Robert Lansing to Woodrow Wilson

In reply re-fer to NE-M.

The telegrams we have from Mr. Morris give a clear idea of the problems to be met in Siberia as far as he has been able to ascertain them without visiting the country. They tally closely with what we have been able to gather from other sources. I am confident that the material and economic aid which we can offer will be supplied to best advantage by the plans which Mr. McCormick is formulating so rapidly. I believe Mr. Stevens and the American Engineers of the Russian Railway Service Corps will also do a great deal with the railway workers, quite aside from the improved railway service they will introduce, by effecting fair shop practice in railway repair shops and by cultivating a spirit of justice in industry.

At the same time, these very measures seem to me to open a way for increased activity by the Young Men's Christian Association and the Red Cross. The army medical units will gradually "“ and in fact have already begun to do so "“ absorb the activities necessary for the military requirements both of the Czechs and of the Russians. But there will remain the civilian population. The townspeople in Siberia have felt little of the terror which exists in European Russia. But a considerable industrial and social uneasiness persists, fraught with danger for the future. It would seem timely to me if we should consult with the Young Men's Christian Association and the War Council of the Red Cross, as to whether they feel prepared to extend the admirable efforts which have already been made as a beginning. I believe the Red Cross could extend its work in the cities and the Young Men's Christian Association, by the selection of mature representatives, do much to further its work among both civilians and soldiers.