applause from soldiers asked if they desired to preserve the freedom gained and upon their enthusiastic affirmative reply stated that the only way to do so was to defeat Germany and that discipline was essential to success. The officer then asked if soldiers were willing to return and received an emphatic "yes." Determination to gain victory growing stronger daily. Officers in Petrograd held large meeting attended by military attachés of Allies; all pledged best efforts. Soldiers paraded Sunday with banners calling on workingmen to resume their work and make munitions which are required. Riggs invited to visit headquarters in the field, will start |