File No. 860c.01/43
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Russia ( Francis )
1824. Your 1896. Nearly one million Poles, representing approximately the entire Polish population in the United States under the leadership of Paderewski, have been urging this Government for some months past to recognize the so-called National Polish Committee in Paris, and to lend encouragement to the establishment of a Polish army to operate on the western front. The recognition of the Polish Committee in Paris was for the purpose of encouraging the Poles within Poland and in order that the Allied Governments could have some official Polish body with which they could communicate. Great Britain and France have given their recognition to this committee. The Government of the United States was about to do likewise when, after conversation with the Russian Ambassador here, it was decided not to extend recognition without first coming in touch with the Russian Government.
The Department has had various conversations with members of the Russian Embassy and appreciates the difficult situation confronting the Russian Government in its efforts to unite the Radical and Conservative factions of the Russian Poles, and that the Radical Poles do not favor the establishment of a Polish army believing that the Poles in the Russian Army would thereupon demand release in [Page 778] order to join the army of their compatriots. In this connection the fact should not be lost sight of that the Polish army to be recruited from Poles in the United States is purely voluntary; that is, it is to be composed of Poles who are not subject to the draft law and who are not, therefore in the American Army. The size of the Polish army is limited and will be more than filled by Poles in this country who are ready and eager to serve the cause. There are serious difficulties still to be overcome, however, regarding the transportation and equipment of these Poles.
You will discuss this matter informally with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and say that the Department has delayed its recognition of the committee in deference to the situation in Russia, but has now reached the conclusion that in the general interest of the Allies it cannot longer defer this step.
Inquire whether a message from Paderewski to the opposing Polish elements in Russia, urging upon them unity of purpose and action, would be of assistance to the Russian Government at this time.