visional Government organized under the authority of the Duma which refused to obey the Emperor's order of adjournment. Rodzyanko, president of the Duma, issuing orders over his own signature. Ministry reported to have resigned. Ministers found are taken before the Duma, also many Russian officers and other high officials. Most if not all regiments ordered to Petrograd have joined the revolutionists after arrival. American colony safe. No knowledge of any injuries to American citizens. FRANCIS File No. 861.00/275 The Minister in Sweden (Morris) to the Secretary of State [Telegram] STOCKHOLM, March 15, 1917, 6 p. m. [Received March 16, 12.30 a. m.] 224. In case telegraphic communication is interrupted with Petrograd owing to revolution I am cabling following which appears as an official statement of Russian telegram bureau which it is stated has been taken over by the committee of the Duma and which article appears in newspapers here as coming from official Swedish telegram bureau: People in Petrograd enraged by complete lack of organization of transportation and food distribution and disturbed for a long time have secretly grumbled against the Government which they blame for their sufferings. Government foreseeing disturbance took extensive measures to keep order. It ordered disbanding of Imperial Council and Duma but Duma decided on March 11 not obey instructions Imperial decree. They continued in session and appointed Executive Committee consisting of twelve members with Rodzyanko, president Duma, as chairman. This committee proclaimed itself the Provisional Government and sent out following proclamation: Because of inner disorganization caused by policy of old Government Executive Committee has found it necessary to take upon itself task keeping order. Fully aware of its decision committee convinced that people and army will help in difficult task of forming new Government which can fulfil wishes of the people and gain their confidence. Supported by the people Executive Committee has caused revolution in the capital. Garrison in Petrograd consisting of over thirty thousand men has joined revolutionary party; has arrested and imprisoned all Ministers. Duma has declared that the Cabinet does not exist. To-day, the third day of revolution, order has been quietly restored in Petrograd. Capital is in hands Duma Executive Committee supported by the troops. Deputy Englehardt, colonel in General Staff, has been appointed commandant in Petrograd. Last night Executive Committee sent appeal to population, troops, railways, banks, requesting them return to normal life. Stockholm papers this afternoon report murder of Protopopov and Sturmer.1 Shall I continue cabling important press items concerning Russia? MORRIS File No. 861.00/281 The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State [Telegram] PETROGRAD, March 17, 1917, 3 p. m. 1103. Abdication of Emperor and King [acting] for himself and son officially promulgated. It advocates vigorous prosecution of the war which it fears internal turmoils threaten to affect unhappily and states: In accordance with the Imperial Duma we have considered it well abdicate the throne of the Russian Empire and to renounce the supreme authority. Not wishing to part with our beloved son we transfer our inheritance to our brother the Grand Duke Michael Alexandrovich and bless [him] on mounting the throne of the Russian Empire. Milyukov is recognized by the Foreign Office staff. High member of staff tells me Emperor's brother replied would accept Imperial office if Russia so desired and would exercise its functions under direction of representatives of the people. Workingmen's committee still inveighing against monarchy and demanding social [ist] republic. Orderly quiet prevails to-day, no dissensions reported throughout all Russia. Summers says revolutionary party in absolute control Moscow without bloodshed. 2 FRANCIS File No. 861.00/289 3 The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State 3 [Telegram] PETROGRAD, March 17, 1917, 6 p. m. [Received March 20, 3.30 p. m.] Revolutionary movement actuated by bread riots and factory strikes broke out in Petrograd on the 12th after several preliminary disturbances during the previous weeks. Disorders accentuated by 'This report proved later to be untrue, see post, p. 161. Protopopov was Minister of the Interior at the time of the abdication of the Tsar; Sturmer had been Premier and Minister of Foreign Affairs in 1916. 2 Maddin Summers, Consul General at Moscow. street fighting between mutinous regiments and loyal troops, the latter of which soon joined the popular movement as did all regiments sent to Petrograd. Demonstration then became general against former Imperial Government and particularly against the police, army officers and officials who declined to acknowledge the new authorities. Street fighting from Monday until Wednesday with comparatively light casualties but instances of atrocious murders of former officials. No Americans reported injured. Strong committee of Duma under leadership president of that body immediately assumed control and arraigned before it all [except?] two of former Imperial Ministry and many other officials. Official committee of twelve divided between the Duma members and Social Democrats now apparently forming Provisional Governinent and have appointed a new Cabinet of which Minister for Foreign Affairs is now exercising functions. City is now quiet and situation apparently under control, only menace being possible socialistic demonstrations by minority socialist group. The movement is understood to be general throughout the Empire and known to be practically unanimous in Moscow. The papers of to-day authoritatively publish abdication of Tsar on behalf of himself and his son in favor of his brother, Grand Duke Michael, who is credibly reported to have stated that he will accept the power if the people so desire. FRANCIS File No. 861.00/287 The Russian Ambassador (Bakhméteff) to the Secretary of State WASHINGTON, March 18, 1917. MR. SECRETARY OF STATE: I have the honor to transmit herewith a copy of a communication which I have just received from the Minister of Foreign Affairs at Petrograd. I take this occasion to renew [etc.] [Enclosure-Translation] G. BAKHMÉTEFF The Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs (Milyukov) to the Ambassador at Washington (Bakhméteff) The news sent forth by the telegraphic agency of Petrograd has already apprised you of the late events and fall of the former political régime in Russia which lamentably collapsed before the popular indignation aroused by its shiftlessness, abuses and criminal improvidence. The unanimity of resentment created among all the sound elements of the nation by the order of things now removed perceptibly lightened and shortened the crisis. All these elements having with admirable enthusiasm rallied under the flag of the revolution and the army having given it speedy and effective support, the national movement in not more than eight days has gained a decisive victory. This quick achievement happily made it possible to reduce the number of victims to proportions unknown to the annals of so far-reaching and momentous upheavals. By an act dated in Pskov March 2/15, 1917, Emperor Nicholas II renounced the throne for himself and the heir, Grand Duke Alexis Nicholaevich, in favor of Grand Duke Michael Alexandrovich. Upon being notified of that act, Grand Duke Michael Alexandrovich by an act dated in Petrograd March 3/16, 1917, in turn declined to assume the supreme power until a constituent assembly created on the basis of universal suffrage shall have established the form of government and the new fundamental law of Russia. By the same act the Grand Duke Michael Alexandrovich bade the Russian citizens, pending the final manifestation of the will of the Nation, to bow to the authority of the Provisional Government constituted on the initiative of the Duma of the state and wielding full power. The composition of the Provisional Government and its political program have been published and forwarded to foreign lands. That Government which assumes power during the gravest foreign and domestic crisis experienced by Russia in her history is fully conscious of the immense responsibility that rests upon it. It will give its very first attention to remedying the grievous shortcomings it inherited from the past, to insuring order and tranquillity in the country, to preparing in fine the requisite conditions for a free expression of the sovereign will of the Nation as to its future fate. In the field of foreign policies, the Cabinet in which I have taken the portfolio of Minister for Foreign Affairs will continue to respect the international undertakings made by the fallen régime and will redeem Russia's word. We shall carefully cultivate the relations which bind us to the other friendly and Allied nations and we are confident that these relations will grow more intimate and stronger under the new régime established in Russia, which has determined to be guided by the democratic princi. ples of respect due to peoples, whether small or great, the freedom of their development and the good understanding among nations. PETROGRAD, March 5/18, 1917. File No. 861.00/284 MILYUKOV The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State [Telegram] PETROGRAD, March 18, 1917, 8 p. m. [Received March 19, midnight.] 1107. The six days between last Sunday and this have witnessed the most amazing revolution. A nation of two hundred million people who have lived under absolute monarchy for more than one thousand years and who are now engaged in the greatest war ever waged have forced their Emperor to abdicate for himself and his heir and have induced his brother to whom he transferred the Imperial authority to accept it on condition that a constituent assembly of the people so request and when so accepted to exercise its functions under authority of the government framed by that assembly. This is official information obtained by my personal unofficial calls to-day on Rodzyanko at his residence and Milyukov, Minister for Foreign Affairs, at his office. No opposition to Provisional Government which is Council of Ministers appointed by committee of twelve named by the Duma. Absolute quiet prevails here and throughout Russia so far as known. Rodzyanko and Milyukov both assure me that the entire army accepts the authority of Provisional Government and all appearances and advices confirm same. Plan of Provisional Government is to call a constituent assembly or convention whose members will be elected by the whole people and empowered to organize a good government. Whether that will be republic or constitutional monarchy is not decided but the conclusions of the assembly will be accepted universally and enforced by the army and navy. No concerted action in diplomatic conference; no meeting held or called. It has been customary for British, French and Italian Ambassadors to call daily together at the Foreign Office and they called upon Milyukov Friday, yesterday and to-day but have not formally recognized the Provisional Government. Milyukov tells me confidentially that Buchanan has authority from his Government for recognition but is waiting till Italian and French Ambassadors are likewise authorized. I request respectfully that you promptly give me authority to recognize Provisional Government as first recognition is desirable from every viewpoint. This revolution is the practical realization of that principle of government which we have championed and advocated, I mean government by consent of the governed. Our recognition will have a stupendous moral effect especially if given first. Rodzyanko and Milyukov both assure me that Provisional Government will vigorously prosecute the war; furthermore upon Russia's success against the Central Empires absolutely depend the salvation of the revolution and the perpetuity of the government it establishes. The third of the eight principles in the manifesto issued announcing the new ministry and signed by the president of the Duma and all of the ministers is, " abolition all class, religious and national limitations." Answer. FRANCIS File No. 861.00/286 The Minister in Sweden (Morris) to the Secretary of State [Telegram] STOCKHOLM, March 19, 1917. 234. Russian Legation, Stockholm, has received through official press bureau following proclamation of Grand Duke Michael Alexandrovich: Heavy burden has been placed upon me by the will of my brother in that he transfers Imperial throne to me at time without parallel, and during internal troubles. Inspired by same thought which in |