File No. 763.72111/2798
The Secretary of State to the Russian Ambassador ( Bakhméteff )
Department advised that ten motor-boats are ready to be exported on steamship Falkanger, sailing for Archangel today and that these vessels have been constructed under the supervision of Russian official inspector. Before allowing exportation of vessels, the Department desires to be informed, in the interest of preserving American neutrality, whether these vessels have been constructed for the use of the Russian Government and if so for what purpose they are to be used and particularly whether they are to be used in warlike operations. I hope you may be able kindly to inform me on these points.