David R. Francis to Robert Lansing

PLAIN
Archangel
Dated Sept. 7, 1918.
Recd. 9, 606pm.

Secretary of State
Washington
387, Sept. 7.

Following was promulgated yesterday evening; "The representatives of those of the Allied Powers whose troops have arrived in Northern Russia, have heard of the kidnapping of the members of the Government of the Northern Region, desire to disclaim all responsibility for this act. They disapprove of violent measures from whichever side they may originate and all the more in that they have come to Russia with hope of seeing established a free regime of order and legality.

The act was carried out by Russians against Russians and is not therefore strictly speaking the concern of the Allies. The representatives of the latter feel, nevertheless, constrained in the special circumstances which exist to see that the arrested members of the government are at once given their liberty and brought back to Archangel. As soon as this has been done it is hoped that an arrangement will be made which will prevent the recurrence of such regrettable incidents and which will unite every Russian of good will in the work of the regeneration of his country.

Meantime the affairs of the district will go on as before the Allied representatives invite all good Russians to pursue their normal occupations in full confidence that no attack on their liberties will be encouraged by the Allies.

Signed Francis, American Ambassador, J. Noulens, Ambassadeur de France; Terretta, Ministere d Italie, F. O. Lindley, His Britannic Majesty's Commissioner endquote.

FRANCIS

HPD