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 cablegram 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 on Wednesday. About one hundred thousand soldiers here all favoring revolution. Decided majority have been under control of Workmen's Committee but observing and enforcing order. Problem for ten days has been to restore discipline. FRANCIS File No. 763.72/3743a The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Russia (Francis) [Telegram] WASHINGTON, April 3, 1917. 1291. In the course of his address to Congress last night, the President said: A steadfast concert for peace can never be maintained except by a partnership of democratic nations. No autocratic government could be trusted to keep faith within it or observe its covenants. It must be a league of honor, a partnership of opinion. Intrigue would eat its vitals away; the plottings of inner circles who could plan what they would and render account to no one would be a corruption seated at its very heart. Only free peoples can hold their purpose and their honor steady to a common end and prefer the interests of mankind to any narrow interest of their own. Does not every American feel that assurance has been added to our hope for the future peace of the world by the wonderful and heartening things that have been happening within the last few weeks in Russia? Russia was known by those who knew it best to have been always in fact democratic at heart, in all the vital habits of her thought, in all the intimate relationships of her people that spoke their natural instinct, their habitual attitude towards life. The autocracy that crowned the summit of her political structure, long as it had stood and terrible as was the reality of its power, was not in fact Russian in origin, character, or purpose; and now it has been shaken off and the great, generous Russian people have been added in all their naive majesty and might to the forces that are fighting for freedom in the world, for justice, and for peace. Here is a fit partner for a league of honor. LANSING File No. 861.00/299 The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Russia (Francis) [Telegram] WASHINGTON, April 3, 1917. 1292. Your 1127, March 23. From Gompers: On March 21 I sent the following cablegram: N. S. CHEIDZE, Russian Duma, Petrograd. WASHINGTON, March 21, 1917. We rejoice with Russia's workers in their newly achieved liberty. The splendid proclamation of your Provisional Government, declaring for free speech and press and the right of workers to organize and if necessary to strike for their rights, guarantees to Russia's workers opportunity for freedom and progress and assures the new Russia her future greater glory. International labor welcomes the triumph of freedom and the downfall of despotism throughout the world. GOMPERS Evidently the cablegram was either not received or if received not published. Will you please have delivered and made public the following message: N. S. CHEIDZE, Petrograd. WASHINGTON, April 2, 1917. Representative of working people of Russia, accept this message to the men of labor of Russia. We send greeting. The newly established liberty of Russia finds a warm response in the hearts of America's workers. We rejoice at the intelligence, courage and the conviction of a people who, even while concentrating every effort upon defense against foreign aggression, have reorganized their own institutions upon principles of freedom and democracy. But it is impossible to achieve the ideal state immediately. When the right foundation has been established, the masses can daily utilize opportunities for progress, more complete justice, and greater liberty. Freedom is achieved in meeting the problems of life and work. It cannot be established by revolution onlyit is the product of evolution. Even in the Republic of the United States of America the highest ideals of freedom are incomplete, but we have the will and the opportunity. In the name of America's workers whose watchwords are Justice, Freedom and Humanity we plead that Russia's workers and masses shall maintain what you have already achieved and [go on] to practically and rationally solve the problems of to-day and to safeguard the future from the reactionary forces who would gladly take advantage of your lack of unity to reestablish the old régime of royalty, reaction, tyranny and injustice. Our best wishes are with Russia in her new opportunity. SAMUEL GOMPERS President, American Federation of Labor LANSING File No. 861.00/345 The Consul at Petrograd (Winship) to the Secretary of State No. 283 PETROGRAD, April 3, 1917. SIR: I have the honor to report further, referring to despatch No. 274, dated March 20, 1917,1 that the Council of Workmen's and Sol 1Ante, p. 7. diers' Deputies has issued the following proclamation to the peoples of the world, in the hope of provoking and encouraging a revolution in Germany: TO THE PEOPLES OF THE WORLD 1 We, workmen and soldiers, united in the Petrograd Council of Workmen's and Soldiers' Deputies, send you our warmest greetings and inform you of a great event. The Russian democracy has overthrown the ancient despotism of the Tsar and enters your comity as an equal member and a powerful force in the struggle for our general freedom. Our victory is a great victory for universal freedom and democracy. The chief support of world-wide reaction, the “ gendarme of Europe," is no more. May the earth rest as a heavy stone on its grave! Long live freedom! Long live the international solidarity of the proletariat and its struggle for the final victory! Our labor is not yet finished; the shadows of the old order are not yet dissipated and not a few enemies are gathering their forces against the Russian revolution. But still our conquests are enormous. The peoples of Russia will express their will in the Constitutional Convention which will be called soon on the basis of universal, equal, direct, and secret suffrage. And it may be already confidently stated that a democratic republic will triumph in Russia. The Russian people has full political liberty. Now it can express its allpowerful will in its own self-government and its foreign policy. And, addressing ourselves to all peoples, exhausted and ruined in the present monstrous war, we announce that the time has come to begin the struggle against the grasping tendencies of the governments of all countries; the time has come for all peoples to take the question of war and peace into their own hands. In cognizance of its own revolutionary strength the Russian democracy announces that it will oppose in every way the grasping policies of its ruling classes, and it summons the peoples of Europe to decisive common measures in favor of peace. And we address ourselves to our brother proletarians of the Austrian-German coalition, and above all the German proletariat. From the first days of the war you have been assured that in raising arms against autocratic Russia you are defending Europe against Asiatic despotism. Many of you have seen in this a justification of the support you have given in the war. Now this justification is gone; democratic Russia cannot be a menace to freedom and civilization. We will firmly defend our own freedom from all reactionary attempts whether from without or within. The Russian revolution will not withdraw before the bayonets of conquerors, and will not let itself be put down by foreign military power. Now, we summon you; cast off the yoke of your semiautocratic régime as the Russian people has thrown off the Tsar's autocracy; refuse to be an instrument of greed and rapine in the hands of kings, landowners, and bankers; and with our friendly, united efforts we will stop the awful slaughter that is a stain on humanity and that darkens the grand days of the birth of Russian freedom. Toilers of all countries! We extend our hands as brothers over the bodies of our comrades, over rivers of innocent blood and tears, over the smoking ruins of cities and villages, over the ruined treasures of civilization, and call on you to restore and reinforce international harmony. This harmony is the guarantee of our victories and of the full freedom of humanity. Workingmen of the world, unite! 1 The date of this appeal was Mar. 14/27. |