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| 24 July 1899 | Brooklyn Daily Eagle |
Sunday, February 22, 2015
Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, Russia | 1918
The
British Embassy to the Department of State
No.
232
Washington,
March 4, 1918
Received
March 5
Memorandum
The
British Rear Admiral at Murmansk has reported to His Majesty’s Government that
a serious situation exists there owing to the anti-Ally attitude adopted by the
Bolsheviki garrision, and to the reported intention of the Finns who, acting at
the instigation of the Germans, propose to advance on the Petrograd-Murmansk
Railway. The arrival at Murmansk from Petrograd of refugees who are seeking
passages for England and of repatriated Russian sailors and soldiers, the
attitude of whom will probably be hostile, is complicating the situation.
In
the opinion of the British Rear Admiral, the occupation of Murmansk will
probably be necessary and he has made an urgent appeal for reinforcements. A
British cruiser has been sent and the British Embassy are instructed to ask the
United States Government to dispatch a man-of-war to join the squadron now on
the spot as soon as possible, as the situation may develop rapidly and the
matter is therefore extremely urgent.
File
No 861/1401a
The
Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Russia (Francis)
Telegram
Washington,
March 9, 1918, 3 p.m.
2107.
Request Norweigian Consul, Petrograd, deliver following message for Robins,
head of American Red Cross Commission:
Please
telegram full statement of conditions at Murmansk as reported by Wardwell when
he arrives, covering political situation, accumulation of supplies if any and
condition of railroad transportation.
Polk
File
No. 861/1268
The
Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State [Telegram]
Vologda,
March 11, 1918, 10 p.m.
Received
March 12, 11:37 a.m.
5.
Martin wires several hundred marines landed at Murman, more troops expected and
that he participated by invitation in meeting with Russian, British, French
officers who are organizing to defend Murman Railway from threatened or
probably attack by Germans. He says that he saw a telegram from Trotsky
approving of concerted action, and all regretted that no American officers on
the ground to participate.
Francis
File
No 861/1400
The
Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State [Telegram]
Vologda,
March 31, 1918, 6 p.m.
Received
9:56 p.m.
49.
Martin, Murman, wires, 24th, French cruiser there and 200 troops in
barracks, also armed marines and field pieces being landed from British
cruiser. It is reported that Finnish White Guards being drilled by German
officers and that points of Murman line are threatened and that railroad mined
south of Murman and five war vessels in port to resist possible attack.
Francis
File
No 861.00/1765
The
Consul at Moscow (Poole) to the Secretary of State [telegram]
Moscow,
May 8, 1918 1 p.m.
Received
May 9, 8.46 p.m.
492.
From source considered reliable it is learned that Count Mirbach has presented
an ultimatum to the Soviet authorities stating that if British and French
troops do not at once evacuate Murman Peninsula the consequences will be most
grave and it will be necessary for Germany to undertake military operations
occupying further territory either in the direction of Murmansk or elsewhere.
Poole
File
No. 881.00/1764
The
Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State
Telegram
Moscow
May 8, 1918 6 p.m.
Received
May 9, 8.19 p.m.
Remaining
here for two days longer to study situation, including subject mentioned in
your 87, April 26, 6 p.m. If Germany delivered ultimatum to Soviet government
as reported in Consul General’s No. 492, May 8, 1 p.m., Allied intervention
should not be delayed, regardless of Soviet reply to ultimatum. If a demand for
evacuation Murman is denied, Soviet government accedes to German demand, of
course Murman will not be evacuated and in such event Allied intervention
should be announced regardless of Soviet wishes. Soviet government alarmed by
German action in Ukraine, see Consul General’s No. 493 of today, and by German
possession of Rostov-on-Don and is evidently nervous concerning situation
general. No known organized opposition to Soviet government with force at its
command but dissatisfaction therewith evidently [indicated], and maintain my
opinion majority of Russian people would welcome Allied intervention.
Francis
File
No. 861.00/1774
The
Consul at Moscow (Poole) to the Secretary of State
[Telegram]
Moscow,
May 9, 1918, 10 p.m.
[Received
May 11, 1.55 p.m.]
504.
Information received today practically confirms rumor of German ultimatum to
the Soviet government reported my No. 492.
It
is stated now that ultimatum contains three conditions: 1) immediate departure
of British and French troops from Murman Peninsula; 2) occupation of Fort Ino
near Petrograd; 3) disarmament of Lettish regiment which is now serving as
personal guard to the Bolshevik leaders. We learned that the demand based on
ground that Less are [not] Russians but foreigners and should be sent to their
native land. Demand respect in withdrawal French, British troops considered
critical and evidence accumulating of consternation in Bolshevik circles
accompanied by tendency on their part to seek a of the Allies.
There
is press gossip of further German demands involving economic reforms and the
restoration of order through the placing of German troops of occupation at
important centers. Possibility of German occupation of Moscow within near
future again being discussed by serious people.
Poole
File
No. 861/1848
The
Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State [Telegram]
Vologda,
May 16, 1918, 9 p.m.
Received
May 23, 9:58 a.m.
173.
Robins passed [through] Vologda yesterday in Red Cross car attached to Siberian
Express en route Vladivostok thence America, saying departure in compliance
with your 22 of the 7th, signed Davison, Lansing, which was received
Moscow 10th through Consulate General and was seen by me before
delivery. Robins construed this cable as definite recall and when asked by me
if Davison returned [ordered return] replied ‘No,” but said message was from
State Department. Robins had intended remaining in the hope that Thompson would
influence Department to recognize Soviet government. He planned to leave Moscow
2d instant but telegraphed me that departure delayed by cables from Paris and
Washington. I saw in Moscow a telegram from [Maj. Thomas D.] Thacher [former
member of the American Red Cross Commission to Russia] stating received Robin’s
cable and had told Davison and others of Robins’s good work and thought
effective. Also saw cable from Davison saying had received Robins’s cables and
had seen Thacher and understood situation but could do nothing before reaching
Washington and advising Robins to remain until further instructions.
Consequently recall surprised Robins. When asked to what he attributed same
replied: Summers’s suggestion. He stated yesterday he had received cable from
Thacher dated 10th instant stating that he had been Washington and
though had made impression. I do not know whether Robins can reach Vladivostok,
as Harbin route closed and Amur route reported cut by Semenov, but Robins said
later report untrue, as Soviet government unadvised thereof. Robins was
accompanied by Hardy, Gumberg, and Brown, representative of Chicago News.
Associated
Press representative here and Groves [J. Philip Groves, clerk in Embassy] after
talking to Robins at the station understand that he had definite proposition to
the United States from the Soviet government and was hastening to America in
expectation of receiving favorable reply and definitely stated expected to
return promptly if Soviet government survived, but Robins, with whom I talked
fully, made no mention of such mission nor of returning.
Have
instructed consuls along Trans-Siberian Railway to assist Robins if possible
and advise me of his progress; also to transmit through Embassy or Consulate
General all messages “on matters of political policy” whether ciper or en clair
(see your 78, April 21[23], 5 p.m.) as Robins said has procured order of Soviet
government directing acceptance of cipher messages signed by himself through
consuls.
Some
three months ago Robins, after repeated efforts to convert me to the support of
Soviet government, upon asking if I had recommended recognition, when I replied
“No,” he said would inform government and tell them I would not. I replied
assenting first proposition but requested him not to advise government as to my
future course which would depend upon resistance offered to Germany. Robins as
I have cabled Department [has] been earnestly advocating recognition and has
persuaded several well-meaning Americans that such policy wise, notably
Associated Press representatives, Red Cross members and Jerome Davis; the
latter I am informed cabled Mott recommending support of recognition. Thacher
when at Murman awaiting vessel for London, participated in meetings and
advocated evacuation of Murman by Allies, notwithstanding Merrill [probably
error for Martin] advised him that my policy contrary thereto.
I
do not understand Robins’s failure to inform me of his plans as he has
continuously since [Thompson’s departure] expressed friendliness and admiration
of my course. I regret forgetting to tell him yesterday contents of your 78,
April 21[23], 5 p.m., and that would instruct consuls accordingly.
Of
course have no fear of Department’s recognizing Soviet government if it should
[last] until Robins’s arrival Washington, which I doubt. Bolshevik press states
Robins going to America and will return soon, which opposition press claims his
recall final.
May
I suggest advising Red Cross and Christian Association to instruct their
representatives to confine their activities strictly to the line of their work?
Permit me most [earnestly] to say that if the Department would refuse Russian
passports issued to socialist fanatics and sensational newsmongers, it would
diminish difficulties and lessen embarrassments of this Embassy. Striking
examples of unsatisfactory class are . . .
Francis
File
No. 861/1906
The
Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State [Telegram]
Vologda,
May 18, 1918, 10 p.m., received May 31, 4:05 a.m.
182.
Poole wires that Kerensky had been in Petrograd. Is now in Moscow, incognito,
of course, and has conferred with . . . . our Committee on Public Information,
Moscow, with a view to going to England and America to ask Allied intervention
against Germnay. If he applies for entrance I recommend be granted. Please
answer.
Francis
File
No. 861.00/1887
The
Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State [telegram]
Vologda,
May 20, 1918, 5 p.m.
Received
May 26, 10.42 p.m.
185.
Mirbach not pressing ultimatum concerning Murman, which apperaas to have been
oral not written and probably uttered tentatively; he with German
unscrupulousness and regardless of consistency constantly changes tactics . . .
.
I
am endeavoring without encouraging hope of recognition to establish such
relations with Soviet government as will prepare way for their requested Allied
intervention without my formally requesting same, as feel latter course would
morally commit me to non-intervention, if not implied support, to neither of
which am willing to be committed. Furthermore such action on my part would antagonize
conservative elements and force them into German alliance. My policy would be
materially assisted by raising of Chinese embargo against tea exportation into
Russia, also by coming through of shoes en route Dairen and arrived there, also
by increased allotment for the purchase of supplies, and I hope will be
materially aided by coming Emerson and his assistants.
Latest
information from Embassy’s men, Murman, dated 14th, states Fins
attacking railway but repulsed by assistance of the British landed in greater
number. [Y.M.C.A. secretary. The Rev. Jesse] Halsey, substitute for Martin who
is now in Moscow but is returning Murman soon, reports local Soviet cooperating
with French contingents there but Central Soviet endeavoring with the
assistance of German agitators at Murman to prevent such cooperation. Arrival
of Olympia Murman anxiously awaited. The capture of Murman by Germans would
jeopardize Archangel connection with England and America if not wholly sever
it, consequently urgently important to send assistance to Murman immediately.
Francis
The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of
State, Telegram
Vologda, May 22, 1918
192. Station agent Vologda received service message that
Murman Railroad cut on northern third by Finns. German submarines destroyed
Russian wireless station at Murman and sunk Russian freighters, and several
Norwegian fish boats in Murman waters. FRANCIS
File
No. 861/1895
The
Consul at Moscow ([DeWitt Clinton] Poole [Jr.][1])
to the Secretary of State [Telegram]
Moscow,
May 24, 1918, 8 p.m.
Received
May 29, 12:15 a.m.
552.
Was informed by Chicherin yesterday that on 21st German Ambassador
read him note from Kuhlmann in which Germany promises respect sovereign rights
of the present Russian Government, provided Russian Government itself protects these
rights, especially with respect to Murman. Commissary understands this to mean
that Germans will sustain Bolsheviki in what remains of Russia, if they will
force British and French troops out of Murman Peninsula. At the same time
German Ambassador informed Chicherin Soviet protest against sinking Russian
boats by German submarines along Murman coast, see my No. 536, 18th,
that under terms of Brest treaty Arctic Ocean remains in forbidden zone, and
these observations may therefore be expected to continue.
Soviet
authorities have as yet made no formal representations to British or French
representatives here respecting withdrawal troops. Their policy plainly is to
temporize and avoid definite issue, if possible. Nevertheless Halsey who is
replacing Livingston [probably error for Liut. Hugh S. Martin, Assistant
Military Attaché] temporarily at Murmansk, reports pressure being brought to
bear by central authorities Moscow on local Murman soviet to have them request
withdrawal troops. Compliance considered unlikely. Finnish White Guard
concentrated at four strategic points along Murman railway, and there are
unconfirmed reports of dispatch of German troops in that region. But on the
other hand, Finnish Red Guard has made tentative proposal to join Allies.
Halsey reports today three
destroyers have been handed over by the Russians to the British and French to
be refitted, and one is being refitted by the Russians themselves.
Poole
File
No 861.00/1894
The
Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State [telegram]
Vologda,
May 26, 1918.
Received
May 29, 5.20 a.m.
205.
Information from various sources confirms reported plan of Swedes (Finns),
Germans, to capture Murman line and Murman itself. Halsey wires Olympia arrived at Murman 24th
which is exceedingly gratifying. Martin leaving here today for there with
instruction to communicate with you direct if my communication severed. Have
instructed him to advise Olympia commander to land marines if so requested by
the local Soviet as the British and the French have already landed. Highly
important Allies should retain Murman as its capture by the Germans would sever
Archangel and result in Russian-American communication’s being confined to
Pacific.
Francis
File
No. 861.00/1897
The
Consul at Archangel (Cole) to the Secretary of State [telegram]
Archangel,
May 26, 1918, 11 p.m.
Received
May 29, 9.39 a.m.
Munition
stores and two food ships question still unsettled. Believe presence American
cruiser would have excellent effect on this and other problems. British cruiser
expected here at end of month or first of next.
Four-corned
struggle here for power, parties thereto being:
1. Extraordinary evacuation
commission whose members personally dishonest, pro-German and overbearing.
2. Chief of newly created old
Red army White Sea military district, reported self-seeking, wily and by some
lukewarm pro-Ally only; both the above have mandates from Moscow, the first
from Lenin, the second from Trotsky.
3. Central committee, Arctic
Ocean flotilla, now influenced by newly arrived Black Sea sailors; this
committee overbearing has just sanctioned murder on main street in broad
daylight which forced assistant to commander in chief escape at once by leaving
Archangel; this committee desires to dictate for entire province but lacks
determined leadership.
4. Soviet provincial executive
committee now nominally controlling providence and pro-Ally because hoping
receive food supplies; president this committee resents control from center but
has no armed force to support him.
Old
office of commander in chief being liquidated, the above four institutions are
taking all his functions.
Cole
File
No. 861.00/1907 ½
The
British Ambassador (Reading) to the Secretary of State
The
following paraphrase of a telegram was handed to the Secretary by the
Ambassador on May 29, 1918:
The
British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Balfour) to the Ambassador at
Washington
May
28, 1918
We
understand from your reports that intervention at Archangel and Murmansk is
regarded by the United States as a different question from that of intervention
in the Far East.
I
should be much obliged if you would urgently impress upon the United States
Government and upon the President the following considered opinion of our
military and naval authorities on this question.
On
the Murmansk coast assistance from America is badly required and is, in fact,
essential. Every day the position of Murmansk is more seriously endangered and,
as the United States Government will of course be aware, it is of vital
importance to us to retain Murmansk, if we desire to retain any possibility at
all of entering Russia.
This
danger has become so extreme that we are sending to Murmansk such small marine
and military forces as we are able to spare during the present crisis in
France. These forces will, however, clearly not be enough to resist the further
efforts which the enemy are certain to put forward on this coast. These
dispatch of additional French or British reinforcements is impossible and it is
therefore essential that America should help by sending a brigade, to which a
few guns should be added. It is not necessary that the troops sent should be
completely trained as we anticipate that military operations in this region
will only be of an irregular character.
It
is possible that we may be asked why British troops are not sent. The reason is
that the Great Britain is now completely denuded of troops, and it is not
feasible to take trained troops, even in small numbers, from France where they
are being used more or less as cadres for the training of the American forces
now reaching the west front. There is a further consideration which is worthy
of careful consideration by the President. Great use has been made already of
the divergence of view among the Allied countries with regard to the Russian
situation, and for this reason it is of great importance that the United States
should show their agreement with us on this matter by taking part in the steps
adopted for preventing the closing of the only remaining door through which assistance
can be given to Russia in her hour of need.
File
No. 861.00/1987
The
Consul at Moscow (Poole) to the Secretary of State
[telegram--extract]
Moscow,
May 29, 1918, 3 p.m.
Received
June 9, 10.21 p.m.
576.
. . . Russians show tendency to hold out in hope that Allied intervention may
still come. Mirbach on his side continues conciliatory tactics well [which
have] sustained Bolshevik government. The situation is thus rather delicately
balanced and in the absence of positive intervention by the Allies it may continue
essentially unchanged for some time. It is equally possible however that Allied
intervention failing determinating parties of the right will agree with the
Germans upon prompt united action.
See
my No. 552, May 24, 8 p.m.
Halsey
telegrams from Murman May 25:
“Notwithstanding
order received direct from Moscow Commissariat Foreign Affairs, district Soviet
desires Allies to remain. They inform me in writing that their feelings toward
the United States are most sincere and cordial and that this friendship will
only be cemented by presence of American warship. Olympia arrived 24th and is under orders British
admiral.”
Bolsheviks
probably hope that by Murman cession to Finland they can avoid issue through
direct class between Allies on one side and Finland and German on other . . .
Kerensky
left before 25th for Murmansk whence he hopes to sail for England
probably June 2.
Poole
File
No. 861/1906
The
Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Russia (Francis)
[Telegram]
Washington,
June 19, 1918 4 p.m.
193.
Your 182, May 18, 10 p.m. Grant visa Kerensky if he applies for it.
Lansing
File
No. 861/2299
The
Consul at Archangel (Cole) to the Ambassador in Russia (Francis)
Archangel,
June 1, 1918
Copy
received from the Consul July 19
.
. . 7. No child can ever be convinced that it is spanked for its own benefit.
The mass of the Russian lower classes still believe in the Bolsheviks.
Intervention will alienate thousands of anti-German Bolsheviks and we shall
merely gain the support of discredited “intellectuals” and bourgeois. The bourgeois
will soon tire of us if we do not restore their bank accounts.
File
No. 861/181
The
Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Russia (Francis) [Telegram]
Washington,
June 13, 1918, 4 p.m.
180.
Your 134, April 30, 8 p.m., received May 18, 7 p.m., and 205, May 26.
After
consulting Secretary of Navy suggest you get in touch with Captain Bierer,
commander of Olympia, who is under direct orders of the British Admiral at
Murmansk. No additional American cruiser at present available to Murman coast
or White Sea. Department studying question and will advise if anything further
is possible but no further measures contemplated for the present.
Lansing
File
No. 861/2202
The
Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State
[Telegram—Extract]
Moscow,
June 14, 1918, 8 p.m.
Received
July 4, 6:07 p.m.
269
. . . French Minister for Foreign
Affairs cables French Embassy here that military conference Paris, June 3,
decided to hold Murman first, then Archangel, if impossible simultaneously, and
to land battalions American, British, French, Italian troops with necessary
munitions and provisions to hold those ports, all troops being under British
command until otherwise ordered . . .
Francis
File
No. 861/2103
The
Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State [Telegram]
Vologda,
June 16, 1918, 3 a.m.
Received
June 24, 8:38 a.m.
Poole
wires following received today:
People’s
Commissariat Foreign Affiars allows itself to request American Consul General
at Moscow to direct attention United States of America to the fact that the
prescence of military vessels belonging to the belligerent powers in the ports
of the Russian Republic, with the possibility of their leaving for the open sea
at any time for military purposes, must be regarded as inadmissible by the
Russian Government. People’s Commissariat expresses certainty that the United
States Government, which has given so many proofs of its friendly attitude
towards the Russian Republic, will lend attention to this stipulation which is
obligatory upon Russia, and will give it full consideration. People’s Commissar
Foreign Affairs George Chicherin.
Note
of like import sent Lockhart but states in addition that writer “has several
times pointed out to you necessity for English vessels to leave our northern
ports,” and ends:
“Hopes
that you will draw the attention of British Government to the impossibility of
the further stay of the English military vessels, even in small number, in the
ports of the Russian Soviet Republic.” Chicherin.
Note
to French Consul General states that further presence of vessels of warring
powers in ports of Russian Republic is inadmissible—even when long stay of such
vessel is not connected with any military operations. Commissariat therefore expresses
hope that French Government will not delay in recalling the military vessel
which is in the Arctic Ocean near the Russian Coast.” Chicherin
These
messages received midnight en clair being translations of originals in Russian.
Francis
File
No. 861/2089
The
Secretary of the Navy (Daniels) to the Secretary of State
C-20-220
Op 36
Washington,
June 22, 1918
Sir:
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Department’s letter of June
14, 1918, enclosing a copy of a cablegram from the American Ambassador to
Russia in regard to conditions in Finland.
For
the information of the Department of State, I enclose herewith a copy of a
dispatch from Admiral Sims, dated April 13, 1918, setting forth the
instructions under which the British and French forces were to operate. These
instructions were approved by this department and a copy given to the
commanding officer of the Olympia for
his guidance. The Olympia is now
operating under the orders of the British Read Admiral in Murmansk.
Attention
is respectfully invited to the enclosed copy of a dispatch of Admiral Sims
concerning the proposed operations in this region of a British military force
and to the proposed defensive measures by the Russian local authorities against
the German submarines.
Sincerely
yours,
Josephus
Daniels
Enclosure—Telegram
Admiral
Sims to the Secretary of the Navy (Daniels)
April
13, 1918
Instructions
have been issued to the British Rear Admiral at Murmansk to take any steps
which he may consider necessary and desirable with the forces at his disposal
to protect and further the Allied interests generally, and to assist in
recovering the Allied stores at Archangel. Instructions have also been given
him that he is not to commit himself to land military operations away from the
port, but subject to the above-mentioned restriction he may utilize the crew of
the ships for the purpose of stiffening the local resistance against Germans if
it be found practicable. The same instructions have been issued to the French
senior officer. It is considered essential by the Admiralty that the Allied
ships at Murmansk should be placed under the orders of the senior Allied
commander, and that the ships be instructed to cooperate with him in carrying
out the above instructions. I concur in the above and recommend that it be
carried out.
Sims
Admiral
Sims to the Secretary of the Navy (Daniels)
June
3, 1918
A
force of 600 infantry with field and machine guns has been sent to Murmansk in
command of General Poole of the British Army. General Poole is to have under
his command all the military forces ashore both at Archangel and Murmansk, his
special duty being the organization of the Czechs, Serbian, and other units
which are reported to be at those places. Ships can now approach the harbor at
Archangel safely as the River Dvina at that place is now clear of ice.
The
president of Murmansk has requested permission of the central authorities to
organize defensive force against German submarines, as a result of the recent
activity of the enemy submarines in the Arctic Ocean and the White Sea.
Sims
File
No. 861/2175
The
Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State [Telegram]
Vologda,
June 24, 1918, 6 p.m.
Received
July 2, 12:35 p.m.
297.
Civil authorities Duma Archangel arrested, taken through Vologda en route
Moscow; Vologda Duma also threatened for failure to execute orders of central
Soviet government.
Shooting
of Admiral Peplumasny yesterday arouses deep indignation and likely will cause
sailors to mutiny; bitterness augmented by ordering return Black Sea Fleet to
Sevastopol on German dictation and consequent destruction many Russian war
vessels. Numerous manifestations of Bolshevik desperation.
[Omission]
says has been promised locomotives and equipment to move men and munitions from
Archangel south if given two weeks’ notice.
Cole
reports that American, British, French Consuls [received] local official
communication ordering withdrawal war vessels and prohibiting further arrivals.
I instructed him make no reply whatever.
Francis
File
No. 861/2143a
The
Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Great Britain (Page)
[Telegram]
Washington,
June 27, 1918
8459.
This Government believes it is inadvisable for Kerensky to come to America at
the present time. Lord Reading is aware of this fact and has so advised the
Foreign Office.
Lansing
File
No. 861/2168.5
The
Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State [Telegram]
Vologda,
June 27, 1918, 6 p.m.
[Copied
from confirmation, original not received.]
304.
Soviet government request cables be short and few because only available cable
impaired, overloaded.
Cole
wires June 26, 3 p.m., martial law declared Archangel and ‘orders issued for
immediate military battle readiness.’
British
report Germans advancing from Pskov toward Petrograd. French military attaché,
Moscow, reports Lenin and Trotsky told him, 25th, 2,000 British soldiers
landed Murman, which Martin confirms, and said Council of Commissaires were
considering the question of declaration of war against Engente ‘of which principle
already adopted’; that Mirbach proffered aid, been refused, and Soviet
government decided to operate its own forces immediately against efforts of
French at Murman and against Japanese if intervened; that Trotsky stated no one
could prevent Germans from intervening.
Since
above Vosnesenski called and says reports of German advance untrue.
Francis
File
No. 861/2829
The
Assistant Secretary of State (Phillips) to Mr. Miles of the Division of Near
Eastern Affairs
June
29, 1918
Dear
Mr. Miles, Sookine (secretary attached to the Russian embassy at Washington)
tells me this morning that it will be necessary to determine within the next
two or three days whether we will receive in this country the following
prominent Russians now preparing to come: Kerensky, Tereshchenko, Maklakov,
Burtsev, and Efremenovo. He says that, anyway, the French are planning to bring
to the United States Kerensky and Tereshchenko. He said there was no way of
stopping Kerensky without a great deal of publicity with would be utilized in
Russia as showing that the United States was not in favor of receiving him
which would be unfortunate. Sookine thought the best thing to do would be to
have Kerensky accompanied by these other men and in this way cover him to a
certain extent. He tells me that Minor, a representative of the Social
Revolutionist Party, is coming and that the French Government believe it would
be desirable to have Izvolski also. Apparently the idea in contemplation is
that America should receive representatives of all parties in Russia that they
should be amalgamated here.
W.
Phillips
File
No. 861/2328
The
Assistant Secretary of State (Phillips) to Mr. Miles of the Division of Near
Eastern Affairs
July
2, 1918
Mr.
Miles: I told Sookine yesterday that the Secretary thought that it would be
wiser for these distinguished Russians not to come over to this country at the
present time; that if Kerensky and Tershchenko came over, it would be
impossible to refuse the Bolshviki. Sookine said that he thought it might be
embarrassing to refuse, to which I replied that it could be easily arranged
that Kerensky would make no requests. He said that he and the Ambassador would
try to settle the matter in this way and he hoped that the question would not
be brought up by Kerensky.
W.
Phillips
File
No. 861/11422
The
Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. “Olympia” (Bierer) to the Commander, U.S.
Naval Forces Operating in European Waters (Sims)
Murmansk,
July 6, 1918
[Copy
transmitted by the Secretary of the Navy to the Secretary of State, August 20]
1. There is forwarded herewith
enclosure A. Referring to I of enclosure A, Nasarenus therein mentioned is the
same individual as Natsaremus previously mentioned in my weekly reports.
Enclosure A was adopted by the District Council on 30 June and Moscow notified
the same day. At a public meeting in Murmansk, which was attended by General
Poole, Admiral Kemp, R.N., French Captain Petit, and myself, the assent to the
declaration, enclosure A, was called for by the president of the Murmansk
District Council and the populace, probably 2,000 or more, practically to a
man, raised their hands in token of approval.
2. The District Soviet,
Murmansk District Council, Murmansk Regional Council, and Murman Region Council
are the same thing, and are the council of administration or government of the
Murman region. The Murman or Murmansk region includes the former Alexandrovsk
and Kem districts of the Archangel Government, that is, the Murman coast, including
the towns of Pechanga, Alexandrovsk, Murmansk, Kandalaksha, Kem, and Soroka.
The administration of this region is directly under the Direct Council. The
Council is composed of representatives from various committees, such as
Railroad Workmen’s Committee, Sailor’s Committee, Military Committee, District
Committee, etc. Thenumber of committees is apparently unlimited, any special
group of people who are numerous enough or powerful enough being allowed
representation. The various committees choose representatives and these
representatives combine and form the Council and elect their own officers to
exercise powers of administration, tenure of office being entirely dependent
upon the wishes of the majority.
3. The present head of the
District Council is a man by the name of Yuriev. . . he lived in the United States working at various trades
in various parts of the country. He does not speak very much English but seems
to understand pretty near everything that is said in English. He seems very
desirous of assiting in the relief of the country from its present chaotic
condition and is a sincere worker to that end. He seems pro-Ally inclined and is
pronouncedly pro-American. Another influential member of the District Council
is a man by the name of Vesselago, formerly a captain in the Russian Navy. He
is a member of the executive council of the District Council, acts in the
capacity of a sort of business manager, and occupies in general a position of
power. He is very able. While rather noncommittal he seems to favor the Allies.
The military command of the distrct is under the charge of Zvigentsov, formerly
an officer of the Russian Army and said to have been of the Imperial Guards. He
was second in command of the whole Archangel district of northern Russia,
acting under an appointment from the national Soviet at Moscow. He appears
pro-Ally inclined. These three men, Yuriev, Vessalago, and Zvigentsov, form a
sort of triumvirate as regards district and local affairs and seem to work
together to a marked degree. The head of the railway committee is Promortsev.
He is a good listener, evidently does not understand English, and apparently
seems purely concerned with workman’s interests, wages, etc.
4. The Sailor’s Committee is
known as the Centramur . . .
5. The situation is, of
course, unsettled, whether or not more than it has been remains to be seen.
Nasarenus or Natsaremus has not appeared.
6. On 4 July at Kem three
Russians were killed by the British forces at Kem. It had been decided to
disarm the Russians there, as at least some of those who had arms there did not
seem to be friendly and some coming into Kem were supposed to be advance guards
of Mr. Natsaremus. The three men who were killed resisted being disarmed . . .
12. .
. . There is forwarded herewith enclosure B. This temporary agreement was
gotten up and signed yesterday due to the desire on the part of the Murmansk
Region Council to be able to inform the Murmansk region in regard to the
presence, objectives, and help of the Allies here, together with their
cooperation with the Murmansk Regional Council. It is in writing a statement of
the policy, operations, and intent of the Allied command represented at present
by the senior Allied officers, British General Poole and Admiral Kemp, R.N. As finally drawn up in its present form, I
saw no objections to signing it but on the contrary thought it desirable to
sign it as all parties felt, in view of the present situation, that it was
desirable. The Murmansk District Council especially persisted, in view of the
present situation, in having something in writing in order to inform in particular
the people of the district.
13. This agreement was drawn up in English. The Russian
translation is a translation made from the English by the Murman District
Council.
B.B. Bierer
[The
Russian translation printed and widely circulated in Murmansk at the time is
dated July 6, which date is confirmed by the U.S. Military Attaché then in
Murmansk.]
Enclosure
A
Resolution
Adopted by the Murmansk District Council, June 30, 1918
Gentlemen,
Representatives of the Nations and the Governments of the United States of
America, Great Britain, and France:
The
Murmansk District Council considers that the respite given to Russia by the
Brest treaty is finished. The arrogant German imperialists have already
occupied a good half of European Russia and have divided her into small, feeble
groups incapable of resistance. In each of these groups there has been
restored, in different forms, the old autocratic system which had been
overthrown by the Russian revolution.
The
German advance into Russia continues and we can not see where it will stop. In
particular, the Germans and their servants, the White Guard of Finland, are
attempting to occupy the Murmansk district, the last outlet from Russia to the
open sea and the last route of communication with the Allies free from German
control.
Russia,
in the present state of her disorganized industries, means of transport and
food supply, can not recover herself and organize a serious defense against the
Germans. In particular, she is unable to defend the Murmansk district against
the Germans and Finns. We are not able to provide for our district the
necessary food and consolidate our economic affairs.
The
help which Russia and, in particular, the Murmansk district so greatly desire
can come only from your Governments, representatives of the United States of
America, Great Britain, and France. That is why the protest against the
presence of your military forces here, which the central government has ordered
us to transmit, is, to our firm conviction, an act of suicide and disaster for
Russia, and especially for the Murmansk district.
The
Murmansk District Council, in the firm conviction of its duty to Russia and to
the population of the territory, whose confidence it enjoys, considering all
these things has decided:
1. The orders of Lenin,
Trotsky, and Nasarenus to protest against the presence of the Allies here and
drive them out are not to be obeyed.
2. The Allies must remain here
and assist the highest local Russian power, the Murmansk District Council, to
defend the country against the Germans and Finns, and to organize a Russian
Army, and improve our economic condition.
3. The highest power of this
territory is the Murmansk District Council, in the hands of which must remain
all the initiative, the Allies assisting it, but not interfering in internal
affairs.
4. To give to the relations
between the District Council and the Allies a more definite and precise
character, the Presidium of the District Council, together with two members of
the Central Committee of the Fleet and two members of the Central Railway
Committee, are authorized to begin immediate negotiations for working out a
concrete written agreement, determining on the basis of the second and third
paragraphs mentioned above the mutual rights and obligations of the Murmansk
District Council and the Allies.
5. The District Council must
take all measures for an early liquidation of the conflict between it and the
central government and must endeavor to find some way of working again
together.
6. In agreeing to the above
points of the resolution, we are guided by a sense of duty to retain this
territory inviolate for Russia, in the name of which, as one nation, we are
acting.
Enclosure B
Temporary Agreement owing to Exceptional Circumstances
between the Representatives in Murmansk of Great Britain, United States of
America, and France, and the Presidium of the Murmansk Region Council.
Article 1
Subject on the part of the Allies to approval by their
respective governments, this agreement has been made between the
Representatives of Great Britain, United States of America, and France on one
side, and the Murmansk Region Council on the other, with the object of united
action on the part of the Signatories for the defense of the Murmansk Region
against the powers of the German coalition. Both signatories agree to the
fullest mutual co-operation for this end.
Note: The Murmansk Region includes the former Alexandrovsk
and Kem districts of the Archangel Government.
Article 2
The Superior command of the Allied and Russian military
forces in the Murmansk Region shall be organized on the same plan as actually
exists on all other Allied fronts.
Article 3
All separate units of the Murmansk Region armed forces,
already existing, or which are going to be formed, are to be under the direct
command of the Russian military authorities, appointed by the Murmansk District
Council.
Note: It is most desirable that the Russians should form a
purely Russian army; however, to further the ends in view, voluntary enlistment
by the Allies of such Russians as may desire to join their forces is to be
permitted. In principle however such forces should not be formed into separate
Russian units but should as far as circumstances permit be formed into units
composed of an equal number of companies of Allies and Russians.
Article 4
The representatives of Great Britain, United States of
America, and France are to give to the Russian military command the necessary
assistance in equipment, supplies, transporting and instructing the Russian
military forces which are to be formed.
Article 5
All the authority in the internal government of the region
belongs to the Murmansk Region Council.
Article 6
The representatives of Great Britain, United States and
France, and agents do not interfere in the internal affairs of the Region, and
for this reason:
a) In all cases necessitating
application to the local population the representatives of Great Britain,
United States of America and France, and their agents address themselves to the
respective Russian authorities, but not directly to the population, except in
the frontal region, where all orders o the Allied military command, arising out
of the conditions of war, must be immediately executed by all.
b) The regulations for
entering and leaving the Murmansk region are defined by the Murmansk Region
Council, who at the same time take into consideration the practically existing
state of war in the region and the necessity of energetic measures being taken
against spies.
c) Scale of wages and
productiveness of labour are to be fixed by the Murmansk Region Council.
Article 7
Owing to the impossibility at the present time to
obtain the necessary food stuffs from Russia, the representatives of Great
Britain, United States of America, and France bind themselves as far as
possible to supply the Murmansk Region Council with foodstuffs for the whole
population of the region, including workmen who have already come from other
parts with their families on the basis equivalent in nourishment to the scale
used in the Allied military forces at Murmansk.
Article 8
The distribution of the foodstuffs among the
population is to be carried out by the competent Russian authorities.
Article 9
The representatives of Great Britain, United States
of America, and France bind themselves to supply as far as possible textile
goods and other necessities of life.
Article 10
The representatives of Great Britain, United States of
America, and France bind themselves as far as possible to supply the Murmansk
Region Council with the necessary materials, goods and technical appliances for
carrying out the building programme, in accordance with mutual agreement to be
arrived at, taking into consideration in the first place the needs of war time,
in the second place the needs for development by way of the Murmansk Railway of
international trade, and in the third place the local fishing industry.
Article 11
All sums expended by the Governments of Great Britain,
United States of America, and France in accordance with this agreement are to
be placed to the debit of the general account of the government debt of Russia
to the respective Powers, but a separate account for the Murmansk Region is to
be kept of such sums.
Article 12
The representatives realize that it will be necessary for
the governments of Great Britain, United States of America, and France to
accord the Murman Region Council the necessary financial assistance, the
amount, form and conditions of which will be decided by further agreement.
Article 13
This agreement comes into force from the moment of
confirmation by the Murman Region Council and remains in force subject to Art.
No. 1 until such time as normal conditions between the central Russian
Government and the Murman Region Council, as also with the governments of Great
Britain, United States of America, and France, are established.
Article 14
On the signature of this agreement the representatives of
Great Britain, United States of America, and France, in the name of their
respective governments, do again confirm the absence on their part of any
intention of taking possession of the Murmansk Region in its entirety or part
thereof. The Presidium of the Murmansk Region Council on behalf of the Council
declares before the people of Russia and the governments of Great Britain,
United States of America, and France, that the sole reason of concluding this
Agreement is to save the Murmansk Region in its integrity for the great
Undivided Russia.
Presidium of the Murmansk Region Council:
President Yuriev
Vice President Korelski
Secretary Taly
Director of Affairs Vesselago
British Representative: F.C. Poole, Major General Commanding
Allied Forces in North Russia
French Representative: Petit, Capitaine de Vaisseau,
Commanding “Admiral Aube”
Representative of Unitied States of America: B. B. Bierer,
Captain, U.S. Navy, Commanding U.S.S. ‘Olympia’
Murmansk, July 6, 1918
File No. 861/ 2104
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Russia (Francis)
Telegram
Washington, July 6, 1918, 7 p.m.
212. Your 289, June 20, 10 p.m. Department understands you
will make no reply and take no other action regarding request for American ships
to leave Russian ports.
Lansing
File No. 861/2239
The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State
[Telegram]
Vologda, July 7, 1918, 1 p.m.
Received July 10, 4 p.m.
324. Crisis precipitated by killing Mirbach renders
necessary immediate troops Archangel. Poole at Murman with forces wholly
inadequate and plans to land Archangel first week in August with 5,000 men.
This is [intended for?] moral effect and will dishearten [enhearten?] Russians
and probably Czechs also. The Germans will doubtless advance promptly with all
force can command. If Allied troops [advance?], will encourage thousands of
Russians who otherwise would remain inactive and permit Germany to restore
order and gain secure foothold.
Francis
File No. 861/2089
The Secretary of State to the Secretary of the Navy
(Daniels)
Washington, July 9, 1918
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your
letter (C-20-220 Op 36), enclosing telegram embodying the instructions to
Allied naval officers at Murmansk.
I am thoroughly in accord with the general principles by
which the actions of the commander of the Olympia
are to be governed. Referring to the proposed measures of the Russian local
authorities at Murmansk against German submarines, I shall be glad to know what
tangible preparations have been effected and how, in your judgment, this
Government may cooperate to assist. I have [etc.]
Robert Lansing
File No. 861/2266.5
The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State
[Telegram]
Vologda, July 11, 1918, 2 a.m.
[Copied from confirmation, original not received.]
329. Referring to my telegram No. 328 similar telegrams also
received by French and Italian colleagues, tone of French telegram however
stronger than others. After conferring with Allied chiefs here tonight we have
unanimously agreed not to comply with demand. British Embassy has so advised
General Poole, Murman, and Admiral Kemp, Archangel, at the same time urging
immediate sending Allied troops Archangel. I am so informing Consuls, Moscow
and Archangel.
Francis
File No. 861/2310
The Consul at Archangel (Cole) to the Secretary of State
[Telegram]
Archangel, July 15, 1918, 8 p.m.
[Received July 20, 12:23 p.m.]
76. Local authorities, dissatisfied British violation
Russian sovereignty west shores White Sea, issued a proclamation summoning
guards to resist English, French robbers seeking destruction Soviet government
because it refuses rejoining the war between greedy capitalists, without having
mentioned the United States of America. Violated sovereignty Russia in the
hoisting of the British flag on some Russian boats as well as introducing
vessels in the service by armed force proving the inhabitants of occupied
regions are [dis]satisfied on account food-distribution. In reference to
information about above-mentioned encroachments, Archangel Soviet finally
declined responsibility for the safety British armed ice breaker named
Alexander wherewith she departed.
Cole
File No. 861/2804
The Consul at Archangel (Cole) to the Secretary of State
[Telegram]
Archangel, July 15, 1918, 9 p.m.
[Received July 20, 12:08 p.m.]
77. The attitude of the inhabitants of Archangel in
anticipation of the arrival of the Allied forces as follows: 1) Welcome on the
part of civilians; 2) publicly expressed disfavor toward military intervention
by the local Bolshevik leaders goaded thereto by Moscow; 3) part of the
Archangel executive department would nevertheless eventually cooperate as well
as welcome the Allies, if they proceed with tact, luring rather than bullying.
My cipher telegraphs in Russia will not be accepted except
diplomatics to the Department.
Cole
File No. 861/2586
The Consul at Archangel (Cole) to the Secretary of State
Archangel, July 19, 1918
[Received August 27]
No. 27
Sir: I have the honor to report that during the recent visit
to this city of Admiral Kemp, the British senior naval officer in the Arctic
Ocean, word was received by the local authorities here, through a master of a
Russian vessel just returned to Archangel from Kem, that what the local authorities
deemed violations of Russian sovereignty had been committed by the British
military and naval authorities along the Murman Railroad and on the west coast
of the White Sea. Among these alleged acts was the shooting of three members of
the Kem County Council of Workman’s Deputies. Admiral Kemp immediately departed
for the west coast of the White Sea (Kandalaksha) to investigate, as he staed
nothing of the kind could have been done under the orders given by him to the
captain of H.M.S. Attentive, then in
the region mentioned (Kandalaksha, Kem, Soroka). With the Admiral, on a Russian
vessel, went two members of the Archangel Soviet Executive Committee. . .
In mid-1917, Poole was sent to Russia to serve as Vice
Consul General in Moscow. He took a trip from Vladivostok on the
Trans-Siberian Railway in the company of the famed British spy and novelist,
Somerset Maugham, arriving in Moscow on September 1, 1917. Soon after the
Bolshevik revolution of October 1917, he was drafted into a growing information
network, which included the consuls of several Western nations. Its goal was to
establish contact with anti-Bolshevik forces and to gather information on the
political, economic and military situation in Russia. In December 1917, Poole
went on a rather dangerous reconnaissance mission, traveling undercover in
South Russia, and returned to Petrograd (modern St. Petersburg, which was then
the Russian capital) in mid-January 1917 to report to the U.S. Ambassador. In
May 1918, Poole became the Consul General in Moscow. By that time, he was
running a clandestine espionage network, which at its height in the summer of
1918 numbered 30 sources in Moscow and various other Russian cities. Poole had
also become a self-initiated back channel between the Bolshevik Commissariat of
Foreign Affairs and the U.S. Department of State — trying to push for American
aid to Russia as a “carrot” to lead the Bolsheviks to cooperate in the face of
German advances on military and commercial fronts. However, by early August
1918 his efforts were exhausted, and Poole had to burn his codes, close the
American Consulate General in Moscow and arrange for the evacuation of all
Americans left in Moscow. He barely managed to escape to Finland in September
1918.
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