CHAPTER III THE AMERICAN AND RUSSIAN SPECIAL MISSIONS The Root Mission to Russia File No. 763.72/4001a The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Russia (Francis) [Telegram] WASHINGTON, April 14, 1917, 4 p. m. 1315. Discreetly ascertain from Milyukov if it would be acceptable if this Government should send a commission of distinguished Americans to consult with the Russian Government as to the best means of cooperation and to convey a message of good will from the United States. If such a commission would be acceptable also discreetly ascertain whether it would be wise to have a prominent Hebrew a member of the commission and whether the question as to this Hebrew's being orthodox or unorthodox is material. Answer as soon as possible. LANSING File No. 763.72/4002 The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State [Telegram] PETROGRAD, April 19, 1917, 7 p. m. 1202. Your 1315 received 17th. Milyukov, who talks to me with great freedom, says no objection to matter suggested nor any objection to element mentioned in last paragraph, and that either kind of such element equally acceptable. Following is my personal view on this subject: Such commission should be very discreet and give attention first and mainly to successful prosecution of war, exercising care in giving expression to views concerning internal affairs. Present government is provisional and its main duty, after waging war with vigilance, is arranging for election of Constituent Assembly which will determine character of permanent government. Milyukov and Rodzyanko who were for constitutional monarchy are now reported to favor republic. Kerensky is leader of republican sentiment. Such issues, however, should be subordinated to vigorous prosecution of war, success of which not only affects us materially but will prove most potential influence for a republic. Council of Ministers is working harmoniously, effectively and to satisfaction of great majority. Workingmen's and Soldiers' Deputies have passed a resolution overwhelmingly, emphatically favoring Provisional Government. Do not understand me as objecting to such a commission. With proper precautions its effect would be beneficial. Commendation of our prompt and first recognition still expressed from every section and its opportuneness was extremely fortunate as, in judgment many, myself included, it came at a most critical time for Provisional Government and established a precedent which other governments were compelled to follow, consequently we should be careful to avoid anything likely to detract from a good record. President Wilson's allusions to Russian revolution and people made deep impression and have greatly augmented republican sentiment. FRANCIS File No. 763.72/4377a The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Russia (Francis) [Telegram-Extract 1] WASHINGTON, May 1, 1917, 1 p. m. 1366. I would further point out that we are sending to Russia and to no other country at the present time a commission of prominent men because of the intense sympathy of the American Government and people for the great nation which has become a democracy. The commission will be headed by Honorable Elihu Root, a most distinguished statesman, who is devoted to the cause of political liberty and to the sovereign rights of the people. It is the primary purpose of this commission to convey to the Russian Government the friendship and good will of this nation and to express the confident hope that the Russian people, having developed a political system founded on the principle of democracy, will join with the free people of America in resisting with firmness and fortitude the ambitious designs of the German Government which by force, intrigue and deception they are striving to attain. The commission will further be charged with the duty of finding the most efficient means of cooperating with the Russian Government in the prosecution of the war with the united purpose of accomplishing the overthrow of military autocracy, which menaces human liberty and all, democratic institutions. 'Printed in full in Foreign Relations, 1917, Supplement 2, vol. I. LANSING File No. 763.72/4589a The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Russia (Francis) [Telegram] WASHINGTON, May 11, 1917. 1396. Following are the members of the commission to Russia: Elihu Root, of New York, ex-Secretary of State and of War, and former Senator from New York; Charles R. Crane, of Chicago, retired manufacturer now in John R. Mott, general secretary of the international committee Cyrus McCormick, president of the International Harvester Co.: James Duncan, second vice president of the American Federation Charles Edward Russell, journalist and author and authority on Maj. Gen. Hugh L. Scott, chief of staff of the United States Rear Adm. James H. Glennon, the American Navy's foremost Further details and personnel of staff of commission will be sent to you later with time of departure and arrival in Petrograd. Announcement of personnel is being published here. LANSING File No. 763.72/4711a The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Russia (Francis) [Telegram] WASHINGTON, May 16, 1917, 5 p. m. 1407. Following is official list of Special Diplomatic Mission of United States: Elihu Root, ambassador extraordinary of the United States of America on special mission; John R. Mott, Charles R. Crane, Cyrus H. McCormick, Samuel R. Bertron, James Duncan, Charles Edward Russell, envoys extraordinary of the United States of America on special mission; Maj. Gen. Hugh L. Scott, chief of staff, military representative of the President of the United States of America, on special diplomatic mission, with rank of minister; Rear Adm. James H. Glennon, naval representative of the President of the United States of America, on special mission, with rank of minister; Col. R. E. L. Michie, aide to General Scott; Col. William V. Judson, military attaché to the special diplomatic mission: Lieut. Col. Bentley T. Mott, aide to Mr. Root; Surg. Holton C. Curl, U.S.N., with rank of lieutenant commander; Lieut. Alva D. Bernhard, aide to Admiral Glennon; Basil Miles, secretary to mission; Maj. Stanley Washburn, assistant secretary to mission; F. Eugene Prince, civilian aide and interpreter to mission; James E. McKenna, Clyde S. Stilwell, James F. O'Rourke, Jay Keegan, Duane E. Washburn, Walter W. King, and George D. Gregory, clerks to mission; Sergt. Paul Z. Randolph, orderly; George E. Long, messenger; James Dooley, valet. If any preparations are to be made for meeting mission at Vladivostok you may advise Russian Government that they will land there about May 28. LANSING File No. 763.72/4811 The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State [Telegram] PETROGRAD, May 20, 1917, 9 p. m. 1304. Just learned from Minister for Foreign Affairs that Diplomatic Commission arrive Vladivostok about June 1. He regrets impossible to send a representative of Foreign Office to meet same but says Russia expects to entertain commission as its guests from arrival Vladivostok until departure from country. Shall I accept? Minister cabling to same effect through Russian Embassy there. FRANCIS File No. 763.72/4749 The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Russia (Francis) 1425. For Crane: [Telegram] WASHINGTON, May 21, 1917, 7 p. m. Important that Mr. Root should understand Russian situation at time of his arrival at Vladivostok. Can you arrange with Ambassador and Russian Government for you send daily wireless to S. S. Buffalo covering important war news including especially all movements and significant expressions in Russia? LANSING File No. 763.72/5078e The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Russia (Francis) [Telegram] WASHINGTON, May 22, 1917, 5 p. m. 1428. You may state to the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the information of his Government that the High Commission now on its way from this country to Russia is sent primarily to manifest to the Russian Government and people the deep sympathetic feeling which exists among all classes in America for the adherence of Russia to the principle of democracy which has been the foundation of the progress and prosperity of this country. The High Commissioners go to convey the greetings of this Republic to the new and powerful member which has joined the great family of democratic nations. The commissioners, who will bear this fraternal message to the people of Russia, have been selected by the President with the special purpose of giving representation to the various elements which make up the American people and to show that among them all there is the same love of country and the same devotion to liberty and justice and loyalty to constituted authority. The commission is not chosen from one political group but from the various groups into which the American electorate is divided. United, they represent the Republic. However they may differ on public questions, they are one in support of democracy and in hostility to the enemies of democracy throughout the world. This commission is prepared, if the Russian Government desires, to confer upon the best ways and means to bring about effective cooperation between the two Governments in the prosecution of the war against the German autocracy which is to-day the gravest menace to all democratic governments. It is the view of this Government that it has become the solemn duty of those who love democracy and individual liberty to render harmless this autocratic Government whose ambitions, aggressions, and intrigues have been disclosed in the present struggle. Whatever the cost in life and treasure this supreme object should be and can be attained only by the united strength of the democracies of the world, and only thus can come that permanent and universal peace which is the hope of all people. To the common cause of humanity which Russia has so courageously and unflinchingly supported for nearly three years, the United States is pledged. To cooperate [with] and aid Russia in the accomplishment of the task, which as a great democracy is more truly hers to-day than ever before, is the desire of the United States. To stand side by side, shoulder to shoulder, against autocracy will unite the American and Russian peoples in a friendship for the ages. With this spirit the High Commissioners of the United States will present themselves in the confident hope that the Russian Government and people will realize how sincerely the United States hopes for their welfare and desires to share with them in their future endeavors to bring victory to the cause of democracy and human liberty. LANSING |