File No. 763.72119/682
The Ambassador in Russia ( Francis) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 21.]
1535. Answering your 1574, received yesterday. Russian Council of Workmen’s, Soldiers’ Deputies not officially connected with Provisional Government but named four members thereof when coalition Ministry formed who still participate in Council meetings. Those Ministers hold following portfolios: Agriculture, Post-Telegraph, Labor, Justice. Last named resigned at dictation Workmen, Soldiers. Godnev, Comptroller, not resigned as reported.
Six Russian Socialists gone to England, France, Italy, to arrange Socialist conference, Petrograd, which should be checkmated if possible. Effect thereof injurious to entire situation, especially morale at front. Moreover, in my judgment Socialist conferences, if held, should be confined to Allied cities and located some more accessible place than this city, and if possible should be avoided altogether because Duncan [Russian] Socialists more bent on promulgating their doctrine than prosecuting war to successful finish to which I think everything should be subordinate. More later.