Robert Lansing to Woodrow Wilson

Robert Lansing to Woodrow Wilson

Lansing, Robert, 1864-1928

WWP25170

1918 September 9

Appraisal of the military situation in Siberia.

Library of Congress, Woodrow Wilson Papers

Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum

Soviet Union--History--Allied intervention, 1918-1920

Czechoslovakia. Army

Morgan Willer

English

Document scan was taken from Library of Congress microfilm reel of the Wilson Papers. WWPL volunteers transcribed the text.

My dear Mr. President:

The telegrams which you have lately received, copies of which are enclosed, no doubt here greatly heartened you as they have me, particularly the one received through the Navy Department. Our confidence in the Czech forces has been justified and the fact that now a Russian military force of equal strength has joined them, combined with the gratifying reception given the Czechs by the civilian population of the localities occupied, is strong evidence to prove that the Russians are entirely satisfied to cooperate with the Czechs in Russia and that assistance to the Czechs amounts to assistance to the Russians.

At the same time, the news received has presented certain problems which, if not met and overcome by us, may seriously impair our prestige not only with those we would help - the Russians and the Czechs - but also with the Allies and Japan. It is to you that liberal opinion throughout the world is looking for a sound, constructive plan for assisting Russia. Reactionary influences in Russia and elsewhere are at work to shake off your leadership and to take advantage of any opportunity offered them to make use of Russia rather than to serve her.

You have publicly declared that you intend to stand by Russia. You have stated that our military forces sent to Russia are to render such protection and help as is possible to the Czecho-Slovaks against the armed Austrian and German prisoners who are attacking them and to steady and efforts at self-government or self-defense in which the Russians themselves may be willing to accept assistance, and that you hope and purpose eventually to send economic and other relief to the Russian people, but that this would follow and in no way embarrass the military assistance rendered to the Czecho-Slovaks. You have said you purpose not to desert the Czecho-Slovak army engaged in conflict with nationals of the Central Powers in Siberia and finally you have recognized the Czecho-Slovak Council, to which the army has sworn allegiance, as a de facto Government at war with the Central Powers. You have moved cautiously and deliberately and each declaration of policy has met with almost universal approval.

The problems presented by the late telegrams appear to me to fall under the following heads:

1. The Czecho-Slovaks - a military force operating in Siberia and the Eastern part of European Russia.
2. The civilian population of Siberia.
3. The civilian population along the Marman Coast and in the Archangel District.

1. In order to render protection and help to the Czecho-Slovaks it is clear we must get them military supplies, viz: clothing, shoes, arms and ammunition. This can be done with the assistance of Mr. Baruch with whom I have consulted and I understand that you are prepared to supply the necessary money from your War Fund.
2. The relief of the civilian population in Siberia does not involve the sending of great quantities of food from this country. Clothing, shoes and certain specified commodities are required. Some months ago the United States Shipping Board chartered through the Russian Embassy certain vessels of the Russian Volunteer Fleet with the understanding that when these vessels were needed by Russia they would be returned to her. It seems to me that in good faith we are now bound to place these vessels at work carrying to the civilian population of Russia such supplies as we can spare them. Any other use of them would be making use of Russia and not serving her and would be most unjust.
3. The rationing of the civilian population on the Marman Coast and in the Archangel District seems to me to be essential as well from a military as from a humanitarian standpoint. Certain foodstuffs have already been shipped to these points from this country by the British Government. Ambassador Francis’ cables of the second and third instant from Archangel show how necessary it is that supplies be sent to that locality. The coming on of winter and the consequent closing of the ports makes it imperative that such supplies as are shipped go forward before October first. The British Government is prepared to supply the transportation and has proposed that the ultimate expense of this rationing be borne jointly by the United States, Great Britain and France. This seems to me to be equitable and accordingly I request authority to state that this Government will contribute its share. The total expenditure has been estimated at approximately $15,000,000. However, as Ambassador Francis states, the plan is not to give away this food, except to prevent starvation, but to sell it and consequently a certain amount of the initial expenditure will be refunded. This expenditure being in the aid of and as a direct result of the sending of American troops to these points it would seem to me it might properly be met by the setting aside of $5,000,000. from your fund for the National Security and Defense and I suggest that this be done.

A number of problems of considerable difficulty are presented by (2) and (3) supra and it seems to me it would be most helpful if these problems, which involve financial questions, methods of barter and exchange, et cetera, could be studied and solutions found by one of the established War Boards of this Government working under the direction of a man who thoroughly understands your policies and who is in close personal and official contact with the heads of the various governmental agencies concerned with these problems. It has occurred to me that Mr. Vance McCormick is peculiarly fitted for such work. He has the liberal point of view and his ability to work with the heads of the various boards and departments here has been well tested. His own organization - the War Trade Board - composed as it is of representatives of the Treasury Department, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Agriculture, the Food Administration, and the Shipping Board, is almost ideally fitted to study these problems and to submit to you a report concerning them. I suggest therefore that he be requested to begin this work under your direction.

I would appreciate very much receiving instructions from you respecting the foregoing points.

I am, my dear Mr. President,

Very sincerely yours,

Robert Lansing

Letter

Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924