vis-à-vis with the efforts of those countries to send supplies to remedy the scarcity of food in the northern provinces as well as to give sustenance to Russian war prisoners who are being returned from the Central Empires in emaciated condition and to minister to the necess.ties of Russian children. The American Red Cross has distributed thousands of cans of condensed milk and has more supplies en route. The Young Men's Christian Association which recently lost 150 tons of supplies by the wreck of the steamship Wrexham has additional food and medicines en route and is constantly shipping supplies to Russia. We know that the American Ambassador has cabled to America to send to Archangel immediately 10,000 tons of flour within thirty days and 10,000 additional within thirty days thereafter and is attempting to have agricultural implements shipped and other commodities needed by Russ a. We are also aware that England and France would ship food or certainly medical supplies and manufactured goods if the safe arrival thereof could be assured. The war vessels of the Allied powers are the only protection such shipments can have from German submarines; consequently our surprise at the issuance of this order by the Soviet authorities. Furthermore the British and French Governments shipped to Archangel when they were Allies of Russia's Government and before the Brest treaty great quantities of munitions and other supplies which those governments have been endeavoring to have returned to the armies which need them especially since the Soviet government has attempted to repudiate the obligations therefor. The position of those governments is that they do not relinquish their claims on these supplies notwithstanding the strenuous efforts being made for their evacuation from Archangel. They claim the right to reserve liberty of action to take such measures as appear to them conformable to their interests. The others of the Allies who have not received the preceding document, notably, Italy and Japan, we are confident consider themselves as jointly bound and will act in accord with America, France and Great Britain. This should not be given as statement of ambassadors but as expression from consuls although not signed; probably interview from dean of these consuls. Show British Consul who may concur possibly without consulting Lockhart to whom copy sent by British Consulate here. FRANCIS File No. 861.00/2428a The Acting Secretary of State to the Consul at Archangel (Cole) [Telegram] WASHINGTON, July 30, 1918, 3 p. m. Convey following message to American Ambassador by hand if no other sure and confidential means of communication exists: Nothing from you since July 11. Latest message from Moscow reporting your movements is dated July 25, sent via wireless to Paris. Department has noted your reply July 15 to request that Allied missions remove to Moscow. For your information the Red Cross is sending some 4,000 tons of medicines and foodstuffs to Archangel next month. This Government has also consented to send a small force of American troops to Murmansk but will not take part in any expedition into Russia from that port. Spare no effort to keep Department advised of your movements. Have cabled you fully and frequently but assume messages have been largely interrupted. POLK 505 File No. 861.00/2416 The Consul at Moscow (Poole) to the Secretary of State1 [Telegram] Moscow, July 31, 1918. Commissariat Foreign Affairs informs Allied representatives Moscow under date July 30 that— In view of situation on White Sea, reinforced defense has been established on its shores and no vessel, boat, or ship of any kind will under any circumstances whatsoever be permitted to land or to set passengers ashore. Should any such attempt be made they will be fired upon by the coast defense. POOLE Occupation of Archangel by Allied Forces, August 2, 19182-Overthrow of the Soviet and Formation of the Supreme Government of the Northern Region-Relations with the Allied and American Diplomatic Representatives and Military Authorities-Arrival of American Troops, September 4, 1918 File No. 119.2/469 The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State [Telegram] MURMANSK, August 1, 1918, 11 a. m. 343. Your 218, 220, 221, 228, and circular July 11, 8 a. m.,3 from London delivered last midnight. Stopped here because wire communication with Vologda severed. Your 221 undecipherable. Please repeat groups. No advice from General Poole who arrives Archangel to-morrow with force of about 1,700 and whose landing will be resisted if Bolsheviks still in control. When will American troops arrive here and how many? Think important their coming be expedited with all haste possible. File No. 861.00/2405 FRANCIS The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State [Telegram] MURMANSK, August 2, 1918, 4 p. m. [Received August 3, 7.47 p. m.] 344. Arrived Murman 10 p. m., July 31, and came aboard Olympia where have been since. When left Kandalaksha thought would re 1 Sent via the Embassy in France (No. 4674); by wireless from Moscow to Paris. 2 See also vol. 1, chap. xiii. "None printed. *Maj. Gen. Frederick C. Poole commanding the British forces in north Russia. turn to-day and possibly go thence on the same boats to Archangel where anti-Bolshevik coup d'état arranged for 31st; not that I had any connection therewith, quite the contrary, as thought no Allied chiefs should be there when occurred. Allied forces due Archangel under Poole this evening but landing resisted if Bolsheviks still control, otherwise not. Do not know character or object of opposition nor what government it will establish if successful, consequently shall [make] no recommendation until better informed; cannot be worse than Soviet, with whom Allies cannot possibly afford to even cooperate. Bolshevik success in Russia would be menace to all orderly governments, ours not excepted, and would in my judgment impair the foundations of society itself; the guiding impulse is class hatred and it looks contemptuously on the sacredness of the family as well as the inviolability of person and property. I believe in division of land and that tillers of the soil should own it and that state should apportion same at extremely moderate compensation to present holders on easy terms but not in confiscation absolute. Germany, disappointed in France, thanks to our timely action, will now turn to Russia and organize fighting front which the Allies should oppose with forces numbering minimum of 25,000 provisioned and equipped for winter; such force would attract 100,000 Russians, possibly more, but 5,000 or 10,000 Allied troops would be ineffectual in moral influence, while it might hold Murman and Archangel winter. No time for delay and am contemplating sending Riggs or Ruggles to Paris probably with French and British officers to acquaint War Council with Russian situation; they will not leave however before seeing Poole and ascertaining his views and plans nor before I see your cables accumulated here where cable manager says frightful congestion prevails; estimates over 200 for embassies and consulates and promises us some at 4 p. m. to-day as expecting twelve additional men from Alexandrovsk to assist in relieving congestion. FRANCIS File No. 861.00/2409 The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State [Telegram] MURMANSK, August 3, 1918, 10 p. m. [Received August 4, 5.05 p. m.] 345. Local Soviet Archangel deposed yesterday with no casualties, so reported by Chaplin, Russian officer commanding anti-Bolshevik forces Archangel, to local agents commissaire Murmansk; Murman Soviet renounced allegiance to central Soviet about six weeks ago. Reported unofficially to-day that Allied forces landed Archangel not only without opposition but were welcomed by people with flowers and cheers. Trying to establish communication with Poole preparatory for a conference to learn his instructions and plans. Probably return to Kandalaksha to-morrow with Italian and British chiefs of mission. Understood that Chaplin represents Social Revolutionary government, right and left, also Cadets and Octobrists and Monarchists who have formed organization and designated it "Center," whose bond of union is opposition to Bolshevism. FRANCIS File No. 861.00/2419 The Consul at Archangel (Cole) to the Department of State [Telegram-Extract] ARCHANGEL, August 4, 1918, 6 p. m. 83. Government of northern territory formed during night of August 1, containing nine members as follows: seven members of the Constituent Assembly from provinces of Archangel, Vyatka, Vologda, Novgorod, Kazan, Samara, from old northern front, also assistant mayor Vologda city and [vice] president Archangel city Duma, N. V. Chaikovski being president thereof. City quiet. Pierce and other Americans safe. . COLE File No. 861.00/2433 No. 864 The British Embassy to the Department of State MEMORANDUM His Majesty's Government have received a communication from Mr. Lindley, His Majesty's representative at Archangel, reporting that the city was occupied by British troops on August 2 without casualties. Mr. Lindley, in reporting this operation, strongly urges the vital necessity for sending out American battalions at the earliest possible moment in order to take full advantage of this success. He adds that it is of no great importance whether the American troops sent are fully trained or not. The British Ambassador has been instructed to communicate this report to the Secretary of State, and to add that His Majesty's Government trust that the United States Government will concur in the view expressed as to the urgency of sending American troops. WASHINGTON, August 5, 1918. [Received August 7.] 60806-32-38 File No. 861.00/2448 The Consul at Archangel (Cole) to the Secretary of State [Telegram] ARCHANGEL, August 6, 1918. [Received August 10, 9.50 a. m.] 88. New government issued following proclamation August 3: SUPREME GOVERNMENT NORTHERN TERRITORY To Citizens Province and City Archangel: Bolshevik power has fallen. Bolsheviks fled because in hour of their need unsupported by populace which detested them for their betrayal of Russia at Brest Litovsk, for civil war, augmentation of universal famine, destruction of liberties and rights, legalized system of robbery and shooting squads and for their ruination of country's economic, industrial life. People's representatives elected by universal suffrage now forced to take into their hands governmental authority in northern region because as yet no legal al-Russian government. These presents bring to common notice that highest governmental authority in northern territory is " Supreme Government of Northern Territory" consisting of delegates to Constituent Assembly, also representatives Zemstvos and cities. Supreme government undertakes following task: (1) reestablishment of single all-Russian national government by cooperation to that end with other territories, also reestablishment of local self-government in north; (2) defense of north and entire nation against insolent onslaughts on Russian territory and independence of inhabitants made by Germany, Finland, other enemy countries; (3) reunion to Russia of lost districts in accordance with desires of inhabitants thereof; (4) reestablishment of crushed liberties and reestablishment of true organs of popular government, namely Constituent Assembly, Zemstvos, city Dumas; (5) reestablishment of firm administration of justice assuring citizens satisfaction of economic, social, spiritual needs; (6) guarantee that laboring classes may obtain land they are by right entitled to; (7) defense of rights of labor in accordance with economic, political interests of north and Russia as whole; (8) overcome existing famine. Supreme government will immediately publish orders naturally resulting from above program. It relies for support on all classes which treasure above objects. In particular expects to defend north with friendly assistance of governments and peoples allied to Russia: England, America, and France and others. Also counts on Allied assistance against starvation and financial difficulties. Is convinced Russia's and Allies' interests in struggle against foreign enemy are one and same. Knows Allied troops come not to interfere in internal affairs and their arrival not against desires of local population. Therefore greets Allied forces entering north to wage contest against common enemy and summons entire population to greet them gladly and assist by every possible means. Supreme government proclaims above and calls upon people to maintain calm, order and pursue its labors. Members Supreme Government Northern Territory: Chaikovski, Member Constituent Assembly from Vyatka Province; Ivanov, same, Archangel; [Maslov], same, Vologda; Gukovski, same, |