will throw off the yoke of capitalism and will establish a socialistic state of society, which alone is capable of securing just and lasting peace as well as the culture and well-being of all laboring people (Applause). Comrades, allow me to consider this applause a sufficient answer that you all join this resolution. SUMMERS File No. 861.00/1312 The Consul General at Moscow (Summers) to the Secretary of State1 [Telegram] Moscow, March 15, 1918, 6 p. m. 257. In contradiction to reports which might reach Department regarding representative character of Congress of Soviets I am informed by prominent socialist labor [leader] and conservative leaders that the twelve hundred delegates composing the Congress represent an infinitely small proportion of the people of Russia; that the delegates were chosen by Bolshevik leaders [regardless] of the wishes of people; that the vast [masses] of the peasants are violently opposed to the government of the Soviets; that all the Social Revolutionary Party, would be overvalued [which prevailed] in the last elections for the Constituent Assembly, do not recognize the present government and that all the intelligent classes of Russia are against the present régime not [sic] force. I am also assured that great dissension exists amongst the Bolsheviki themselves and that it is merely a question of time when they must give up their power. They have stopped the sale all over Russia of the socialist and conservative newspapers allowing opinions their own and anarchist literature to reach the people who are becoming greatly exercised. At works of Chjifen factory only few hundred men out of four thousand consented to join the Red Guard. At International Harvester Works only fifty out of four thousand workmen volunteered to serve. If there is resistance to Germany it must come from a union of parties which will appeal to all classes of Russian people. The present régime of intolerance and lawlessness cannot count upon the vast majority of the people. SUMMERS 'Sent via the Consulate at Vladivostok. File No. 861.00/1294 The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Russia (Francis) 10. . [Telegram-Extract] WASHINGTON, March 15, 1918, 7 p. m. Approve your staying at Vologda until further instructions unless circumstances require you to move without consulting Department. Important that all American representatives in Russia should keep in closest touch possible. LANSING File No. 861.00/1317 The Minister in Sweden (Morris) to the Secretary of State [Telegram] STOCKHOLM, March 17, 1918. 1720. Swedish press reports concerning Moscow Congress: Lenin made speech showing necessity accepting peace so painful to Russia. Reviewed historical course Russian revolution and reminded audience great victories revolution had won although now suffering defeat through German imperialism. He said: "We must accept this peace as momentary respite, awaiting time when European proletariat will come our assistance." Reports from Petrograd: Peace treaty ratified midnight March 15.1 After ratification Steinberg, Commissary Justice, announced Social Revolutionaries of left repudiated all responsibility and reserved right use every means their command prevent execution conditions of treaty. Reports consequence ratification peace treaty Commissariat of People has provided former president Russian delegation Brest to be Russia's ambassador Berlin. Swedish press comments presumably Sokolnikov and not Trotsky person referred to. That post covered so soon doubtless of great political significance as initiating modus vivendi between Germany, Russia. Reports from Petrograd: Strong detachments Red Army disarmed and arrested guard Regiment Preobrazhenski counter-revolutionary plans being suspected. Reports British Consul Moscow has requested all British subjects prepare leave Moscow. 'See footnote 2, post, p. 436. Reports Odessa and Nikolaev taken by Germans without fighting. Russian fleet Odessa fled Sevastopol. In both cities Germans immediately repressed Soviets. At Nikolaev they took possession shipyards. German offensive continued towards Kherson. MORRIS File No. 861.00/1322 The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State [Telegram] VOLOGDA, March 18, 1918, 5 p. m. [Received March 20, 12.06 a. m.] 17. Have telegraphed Tokyo and Peking requesting keep me advised developments especially movements Japanese, Chinese troops. If division each American and Chinese troops could enter Russia with Japanese, think opposition to latter be minimized thereby. Tredwell, whom I sent to Petrograd, wires it is believed that city be controlled by German commission supported by army within a week; that next move will be on Moscow, and peace will be brief. Tredwell telegraphs, Haynes and Sisson with other Americans left Helsingfors 12th for Björneborg, Finnish port. I gave Moscow and Petrograd press declaration that America does not recognize separate peace, but considers herself still ally of Russian people against common enemy. Told mayor of it, and asked if would be less welcome thereby; he replied promptly would not. Mayor, commissaire, chairmen Duma and local Soviet, and five other officials dining at local Embassy 19th instant. FRANCIS File No. 861.00/1302 The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Russia (Francis) [Telegram] WASHINGTON, March 19, 1918, 3 p. m. 13. Your 7, March 12, 5 p. m. Department considers President's message to Russian people and address to Congress adequate answer. LANSING File No. 861.00/1351 The Consul General at Moscow (Summers) to the Secretary of State [Telegram] Moscow, March 20, 1918, 12 noon. [Received March 23, 9.55 a. m.] 278. The Russkoe Slovo publishes following interview with Trotsky regarding alliance of the United States with the Soviet government: Such an alliance is impossible. The Russia of the Soviets cannot align itself by determinate engagements with capitalistic America, for this would be a betrayal of its [omission]. It is possible that America is seeking such a rapprochement with us, driven in so doing by its antagonism towards Japan, but in any case there can be no question of an alliance by us of any nature with a bourgeois nation. The Department can easily realize the danger of such statements to our present friendly relations with Japan. SUMMERS CHAPTER VIII THE CONCLUSION WITH THE CENTRAL POWERS OF THE PEACE OF BREST LITOVSK, MARCH 3, 1918 File No. 763.72119/1043 The Minister in Sweden (Morris) to the Secretary of State [Telegram] STOCKHOLM, December 27, 1917. 1232. Swedish press via Petrograd telegram bureau reports Russian delegation Brest Litovsk proposed negotiations based following six points: 1. Forcible incorporation territories conquered during war prohibited. 2. Restoration people's integrity political independence where deprived of same by war. 3. Various nationalities not having independence before war assured right determine themselves whether they will belong to one or other state or become independent. 4. In territories inhabited by various nationalities rights minorities guaranteed and special rights granted involving cultural independence and making possible administrative autonomy. 5. No belligerent payments. So-called costs of war sums already paid out returned. For payment damages private persons fund provided by proportional contributions from all belligerents. 6. In solution colony problem points 1, 2, 3, 4 shall be observed. Russian delegation declares unpermissible any forcing of weaker by stronger nations; for example, economic boycott, forced trade agreements, separate customs conventions hindering freedom of third-state agreements, or sea blockades, etc. Petrograd telegram bureau reports state siege declared Moscow. Kornilov's forces six thousand with two hundred machine guns decisively beaten, been followed hundred versts government Kharkov by Black Sea sailors, also Polish Legionaries [sic]. Reports great Cossack forces massed near Tsaritsyn. Railway men taken energetic measures prevent them getting further north. MORRIS |