David R. Francis to Robert Lansing
Title
David R. Francis to Robert Lansing
Creator
Francis, David R. (David Rowland), 1850-1927
Identifier
WWP25174
Date
1918 September 3
Description
America should treat the government of Archangel with respect.
Source
Library of Congress, Woodrow Wilson Papers
Publisher
Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum
Subject
Russia--Archangel
World War, 1914-1918--Russia
Contributor
Morgan Willer
Relation
WWP25170
WWP25171
WWP25172
WWP25173
WWP25175
Language
English
Provenance
Document scan was taken from Library of Congress microfilm reel of the Wilson Papers. WWPL volunteers transcribed the text.
Text
ERR
GRAY AND GREEN
Archangel.
Dated Sept. 3, 1918.
Recd. 6, 5:07 p.m.
Secretary of State,
Washington.
379. September 3, 7 p.m.
Situation complicated, requires adroit handling, comparatively few bourgeois here or in northern provinces where provisional government officials continued to function months after Bolshevik revolution, and would have remained in undisturbed possession if Bolshevik rule had not become inconsiderate and cruel throughout Russia. Central Soviet sent Commissaire Kedroff here who arrested (?) non-Bolshevik members, city Duma taking them Moscow and committed many outrages, thus embittering the people, majority of whom had accepted anti-Bourgeois instincts. Meantime many secret organizations had been formed throughout Russia, but most, or all, suppressed by Soviet killing leaders without trial, often by German bribing or by personal jealousies. The French were prompt to encourage and financially assist every anti-Bolshevik movement. French Ambassador went from Vologda to Moscow in June telling me object of his visit was to confer with French officials and nationals there; have since learned that he proposed to a non-political organization called the Center that triumvirate should be named to administer affairs after Bolshevik deposed, and demanded as two members thereof Savinkoff and Chernoff, the promoters to select the third, which proposition killed that movement about middle June as leaders said were distrustful of Savinkoff whom considered murderer, and that Chernoff reformed Bolshevik, unworthy of trust. They did not tell French Ambassador this, but so expressed themselves to my informant.
About July tenth when Chicherin and Radek were trying to move Allied Missions to Moscow, British captain visited me Vologda and stated Archangel ripe for revolution. My number 355 narrated movements from Vologda and causes thereof until landed Archangel, see instruction of August 9th. Found new government here but realize same would not have succeeded if Allied forces had not landed, neither would it survive if Allied troops taken away. Have had frequent conferences with new government which is profuse in complaints against military, claiming that orders issued by latter belittles the new government and impair its influence.
(Green) New Ministry talks irrationally about Russian laws demanding that French Colonel appointed Military Governor of Archangel city by Poole be removed, and that order issued by him with Poole’s approval be rescinded. An order which was meant for protection of new government requires militia to arrest anyone accused by a citizen of Bolshevik propaganda and take accused and accusor to authorities. I told President when he came to my apartment about midnight complaining of order that there was nothing objectionable therein: in fact such is law in America. The President is theorist, if not dreamer.
British who are colonizers by instinct and practice, and in control Archangel port since war began, are disposed to treat the Government contemptuously, but I remonstrate, arguing that must avoid repetition of German experience in Ukraine.
Furthermore, overthrow of this government would prolong civil dissension, strengthen Soviet Government and Bolsheviks generally, and would injure Allied cause. This Government repudiates Brest Treaty and it mobilizing army to fight Germany, consequently is our Ally and should be protected and encouraged. Do not understand that I recommend recognition now, but if as Government claims is contemplated, union with similar movement is, Siberia is effected, then we could recognize. If, however, people believe that we come conquerors they will recklessly resist.
Three American battalions expected here tomorrow and their landing will not only strengthen my position, but go a long way toward reconciling Russians. I do not know what instructions these troops have, but if General Poole asks my approval I shall not object to his sending them to the interior in accordance with objects set forth in the Department’s declaration of August 3rd.
Have been reading American papers on Allied intervention in Russia and see that sentiment is divided; I realize enormous responsibility of the President and the Department and I am aware of conflicting appeals and influences to which you are subjected, and I highly appreciate confidence manifested in my efforts cable communication in reply as you have been advised. Observe President considering sending commission to Siberia but hope if sent will be instructed to confer with me before adopting policy. Imperative send supplies here or Murman. I would appreciate it if experienced men should accompany same for distribution under my direction or with my approval.
No reply to my telegram number 364, August 13, 8 p.m. recommending authority to join British and French in guaranteeing fifteen million rouble loan of new government guaranty secured by merchandise.
Insurances anxiously awaited concerning vessel with 4,000 tons supplies* mentioned in your unnumbered telegram July 30th.
FRANCIS
R.A.R.
NB → *This is ship (Red Cross personnel and supplies) has sailed.
GRAY AND GREEN
Archangel.
Dated Sept. 3, 1918.
Recd. 6, 5:07 p.m.
Secretary of State,
Washington.
379. September 3, 7 p.m.
Situation complicated, requires adroit handling, comparatively few bourgeois here or in northern provinces where provisional government officials continued to function months after Bolshevik revolution, and would have remained in undisturbed possession if Bolshevik rule had not become inconsiderate and cruel throughout Russia. Central Soviet sent Commissaire Kedroff here who arrested (?) non-Bolshevik members, city Duma taking them Moscow and committed many outrages, thus embittering the people, majority of whom had accepted anti-Bourgeois instincts. Meantime many secret organizations had been formed throughout Russia, but most, or all, suppressed by Soviet killing leaders without trial, often by German bribing or by personal jealousies. The French were prompt to encourage and financially assist every anti-Bolshevik movement. French Ambassador went from Vologda to Moscow in June telling me object of his visit was to confer with French officials and nationals there; have since learned that he proposed to a non-political organization called the Center that triumvirate should be named to administer affairs after Bolshevik deposed, and demanded as two members thereof Savinkoff and Chernoff, the promoters to select the third, which proposition killed that movement about middle June as leaders said were distrustful of Savinkoff whom considered murderer, and that Chernoff reformed Bolshevik, unworthy of trust. They did not tell French Ambassador this, but so expressed themselves to my informant.
About July tenth when Chicherin and Radek were trying to move Allied Missions to Moscow, British captain visited me Vologda and stated Archangel ripe for revolution. My number 355 narrated movements from Vologda and causes thereof until landed Archangel, see instruction of August 9th. Found new government here but realize same would not have succeeded if Allied forces had not landed, neither would it survive if Allied troops taken away. Have had frequent conferences with new government which is profuse in complaints against military, claiming that orders issued by latter belittles the new government and impair its influence.
(Green) New Ministry talks irrationally about Russian laws demanding that French Colonel appointed Military Governor of Archangel city by Poole be removed, and that order issued by him with Poole’s approval be rescinded. An order which was meant for protection of new government requires militia to arrest anyone accused by a citizen of Bolshevik propaganda and take accused and accusor to authorities. I told President when he came to my apartment about midnight complaining of order that there was nothing objectionable therein: in fact such is law in America. The President is theorist, if not dreamer.
British who are colonizers by instinct and practice, and in control Archangel port since war began, are disposed to treat the Government contemptuously, but I remonstrate, arguing that must avoid repetition of German experience in Ukraine.
Furthermore, overthrow of this government would prolong civil dissension, strengthen Soviet Government and Bolsheviks generally, and would injure Allied cause. This Government repudiates Brest Treaty and it mobilizing army to fight Germany, consequently is our Ally and should be protected and encouraged. Do not understand that I recommend recognition now, but if as Government claims is contemplated, union with similar movement is, Siberia is effected, then we could recognize. If, however, people believe that we come conquerors they will recklessly resist.
Three American battalions expected here tomorrow and their landing will not only strengthen my position, but go a long way toward reconciling Russians. I do not know what instructions these troops have, but if General Poole asks my approval I shall not object to his sending them to the interior in accordance with objects set forth in the Department’s declaration of August 3rd.
Have been reading American papers on Allied intervention in Russia and see that sentiment is divided; I realize enormous responsibility of the President and the Department and I am aware of conflicting appeals and influences to which you are subjected, and I highly appreciate confidence manifested in my efforts cable communication in reply as you have been advised. Observe President considering sending commission to Siberia but hope if sent will be instructed to confer with me before adopting policy. Imperative send supplies here or Murman. I would appreciate it if experienced men should accompany same for distribution under my direction or with my approval.
No reply to my telegram number 364, August 13, 8 p.m. recommending authority to join British and French in guaranteeing fifteen million rouble loan of new government guaranty secured by merchandise.
Insurances anxiously awaited concerning vessel with 4,000 tons supplies* mentioned in your unnumbered telegram July 30th.
FRANCIS
R.A.R.
NB → *This is ship (Red Cross personnel and supplies) has sailed.
Original Format
Letter
To
Lansing, Robert, 1864-1928
Files
Collection
Citation
Francis, David R. (David Rowland), 1850-1927, “David R. Francis to Robert Lansing,” 1918 September 3, WWP25174, World War I Letters, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.