File No. 763.72111E1 1/21
The Russian Ambassador (Bakhméteff) to the Secretary of State
The naval attaché informs me, in answer to your telegram, that the motor-boats you mention have not been constructed under the supervision of a Russian official inspector. Although these vessels have been ordered by a private Russian concern for the use of the Russian Government, they have no armament whatever, and are built of thin wood and therefore can not be used in warlike operations. The naval attaché presumes that they have been ordered as means of conveyance or for patrolling of fisheries on lakes and closed seas as the Caspian or the Aral. If you consider it necessary, the naval attaché will come at once and give you all the supplementary information you may require. Please wire an answer.