File No. 871.51/59

The Ambassador in Russia ( Francis ) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

1737. Please send copy to Secretary of War, following from Judson:

Referring 1674 September 1 from the Secretary of State. Critical situation Petrograd causes Ambassador retain me here. Without visiting Roumania I submit following on Roumanian situation:

Existing Roumanian Government will in all probability continue war if physically possible. Germans could probably now or after taking Moldavia form complaisant de facto government within Roumanian territory and make peace with same if they so desire for moral effect, but may prefer to annex Roumania to Bulgaria and Austria. I think Germans would prefer the peace. Russia at least temporarily weakened by present crisis may conceivably make peace. Kornilov, if he wins against Kerensky, has still to secure activity and support of great inert peace-inclined Russian masses which now unorganized and behind no one. Roumanian situation largely swallowed up in present unresolved Russian situation. Roumania out of it, [if] Russia makes peace. If Russia continues war, present Roumanian Government and Army, subject to extreme contingencies of war, will continue also. Present intentions and spirit of Roumanian Government and Army reasonably satisfactory, but if to remain so, especially under conditions which may be reasonably expected, including evacuation Roumania, help must be afforded now by us. Roumanians look on Russia as broken reed.

Referring 1675, September 1, from the Secretary of State. From Russia can be obtained certain foodstuffs, including grain products, and perhaps, depending on changing war conditions, horses, some small arms, guns, ammunition and miscellaneous articles; from United States such essentials for carrying on war as can not be obtained in Russia, including small arms, guns, ammunition, spare parts and materials for certain upkeep, hospital supplies, rubber, certain foods like malted milk and numerous miscellaneous small articles, having regard to limited tonnage and time required. Changing war conditions constantly give rise to emergencies which alter Roumanian requirements and sources of supply. Some things might come from England and France.

Suggest all purchases in United States be supervised by our Government there as is understood to be done with purchases for Russia. Practically all purchases in Russia would be from the Russian Government which now purchases all grain from producers. Roumanian [Page 730] credit in United States would be in part drawn on to pay bills incurred there our [under] American supervision, in part simply transferred to Russian Government for what it supplies Roumania. Other small expenditures Roumanian forces might eliminate American credit to pay for by drafts which might be viseed by our Minister to Roumania but recommend straight-out credit for greater moral effect.

Present Russian Government says is no discrimination in supplying its own and Roumanian Armies; perhaps true, but result is Roumanian Army which is only reliable large body of troops on this front is not nearly as well supplied as could be under arrangement proposed and which its relative quality deserves in the interest of Allies. Not satisfied to remain thus at the mercy of Russian Government. Extent and character of backing by the United States will largely determine character and numbers of Roumanian Army of future. Russia now charges England and France each one-third cost of supplies furnished to Roumania. Thus credit to Roumania would benefit Russia, France, and England, as well as United States, latter as partner in the conduct of war.

Francis