861.51/78: Telegram
The Chargé in Russia (Wilson) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9:18 p. m.]
67. Count Witte called on me and told me in strict confidence that Russian Government had suggested to him to go to America to raise loan as he is well known there besides being president of Russian financial commission. On account of age and health would prefer not to accept but has told Government he will do so in case decision is made, on two conditions only.
First, Russia must make commercial treaty with the United States whereby all American citizens, Jews, Christians, naturalized or native, furnished with American passport shall have equal treatment in Russia.
Second, he must be assured that Russian Government will pass legislation improving social and economic conditions of working classes, as without these two conditions considers chance of securing loan impossible.
I pointed out difficulty of loan from the point of view of American neutrality. Witte replied that Russia’s proposal unlike those of France and Germany. No funds would leave the United States but whole loan would be spent there in purchasing from American manufacturers goods needed in Russia. Transaction therefore very advantageous to the United States.