File No. 861.00/520
The Ambassador in Russia ( Francis) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 17, 1.10 p.m.]
1753. Minister for Foreign Affairs just informed me that Kerensky decided not to yield to demands of Soviet and has appointed Cadet members to the Ministry. Further says Soviet planning armed opposition to Government having wired army to fight Kerensky’s orders and has requested fleet to come to Petrograd. Special war committee appointed to take charge of situation pending installation of new Ministry. That committee composed of Kerensky, Tereshchenko, Nikitin, former Minister Posts and Telegraphs, Verkhovski, Minister of War, and Verderevski, Minister of Marine. New Ministry proposed comprises socialists slightly in majority. Soviet reported to have told Kerensky that no socialists be permitted to serve in the Ministry with Cadets. Armed test of strength apparently impending and fighting liable to begin at any moment. Officers naturally timid as their killing continues. Fifteen or twenty reported killed at Viborg and bodies thrown into sea.