File No. 701.6261/6
The Chargé d’Affaires in Russia (Wilson)2 to the Secretary of State
St. Petersburg, August 5, 1914, 5 a.m.
[Received 9 a.m.]
[Telegram]
Unconfirmed report having spread that Russian Embassy, Berlin, had been destroyed by mob, large crowd attacked and completely [Page 734] wrecked German Embassy here. After it was dispersed the dragoman Kattnerladen apparently murdered, rest of staff safe. Safes with ciphers, money, and some archives saved but everything else completely destroyed though building itself stands. At first signs of disorder I demanded proper protection from the [Minister] of Foreign Affairs and continued to do so at intervals as matters grew worse. This was promised in each case. By the general opinion of unostentatious [unprejudiced] witnesses, the protection was absolutely inadequate and, such as it was, made the most feeble attempts to prevent outrage. Finally Minister of Interior arrived with sufficient force to disperse mob after all damage done. I went to Foreign Office 2 [o’clock], morning, unable to see Minister but registered protest, and have requested audience when I shall officially protest and demand adequate protection for German subjects as I now consider their situation precarious.