Polish force is reported 20,000 strong at beginning of the German advance, now are said to be greatly increased by enlistment of Poles in occupied region [omission] among the Polish troops [omission]. Relations with these German troops strained and mutually distrustful. Open conflicts have occurred. Relations of the Poles with Ukraine troops also inordinate. Leader states Poles regard themselves as a part of troops of the government of Russia allied with Germans against the Bolsheviki but not subject to German orders.. Consulate General arranging to send observers into occupied territory. Foregoing report made by unskilled persons viewing the situation from one point only. No word from Haine.1 Soviet authorities reported leaving for St. Petersburg. Thomson2 informed by serious person one thousand prisoners Novo Nikolaevsk fully armed having machine guns and two batteries field artillery with German prisoners in command. Continued heavy illegal contributions on Singer and other firms throughout Siberia and arrest of mining managers on refusal to pay. Have taken vigorous action with [central] authorities who promise instruct local Soviets to discontinue levies on Singer Company. Renewed activity by Singer men [previously] reported. Presume Harbin reporting on this. Bolshevik press continues to interpret events at Vladivostok as indicative of serious disagreement between Japan and the Allies, especially the United States. Spread of this view favored by confusing statements respecting American attitude. [The report] of absence of accord between Japan and the United States detrimental to Allies' interests and prestige in Russia. [Omission] public [statement affirming] unity of action and purpose badly needed. French officials commenting unfavorably on America's friendly attitude towards S[oviet]. All opposition parties state policy present régime directed solely by German Staff. File No. 861.00/1612 SUMMERS The Ambassador in Great Britain (Page) to the Secretary of State [Telegram] LONDON, April 18, 1918, 1 p. m. 9569. Your 7159, April 6, 4 p. m.3 The British authorities are stopping telegrams that pass over British controlled lines between 'Possibly refers to Thornwell Haynes, Consul at Helsingfors. 2 Alfred R. Thomson, Consul at Omsk. 8 Ante, p. 495. old Russian diplomatic officers for the reasons given in my 9351 and 9388.1 In consequence of my inquiries, under your instructions, the Foreign Office have directed Lord Reading to take the matter up with you. If the French Government permits the transmission of such telegrams, I suggest that Bakhmeteff's messages to Maklakov might go over the French cable to Brest. PAGE File No. 861.00/1658 The Consul General at Moscow (Summers) to the Secretary of State2 [Telegram] Moscow, April 20, 1918, noon. 388. Macgowan. [reports] agent Singer Company, probably Russian, imprisoned Krasnoyarsk refusal pay illegal contributions. Singer agent, Tomsk, states armed men forced him pay former clerks Rs. 34,000 arbitrarily claimed. Further reports Red Guards, principally composed Hungarian prisoners who are carrying out arrests, seizures and requisitions [omission?] local council Tomsk levied contribution Rs. 5,000,000 business men. Refusing payment they were arrested [by] armed Hungarians and imprisoned. Macgowan informed Webster and Hicks interference local affairs but was told matter amounted nothing. I have taken up energetically with central authorities matter forced contributions and arrests managers American firms. Have been assured that orders have been given stop all future armed [exactions] this nature. SUMMERS File No. 811.142/3200 The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Russia (Francis) [Telegram] WASHINGTON, April 23, 1918, 5 p. m. 78. Your 101, April 15, 8 p. m. Department understands that Robins is cabling to Colonel Thompson and also Red Cross direct without Embassy's knowledge on matters of political policy. Department requests him to send such messages in future through your Embassy or Summers. LANSING 1 Ante, pp. 494 and 496. 2 Sent via the Consulate at Vladivostok. 3 For the connection of Captain Webster and Major Hicks with the investigation of the arming of war prisoners, see ante, p. 483, and vol. II, chap. i, 20856-31-37 File No. 861.00/1704 The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State 1 [Telegram] VOLOGDA, April 24, 1918, 10 p. m. 119. Had call from Serbian Minister, who gave dramatic account of interview with Trotsky. He says told Trotsky, as cabled in my 98, April 14, 7 p. m., that White Guards Finland would advance on Petrograd and in Ukraine on Moscow and while both assisted by Germans, latter would not cross frontier and that Trotsky would be powerless to oppose to which Trotsky gave silent assent. Later when Serbian Minister mentioned Japanese invasion Trotsky hissed and said such would unite Russians. Germans and Bolsheviks endeavoring to foment dissension between Japan and the United States. Soviet government willing to treat with any power on earth or elsewhere to perpetuate their domination in Russia. Lying Petrograd journal, which ten days since printed I was returning because of disagreement with the Department concerning Bolshevik policy, yesterday printed another article, professedly emanating from one close to Embassy in Vologda, that America had prevailed upon other Allies to consider Allied relations with Soviet government and that secret conference thereon be held soon in London. Both lies ignored. Beloostrov captured by Finnish White Guard 22d. Mirbach arrived Moscow yesterday and reports that anarchist raid of 12th was made on his order [omission]. Germany protested against landing 6,000 British, French troops for protection of Murman railway as reported in Norwegian press. Am anxiously awaiting information if any change in Far East policy. FRANCIS File No. 861.00/1667 The Consul General at Moscow (Summers) to the Secretary of State [Telegram] Moscow, April 26, 1918. [Received April 28, 2.31 p. m.] 421. Following is translation essential portions Lenin's address April 24 before Moscow Soviet : We have two enemies, the enemy at home and the enemy abroad. The enemy abroad to the east and to the west awaits the moment when he may attack the Russian socialist revolution. We must not Not printed; see footnote 1, ante, p. 498. close our eyes to a painful fact; we have no army. We can not resist the power of international imperialism. We have unfurled the flag of war against capitalists in all countries. Our civil war is almost ended, the assassination of Kornilov is the last act of this struggle. Now a more painful period begins. The enemy at home and abroad assails us with his last reserves. Our aim at present moment is to retrench until the proletariat of the west comes to our aid. If that does not happen we shall perish. Another enemy a hundred times stronger is the small proprietor. To overturn the bourgeoisie was easy, but this small proprietor is terrible fact. [Each] one is a new Kornilov in germ. The condition of the country worn out by the world war is very grave. We may be crushed at any moment. Nothing but the dictatorship of the proletariat can save us. SUMMERS File No. 861.00/1669 The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State [Telegram] VOLOGDA, April 26, 1918, 2 p. m. 126. Did not intend notice attempted statement reprinted in Zarya Rossii, conservative Moscow journal, from Evening Star, unreliable Bolshevik yellow Petrograd journal, to the effect that American Embassy indirectly reported that secret conference held or about to be, London, at American instigation to promote improved relations Allied and Soviet government. Soviet News, however, official organ Russian Central Executive Committee, in long editorial 24th treats canard so seriously that feel constrained to state that I know nothing about such conference or suggestion thereof. Should be pleased to know if Department been urging such conference or whether anyone has. FRANCIS Arrival of German and Turkish Ambassadors in Russia-Russian Request for Recall of the French Ambassador File No. 861.00/1697 The Consul General at Moscow (Summers) to the Secretary of State [Telegram] Moscow, April 27, 1918. 431. According official Soviet gazette German and Turkish Ambassadors called April 27 [26] accompanied by Chicherin on Chairman Sverdlov of All-Russian Central Executive Committee of Work men's, Soldiers' and Peasants' Deputies. Mirbach's letter credence dated Berlin April 2 substantially as follows when translated from German to Russian and Russian into English: After ratification peace treaty with Russian Federal Soviet Republic, Royal German Government decided send Russian Federal Soviet Republic a temporary diplomatic representative, the royal Ambassador, Count von Mirbach. Count von Mirbach will execute task imposed on him of upholding peace and friendly relations between the two states and will bend all his efforts obtain confidence Government Russian Federal Republic. Being convinced that he will be able meet fully tasks imposed on him, these credentials given and I allow myself beg they be graciously accepted and that he be shown entire confidence in everything he presents to you in name my Royal Sovereign or Royal Government. Hertling. To the Government of the Russian Federal Soviet Republic. Sverdlov replied: In the name Russian Socialistic Federal Soviet Republic have honor welcoming in your person, Mr. Ambassador, representative of a power with which a peace treaty has been concluded at Brest, as result of which peace, so needed by the people, was established between the two states. Everything which hinders this peace must be overcome. To this end our Comissariat Foreign Affairs has sent a note, of which you also informed, Mr. Ambassador, to German Government sole purpose of which is to remove all dangers threatening peace. I permit myself express hope that you, Mr. Ambassador, will take measures on your part solve question satisfactory and insure peace between German Government and Government Soviet Republic. Turkish representative then presented letter dated Sublime Porte, April 4: In compliance peace treaty Imperial Ottoman Government has right send a permanent mission to Russia immediately on ratification treaty. În expectation appointment permanent diplomatic representative Imperial Ottoman Government has authorized Halil Kem Ali Bey, the Ambassador Extraordinary, Minister Plenipotentiary at Athens, of His Highness the Sultan, to carry out diplomatic functions. Not known precisely to what note Sverdlov refers in his address to Mirbach, but probably one relating to continued military advances and seizure of ships and forts. SUMMERS |