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CHAPTER IX

THE ACTION OF THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS FOR RELEASE OF THE RUMANIAN MINISTER FROM ARREST

File No. 861.00/949

The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

PETROGRAD, January 13 [14], 1918, 1 a. m.

[Received January 15, 4.05 a. m.]

2230. Rumanian Minister and entire Legation arrested 8 this [last] evening. Cause unknown, but supposed to be account occurrences in Rumania. Have called meeting entire Diplomatic Corps noon to-morrow [to-day] at American Embassy to consider this unique proceeding which deplorable from every viewpoint.

FRANCIS

File No. 701.7161

The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

PETROGRAD, January 14, 1918.
[Received January 16, 2.34 a. m.]

2231. Diplomatic Corps with unanimity and emphasis decided to demand immediate release of Diamandi without discussing causes of arrest, and to make such demand of Lenin. Diplomatic Corps on my suggestion going in body to visit Lenin with whom I am endeavoring to make engagement. Meeting attended by every chief of mission, including Spain, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Holland.

FRANCIS

File No. 701.7161/1

The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

PETROGRAD, January 14, 1918, 11 p. m.

[Received January 16, 10.50 p. m.] 2233. Nineteen heads of missions visited Lenin by appointment, 4 p. m., at Smolny and presented following in French through myself as dean:

The undersigned chiefs of diplomatic missions of all the nations represented in Russia, viz.: United States, Japan, France, Sweden,

Norway, Switzerland, Denmark, Siam, China, Serbia, Portugal, Argentine Republic, Greece, Belgium, Brazil, Persia, Spain, Netherlands, Italy and Great Britain, profoundly indignant at the arrest of M. Diamandi, Minister of Rumania, and affirming the unanimity of their sentiments on the subject of the violation of diplomatic immunities respected for centuries by all governments, demand the immediate liberty of M. Diamandi and of the members of his Legation.

Then follow in order above-named signatures of all the chiefs. Arriving Smolny were promptly admitted and pleasantly received by Lenin to whom I introduced colleagues, each by title, and when all seated I presented above demand. On Lenin beginning to explain assassination [arrest] caused by Rumania's killing and starving Russian soldiers I stated we would not discuss causes or justification but only the principle involved. French Ambassador then entered into conversation, also Belgian Minister and Serbian; Belgian stating feelingly, Serbian emotionally, that notwithstanding outrages in their countries diplomatic immunity never violated. I finally told Lenin, who had said arrest was made to avoid war between Rumania, Russia, that retention of Minister would be more likely to promote than prevent war and would weaken his government in Russia and throughout the world. He said that if I thought so he would refer matter to Council of People's Commissioners and when French Ambassador said we must have prompt reply Lenin said would telephone American Ambassador this evening. Am now awaiting advice which think will be favorable. Many chiefs including British and French and Japanese said would ask their Governments to authorize request of passport if Minister not released. Am not prepared to say what I would do, depends on what I think effect would be on separate peace. Have you any instructions?

FRANCIS

File No. 701.7161/2

The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

PETROGRAD, January 15, 1918, 9 p. m.
[Received January 18, 8 a. m.]

2238. Continuing my 2233. About 11 heard unofficially Rumanian Minister would be released; hour later heard officially would be released but half an hour later heard previous report mistake; 3 o'clock heard again officially would be released; 10 o'clock to-day telephoned to fortress, learned was still there; at 1 o'clock informed

Rumanian Minister been told would be released on signing agreement to release Austrian officers and all Bolshevik soldiers arrested in Rumania but had refused. Continuously telephoning Smolny and fortress, 5 o'clock learned had been unconditionally released and that Ambassador had brought him to French Embassy where have just interviewed him.

Said heard noon 18th [13th] Trotsky wired from Brest ordering his arrest and had offers of protection in other missions but decided to remain in his Legation; that ten soldiers entered around about 8 and took him under arrest; upon asking for papers officer said same would arrive soon; that another officer exhibited paper stating arrest occasioned by arrest of Austrian officers and Russian soldier in Rumania but not definite; had invited guests to dinner and asked permission to dine but was refused and taken to entrance under guard where met thirty more armed soldiers; taken to Peter Paul Fortress arriving about 9; shown into large room where waited until 2 a. m., when shown to small room where only one bed with mattress, no cover; had asked privilege of taking valet but was denied; accompanied by young Rumanian officer who also arrested and consigned to same room but compelled to sleep on mattress on floor without

cover.

Rumanian Minister visited 10 a. m. to-day by prison [commander asking] signature paper obligating Rumanian Minister to secure or recommend release of Austrian officers and Bolsheviks who are under arrest in Rumania. Minister refused saying not diplomat when imprisoned but only 59, his cell number. Rumanian Minister said all telegraphic communication with Rumania severed and not advised of occurrences. About 4 p. m. was released and taken by French Ambassador to French Embassy. Naturally very indignant saying been disgraced and must quit Petrograd. I am telephoning missions of unconditional release and calling meeting Diplomatic Corps tomorrow afternoon.

Italian Embassy invaded 3 a. [p.] m. yesterday afternoon. Hundred or more bottles wine consumed or taken by soldiers, two of whom entered living apartments. Italian Ambassador entered complaint to insult. At yesterday's meeting British suggested meeting and action be confined to arrest of Rumanian Minister by government which was confirmed. During discussion with Lenin, French Ambassador mentioned invasion Italian Embassy whereupon Lenin said his first knowledge thereof and asked why government not advised. Italian Ambassador addressed formal communication to me and subject matter will be considered to-morrow. Missions considered extraterritorial and inviolate.

Lenin was shot at while in automobile en route Smolny last evening, had narrow escape. Platten, Swiss socialist, on Lenin's left was wounded in hand, eight shots fired. No arrests made yesterday. FRANCIS

File No. 701.7161/3

The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State

[Teiegram]

PETROGRAD, January 16, 1918, 9 p. m.

[Received January 21, 5.40 a. m.]

2240. Diplomatic Corps met here this afternoon. Decided to give press procès-verbal of their call on Lenin. Pravda, Bolshevik organ, prints that Zalkind, Assistant Commissary Foreign Affairs, stated had telephonic message through authentic source stating:

American Ambassador assures that immediately after release of Rumanian Minister he would protest to him against Rumanian attack on Russian troops and through American representatives in Rumania would make necessary statement to the Rumanian Government. American Ambassador regards Diamandi's arrest as formal expression of protest of Russian Government against activity of Rumanian commander in chief.

Rumanian Minister construes this as justification on my part of his arrest, consequently am writing him following:

My Dear Colleague: I am surprised and pained to learn from you that you for a moment think that I would or could justify your arrest and confinement in Peter and Paul Fortress, as I have had only one opinion on the subject and have made no expression concerning it other than to deplore such an unprecedented infraction of diplomatic etiquette. I have concurred in sentiment of our colleagues, Allied and neutral chiefs of missions, and as the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps accompanied by all of the members thereof, presented to the President of the Commissaries of the People the demand for your immediate and unconditional release and stated when doing so that we could not enter into any discussion concerning the causes of your arrest.

The procès-verbal approved at a meeting of the Diplomatic Corps this afternoon gives an account of what [occurred] at Smolny Institute when Mr. Lenin received the Diplomatic Corps at 4 p. m., January 1/14.

I have had no communication direct or indirect nor have I sent any message to anyone connected with the Soviet government on the subject of your arrest or your release. The dragoman of the Embassy, by my direction, telephoned to Smolny Institute about midnight of the 14th to ask whether the decision concerning your release had

been determined, but he had neither instructions nor authority to make any other inquiry and least of all concerning conditions of your release and he informs me that he did not do so nor even think of doing so.

While sympathizing with you in your trying experience and sincerely regretting its occurrence I felicitate you upon your prompt and unconditional release in which I willingly took an active part and congratulate our colleagues as well as yourself upon the speedy termination of this deplorable incident.

Probably such report effected release, but as stated above I authorized no others to take any message whatever to any of the Soviet government. Rumanian Minister says if not released unconditionally would consider arrest continuing and return to prison.

Soviet government attempting to save its face and making my position extremely difficult, but am making every effort to (prevent?) a separate peace.

FRANCIS

File No. 701.7161/1

The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Russia (Francis)

[Telegram]

WASHINGTON, January 18, 1918, 4 p. m.

1999. Your 2233, January 14, 11 p. m., just received. Press reports show your efforts successful. Department approves your course thoroughly.

POLK

File No. 763.72/8568

The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Russia

(Francis)

[Telegram]

WASHINGTON, January 23, 1918, 8 p. m. 2014. Department advised Bolshevik authorities have issued ultimatum to Rumanian Government in regard to retaliatory measures against Rumanian subjects in Russia because of alleged action of Rumanian Government and troops against Bolshevik troops on Rumanian front. French Ambassador informs me that his Government contemplates instructing French Ambassador at Petrograd to protest to Bolshevik authorities. Please confer with your French colleague and advise Department at once what steps, if any, you think practicable to take in the premises.

POLK

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