to secure from the Russian authorities some quid pro quo in consideration of the grant of facilities for these cargoes, and other similar shipments, being sent to Russia.1 We understand that the position of the American authorities is that it is important not to create the impression that the Russian people are to be abandoned by the Allies, and that supplies of nonmilitary character should be allowed to go forward, so that no avoidable suffering should be caused in Russia through the action of the United States or of the Allied Governments. The British Government are fully in accord with the view that the Russian people should not unnecessarily be made to suffer through the cessation of supplies, but at the same time it seems clear that, whatever attitude may be adopted in regard to shipments of foodstuffs, etc., to allow the shipment of agricultural implements and railway material must inevitably make it easier for the enemy to obtain supplies from Russia, with the effect of prolonging the war. In the same way it is very desirable to avoid any action which would be likely to relieve the shortage of drugs in Germany, of which there is clear evidence. On the general question of exports to Russia it would seem absolutely necessary, in view of the political situation, to treat such exports with as much caution as in the case of neutral countries contiguous to Germany. It is even probable, in view of the apparent German ascendency in Petrograd and of the inability of the Russian authorities to give convincing guarantees, that greater caution is necessary in dealing with exports to Russia than with exports to the other countries in question. As regards the supplies shipped by the Dora and Nassovia the British Government cannot but think that it is, in the circumstances, only reasonable that some return should be made by the Petrograd or local governments if these supplies are allowed to proceed. The authorities at Archangel have hitherto absolutely refused to allow the removal of the warlike stores now at that port. These stores, as you are probably aware, now amount to some 200,000 tons and include among other things explosives, copper, tungsten, flax, etc. They are now quite useless to Russia, but would be of the greatest value to Germany, and may shortly be in danger of falling into German hands. They would also be of great value to England, and the British authorities are most anxious to secure their withdrawal, to which as already stated, the local authorities have so far declined to agree. It would seem to be very desirable, and also quite in accordance with the intentions of the United States Government as regards 1 Correspondence relating to these cargoes not printed. avoiding injury to the Russian public, that the release of these stores should be obtained in return for the receipt in Russia of the Dora and Nassovia cargoes, and I should be much obliged if you could inform me whether the United States Government is willing to agree, in principle, to the use of these cargoes for the purposes of barter against the stores at Archangel. In communicating this suggestion I should add that His Majesty's Government consider it essential that it should be kept absolutely confidential, as, if the proposal should become known, it is very probable that the stores might be either seized by the Bolsheviki or destroyed by German agents. Believe me [etc.] File No. 661.119/115 RICHARD CRAWFORD Mr. Miles of the Division of Near Eastern Affairs, of the Department of State, to the Director of the Bureau of Exports, War Trade Board (Van Sinderen) WASHINGTON, March 8, 1918. MY DEAR MR. VAN SINDEREN: I have your letter of March 6, regarding cargo on the steamer Nippon to be reexported apparently from Shanghai to Vladivostok.1 I understand the Department approves of no licenses for export by private firms unless the destination is proved in advance to be one which will safeguard the shipment from falling into German hands or serving German purposes. Furthermore, it has been decided to hold in abeyance all licenses for Russia for the present and until the situation clears up a little. I would be interested in knowing to whom these supplies are to be reexported. Yours very sincerely, BASIL MILES File No. 861.24/50 The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State 29. Wired Cole 2 come here [Telegram] VOLOGDA, March 23, 1918, 3 p. m. [Received March 26, 8.25 a. m.] for conference. He reports 195,000 tons supplies at Archangel of which 50,000 privately owned, remainder English, American. Government endeavoring forward same to interior but Consul notified Evacuation Commission from Petrograd all such supplies considered property of Allies because Government Council had repudiated loans. Did we join in such statement? Cole recommended in January that the two shiploads provisions be sent him Archangel for sale to relieve impending scarcity but I did not transmit same because awaiting separate peace negotiations; appears British Consul made like recommendation which his Government ignored until several days ago when unexpectedly received cable signed "Balfour" advising that the two vessels ready to load with foodstuffs for Archangel which after specifying total of 6,200 tons and naming vessels Nascopie and Egba stated British Government expected vessels to return with specified metals, flax, ply wool, etc., from [garbled group] military discharging area without giving disposing directions for food or specifying how to procure metals which claimed by Russian Evacuation Commission who in control. British and American Consuls thought this being predicted [projected?] and former so cabled London. Probably British Government thought consenting to Japanese invasion justified British and [landing?] Archangel which she has virtually dominated since I came Russia. Cole requests that two shiploads provisions be sent Archangel for sale or exchange for Russian products and I recommend granting thereof because will relieve hunger and be good propaganda; furthermore Embassy, Consulates, and other Americans in Russia may possibly be compelled to go Archangel. Cole has good judgment and knows Archangel conditions. Answer this, routed Vladivostok. Please cable its receipt. FRANCIS File No. 861.24/30 The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Russia (Francis) [Telegram] WASHINGTON, March 26, 1918, 5 p. m. 26. What action taken regarding the Department's 2064, February 14, 4 p. m., concerning funds for military mission? LANSING File No. 861.24/54b The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Russia (Francis) [Telegram] WASHINGTON, March 27, 1918, 6 p. m. 28. Referring previous telegrams concerning shipments of shoes. Representatives of railway unions at Dairen, South Manchuria, in sist money for shoes deposited with Credit Chancellery was remitted to America, which, as you know, is contrary to fact. Can you reassure representatives of railway unions with whom you may be in touch and state that every effort is being made by Russian Embassy here to arrange for payment in spite of nonreceipt of funds from Credit Chancellery. LANSING File No. 861.24/54a The Secretary of State to the Consul General at Moscow (Summers) [Telegram] WASHINGTON, March 27, 1918, 7 p. m. Russian authorities here have 1,000,000 pairs shoes originally ordered for army which they are willing to ship to Moscow Supply Committee for distribution in provinces of central and south Russia. Member of cabinet of Provincial [Provisional?] Government informs Department that Moscow Supply Committee while in close touch with the Ministry of Supply is nevertheless a voluntary organization and that he has confidence in Chairman Runov. Department understands Supply Committee will move to Tomsk and continue operations from there if Moscow is threatened. Please confer with Runov and committee and report fully whether practical plan can be devised, with your cooperation, to assure delivery of shoes to members of Cooperative Societies in exchange for grain for cities in Moscow supply district. Please give matters careful consideration, having in view future, as well as present conditions. Do not let matter become public or commit Department. LANSING File No. 861.24/50 The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Russia (Francis) 1 [Telegram] 1 WASHINGTON, March 27, 1918, 7 p. m. 29. Your 29, March 23, via Vladivostok received 26th. No tonnage available for food shipments to Archangel. United States did not join in statement regarding supplies accumulated Archangel. British have controlled Archangel since early days of war under convention similar to that affecting Boulogne and Havre in France. LANSING File No. 861.24/54 The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State [Telegram] VOLOGDA, March 28, 1918, 10 p.m. [Received March 29, 8.15 p. m.] 44. Your 26, March 26, 5 p. m. American, British, French Military Missions appointed respectively Stevens, Marshall, Darcy, their nationals for such purchase.1 Nothing done beyond securing options. No drafts drawn as thought best to leave our share in United States gold dollars for the present. Military attaché says committee asking all contributions be trebled and England assented while France concurs without (comment?). If Germans capture Moscow will require large sum to prevent great quantities supplies there falling into enemy hands. FRANCIS File No. 861.00/1401 The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State [Telegram-Extract 2] VOLOGDA, March 29, 1918, 9 p. m. Moscow press prints to-day: "American Consul informed Supreme Economic Council that American Government agrees to resume commercial and industrial relations with Russia, regardless of repudiation of debts." Suppose Department authorized such statement, if made. FRANCIS File No. 861.61321/7 The Consul General at Moscow (Summers) to the Secretary of State [Telegram] Moscow, March 30, 1918, 12 noon. 3 [Received March 31, 8.53 p. m.] 297. Harris, former Consul General at Stockholm, reports from Tashkent that one-half cotton crop Turkestan is being shipped to 1 The "Goods Exchange" (Tovaro-Obmien) was organized in Russia in January 1918 "for the purpose of withholding munitions and goods of all kinds from the Germans who were at that time invading Russia." The heads of the firm were R. R. Stevens, American member; Arthur G. Marshall, British member; and Pierre Darcy, French member (see report of Consul Frank C. Lee, File No. 811.20261 T/19). 2 Printed in full in vol. 1, p. 488. 3 Ernest L. Harris, after his retirement from the Consular Service in August 1916, was agent for a bank in Russia; in May 1918 he was reappointed and detailed as Consul General at Irkutsk. |