File No. 763.72/44
The Chargé d’Affaires in Russia (Wilson) to the Secretary of State
St. Petersburg, July 31, 1914, 4 p.m.
[Received August 1, 10:55 a.m.]
[Telegram]
Situation becoming steadily more hopeless. Complete mobilization now in progress. Whole country, all classes, unanimous for war. Last week’s serious political strikes ended. Owing to mobilization railways disorganized and in case of war passenger service will probably be entirely suspended. Am therefore advising numerous American tourists to leave while it is still possible. Rumored here that Embassy will be asked to look after interests in case of war. Respectfully hope Department may think it wise to discourage this before official request received. In view of present none too cordial relations dating back to America being charged with Japanese interests, it would have most unfortunate effect for us to again act for Russia’s enemy.