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be obtained. After first successes, Russian army of 50,000 could be found which would require, not counting cost of arms, uniforms and transportation, about 50,000,000 rubles monthly.

Repeated to Paris. Copy to London.

MORRIS

File No. 861.00/3448

The Minister in Sweden (Morris) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram-Extract]

STOCKHOLM, December 16, 1918.

[Received December 17, 6.40 a. m.]

3347. Stockholm Dagens Nyheter states: Now ascertained Trepov in Stockholm for purpose forming new Russian Government with Grand Duke Alexander Mikhailovich as Tsar. He had entered into communication with certain Finnish circles, notably with Mannerheim, who was enlisted for the plans. Through Mannerheim's mediation Trepov received 500,000 marks in advance from Finnish treasury and was planned he would follow Mannerheim's troops when entering Petrograd. In compensation Finland was to receive Karelia and would be guaranteed that Åland not be ceded to Sweden. Reasons these plans failed were that Trepov did not get the support he expected from Entente Legations, fact that Taube and Yudenich adopted negative attitude and above all that plans became known ahead thereby eliminating first prerequisite for success. Trepov had to abandon plans and left Stockholm 17th.

Reports from Revel: To-day's communiqué reports English squadron bombarded rear front sector of Bolsheviks as far as Wesenberg. Advance of enemy on Asserin front been checked. On Pskov front advance guards of enemy stand in vicinity village of Polva. Mobilization of Esthonian army continues successful, support of Allies having strengthened spirit population.

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MORRIS

File No. 861.00/3456

The Minister in Sweden (Morris) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

STOCKHOLM, December 17, 1918, 5 p. m.

[Received December 18, 2.58 a. m.]

3354. Esthonian delegation Stockholm received following telegram from their government at Revel:

German troops [evacuating] Walk about December 20 and it is expected that Lettish Bolsheviks will then occupy Walk. Bolshe

6080632-60

vik bands now operating 20 miles south Dorpat. Our troops evacuated Wesenberg and Bolsheviks advancing on wide front along winter routes where difficult make stand with our small forces against them. Convince Allied Ministers necessity of sending immediately at least two infantry regiments with some artillery. Provisional government places Esthonian republic, until definite decision at peace conference, under protection Allies. Quick Allied action will save depots with goods worth millions.

Repeated to Paris; copy to London.

MORRIS

File No. 861.00/3471

The Minister in Sweden (Morris) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

STOCKHOLM, December 18, 1918.

[Received December 19, 3.30 p. m.]

3360. Local representatives of the Lettish republic called on me this morning requesting Allied assistance in fighting Bolsheviks. They outlined the present position as resulting from present tactics of the German Government.

During German occupation Germans refused allow Letts organize their own army or even their own police or militia. Now when Germans are retiring they do not hand civil organizations over to Letts but they retire in such a manner that small bands of Bolshevik troops advance immediately behind them along railroads and occupy territory. This interval between withdrawal German troops and appearance Bolsheviki is only one of hours and Lettish people having no arms and munitions in such short time cannot organize means of defense. Hence Bolshevik advance meets no opposition at all and they are able to strengthen their positions in various centers without any resistance whatsoever.

The Bolsheviks in their advance are taking hostages, pillaging and levying contributions on wealthy. They are also performing all other terroristic acts for which they are so well known. Their advance is steady one and they have now reached a point about 100 kilometers east of Riga. At present rate it will be only short time until all Livland and Courland are in their hands.

These representatives are convinced that German policy is such that they [are] purposely handing over this territory to Bolsheviks only because by so doing they will compel the peoples of those territories, unless Allied assistance is given to drive out Bolsheviks, to appeal to Germans for help and in this way Germany will again obtain and secure hold on these regions.

Representatives also pointed out that they did not a month ago anticipate such situation because according to terms armistice Germans were to leave their troops in these territories until Allies requested them withdraw them. However, Germans are not observing this clause of the armistice.

They urgently requested that Allied assistance in form warships be dispatched immediately to Riga, Libau, and Windau not only that their moral influence will be felt but with ammunition and arms so that local population may organize to resist Bolsheviks. Repeated to London and Paris.

MORRIS

File No. 861.00/3530

The Minister in Switzerland (Stovall) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

BERNE, December 24, 1918, 1 p. m.

[Received December 26, 6.50 p. m.] 6260. For Committee on Public Information from Whitehouse: No. 1087. For Lithuanian National Assembly [Council?] from Pakstas. Dvinsk and Sventsiany taken by Bolsheviki. Vilna in greatest danger. Lithuanian Government fleeing from capital. Germans refused to sell rifles for Lithuanian army and means of communication given up to Bolsheviki. Lithuanian Government requested American troops several times.

STOVALL

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