File No. 860c.01/43
The Ambassador in Russia ( Francis) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 28, noon.]
1896. Your 1778, October 16 [15], 6 p.m., received night of 19th. Broached the subject Minister of Foreign Affairs, 20th, but he so occupied with the Council of Republic matters could not discuss it until to-day, advising me yesterday he was engaged preparing statement on foreign relations for the Council of Republic. Says to-day Russian-Polish relations different from other countries, as [there are] several disagreeing Polish parties in Russia who feel and talk bitterly about each other, and says Russian recognition of National Committee [would] be prolific of great dissension. Said that Poles now holding congress here and if such could agree will advise me in a few days concerning Russian representation on the National Committee and recognition thereof. Appreciates your consideration.
Poles insistent on the organization of a distinct Polish army here but Minister of Foreign Affairs says impossible because although perhaps 300,000 Poles in Russian ranks, formation thereof in separate army would enable Central Empires to increase their forces by 800,000 men, as Russia called to service only men to 30 years while occupying Russian Poland and if Polish soldiers assembling [included in] Russian Army be organized in a separate army, Central Empires would immediately call to service Poles without [within] their jurisdiction and thus increase their forces by 800,000. Says, moreover, Central Empires made such an effort heretofore but compelled to abandon same.
Minister of Foreign Affairs says told Poles to unite and select secretary familiar with Polish interests to accompany him to Paris conference but they reported had made effort with impossible result.
Says England and France informed him would recognize National [Page 777] Committee but did not consult him thereupon. Russian Poles seem united on two questions only: one is their independence, another is respect for Paderewski. More after another conference.