File No. 816.00/587a
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Russia ( Francis)
1574. Press reports that secretary of Socialist Party in the United States has received invitation from N. S. Tscheidse, President of Russian Council of Workmen’s and Soldiers’ Delegates, to participate in a conference to be convoked by the Council presumably to be held in Petrograd and expresses firm hope that American party will accept. Socialist Party has apparently answered expressing willingness to accept if this Government will permit.
It is pointed out that in the former case invitation came from body which had no official relation to the Russian Provisional Government while in this case invitation comes from one of the most powerful branches of the Russian Government which is committed against “a German peace.”
Please telegraph proposed date of conference and whether it may be considered official or held under the auspices of the Provisional Government.
Discreetly investigate and telegraph what will be attitude of British and French Embassies towards the conference and whether you believe German interest involved.