861.77/97½
The Secretary of State to
President Wilson
Washington
,
May 7, 1917
.
My Dear Mr. President: I have just received from
Mr. Root the enclosed letter18a regarding the Railroad Commission
which is being sent to Russia. I judge from his letter that he feels that
the usefulness and importance of his commission will be weakened by having
in Russia contemporaneously another commission dealing with the technical
side of a topic which he believes he is to discuss with the Russian
Government. I enclose a suggested draft of an instruction to Mr. Stevens
carrying out Mr. Root’s idea (Draft “A”). I enclose also another draft of
instructions to Mr. Stevens which would limit his efforts to a particular
line, so that he and Mr. Root would not [Page 330] find themselves embarrassed by dealing with the
Russian Government on an identical matter. (Draft “B.”)
I do not know what your views are, and I simply enclose these drafts as of
possible assistance to you.
In view of the fact that the Railway Commission is to leave early Wednesday
morning, this should receive your very prompt attention. Faithfully
yours,
[Enclosure 1—Draft A]
Dear Mr. Stevens: In view of the fact that
when the Railroad Commission and the commission under Mr. Root arrive in
Russia there will be, counting the American Embassy, three bodies in
that country conferring with the Russian Government on behalf of the
United States, it seems advisable to clearly define the functions of the
two commissions, in order that there may be no confusion in the mind of
the Russian Government, resulting in one commission or the other being
discredited by it.
I would be pleased, therefore, if, upon your arrival in Russia, you will
let it be known that your commission is subsidiary to the Root
Commission which is to follow, and that you stand in the relation of a
body of experts to assist the Root Commission in the accomplishment of a
special object, namely, aiding Russia to improve its transportation
facilities by supplying from the United States men and material for
constructing and operating certain railway lines of great importance to
Russia in carrying on the present war. Upon the arrival of the Root
Commission, therefore, you will report to it and carry out your
functions under the direction and leadership of Mr. Root.
[Enclosure 2—Draft B]
Dear Mr. Stevens: In view of the fact that
when the Railroad Commission and the commission under Mr. Root arrive in
Russia there will be, counting the American Embassy, three bodies in
that country conferring with the Russian Government on behalf of the
United States, it seems advisable to clearly define the functions of the
two commissions, in order that there may be no confusion in the minds of
the Russian Government.
I would be pleased, therefore, if, in your conferences with members of
the Russian Government and other persons in Russia with whom it may be
necessary to discuss the objects of your mission, you would have your
commission restrict themselves to the topic of transportation, the
supply of materials for the construction of railways, and the furnishing
of men to manage and operate the lines. As Mr. Root has the rank of
Ambassador and as his commission will deal with [Page 331] general policies, you are instructed to confer
freely with him and his commission upon their arrival in Russia, and
thereafter to negotiate with the Russian Government in accordance with
his general suggestions, which, I have no doubt, you will find most
illuminating and helpful.
