File No. 860c.01/39
The Ambassador in Russia ( Francis) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 22, 3 a.m.]
1879. Polish meeting evening of 15th largely attended. Polish Bishop presided. Addressed Allied diplomats in French, then audience in Polish. After two Polish speeches another Pole delivered address in English to me. Polish Committee program was that I speak next, but some one, I think Minister of Foreign Affairs, changed order, as Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke next after reading formal and official Russian declaration of Polish independence. Then four Ambassadors spoke in order of service here, namely, British, Italian, American, French. Minister of Foreign Affairs before speaking read declaration of which he says following is copy:
I now declare that the other great powers of the Entente, adhering to the principles proclaimed by the Russian Government in its manifesto to the Poles dated March 171 recognize that the creation of an independent and indivisible Poland constitutes one of the conditions of a solid and just peace and of a reign of right in Europe.
The British Ambassador said:
Representatives of valiant Poland, I am happy to have this occasion to present to you the fraternal greetings of a friendly and Allied nation, whose Government whole-heartedly joins in the declaration that the Minister of Foreign Affairs has just made.
The Italian Ambassador said:
Animated by these sentiments, I am happy to join in the noble declarations of the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
I not having received reply to my No. 1860,2 said only following pertaining to declaration of Minister of Foreign Affairs:
Polish independence gladdens the heart of America. The freedom of Poland has been sung by American poets and has been the theme [Page 776] of American orators since the days of Kosciuszko whose memory can be most highly honored, whose deeds and services best commemorated by triumph of the principles for which he lived and labored.
The French Ambassador said:
Poland, to whom the young Russian democracy, with spontaneous enthusiasm, has promised independence, has just received the confirmation and guarantee of it, given with an unanimous heart by all the Allies.