William V. Judson to War College Staff

WAR COLLEGE DIVISION
Petrograd, Dated Nov. 14, 1917.

Received Nov. 19, 9:00 A. M.C O D E

Warcolstaff,Washington.
Service No. 78, No. 87, November 14, 4:00 P. M.

Copy immediately to Postmaster General Burleson to show President of the United States if he sees fit:

Shock of present crisis on top of past experiences may put Russia into anarchy and out of war. In Russia 180,000,000 people, mostly ignorant as plantation negroes, scattered over one-sixth land surface of earth, exist under conditions requiring for life itself some order and system in production, transportation, and distribution. All order and system are departing. Conditions make possible cataclysm dwarfing great war and tremendous blow to democracy. Resulting world shock apt to lead everywhere to accentuated struggle between extreme socialism and severe reaction, with general setback to democratic system and civilization.

Blow to democracy, due to cataclysm in Russia, would immensely increase chance a second blow due to increased political security of autocracy in Germany.

German soldiers possess convictions Allies seek to crush Germany. This thrice arms latter in degree protecting German army from socialistic or democratic propaganda until too late.

Germany has impressed similar convictions on Russian army and on strong groups here now seeking political control. Such convictions help defeat Kerensky, make Russian army impotent and foster Russian anarchy.

Perhaps our President could solve this proglem.

Apparently such solution must include effort to state practical terms peace which neither side could refuse without appearance of unfairness to simple but honest minds. German perhaps as well as Russian.

Russian socialist peace program not so (?) that advanced by President in December, 1916. Russians distrust British and think French war crazy.

Action suggested dictated in my opinion by military necessity and need not lead to undesirable peace.

Any Russian Government formed in the near future must have peace program but will remain at war if Germany does not meet fair terms unless complete anarchy prevents.

Judson.

Mep