861.77/97½
The Ambassador on Special Mission to Russia ( Root ) to the Secretary of State
Dear Mr. Secretary: I am glad to learn that the Council of National Defense is sending a R. R. Commission to Russia.
Very definite instructions to them will be necessary to avoid confusion & interference between them & the President’s Commission. They will report to different departments & be under different instructions in the ordinary course.
It is plain that we can’t have three bodies dealing with the Russian Government at the same time—the regular Embassy the President’s Mission & the R. R. Commission.
The President’s mission must discuss the transportation subject with the Russian Government for that is the most important of all & if we cannot talk about that we will be discredited & of no account.
I suggest that the R. R. Commission be attached to the President’s commission as expert advisers make preliminary reports to it for its information & make through it any communication which seems desirable to be made to the Russian Government.
I think Mr. Willard will understand the importance of this & of leaving no uncertainty.
I shall go to Washington in full time for final instructions but I understand the R. R. men are to leave Wednesday.
Faithfully Yours