Robert Lansing to Woodrow Wilson
Title
Robert Lansing to Woodrow Wilson
Creator
Lansing, Robert, 1864-1928
Identifier
WWP25380
Date
1918 November 1
Description
Secretary of State writes to President Wilson about the Bolshevik Revolution.
Source
Library of Congress, Woodrow Wilson Papers
Publisher
Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum
Subject
Soviet Union--History--Revolution, 1917-1921
Contributor
Danna Faulds
Relation
WWP25381
Language
English
Provenance
Document scan was taken from Library of Congress microfilm reel of the Wilson Papers. WWPL volunteers transcribed the text.
Text
My. dear Mr. President:
The enclosed telegram from Berne (No. 5487) gives a rather novel idea as to the Bolshevik movement. It may be so, but it seems to me imputing to the German Government the adoption of a policy which would be more perilous than their present plight. I can hardly conceive of this being done and yet, the Germans have done so many illogical things, it may be true.
In any event the breaking down of constituted authority in Austria and Hungary, which the press reports indicate, and the consequences of the return of the Austro-Hungarian soldiers after demobilization, who will find their families starving, make the situation exceedingly menacing to the structure of society.
I know that you have the fear that I have in this matter, which presents such ominous possibilities. Is there a solution? If so, where does it lie?
Faithfully yours,
Robert Lansing.
The enclosed telegram from Berne (No. 5487) gives a rather novel idea as to the Bolshevik movement. It may be so, but it seems to me imputing to the German Government the adoption of a policy which would be more perilous than their present plight. I can hardly conceive of this being done and yet, the Germans have done so many illogical things, it may be true.
In any event the breaking down of constituted authority in Austria and Hungary, which the press reports indicate, and the consequences of the return of the Austro-Hungarian soldiers after demobilization, who will find their families starving, make the situation exceedingly menacing to the structure of society.
I know that you have the fear that I have in this matter, which presents such ominous possibilities. Is there a solution? If so, where does it lie?
Faithfully yours,
Robert Lansing.
Original Format
Letter
To
Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924
Collection
Citation
Lansing, Robert, 1864-1928, “Robert Lansing to Woodrow Wilson,” 1918 November 1, WWP25380, World War I Letters, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.