File No. 861.00/607
The Ambassador in Russia ( Francis) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 26, 12.05 p.m.]
1893. Attended the opening Council of Republic yesterday. Practically all diplomatic missions represented by their chiefs. Kerensky taking the chair received respectfully not enthusiastically. Delivered successful patriotic address asking the support of council in difficult task praising the valor of the fleet in the recent engagement, rather disparaging discipline of army but declares that it will never be broken by force. Speech uninterrupted, heard attentively, often applauded by the bourgeoisie, seldom by the Bolsheviki. Personnel of membership with the bourgeoisie numbering 167 of 555 total which is larger proportion than they will have in trie Constituent Assembly. Mother-of-revolution Breshkovskaya presided after Kerensky and spoke at length. Avksentiev elected permanent president, delivered acceptable address complimenting Allies causing ovation which was acknowledged by chiefs remaining including myself, British, Italian, and French Ambassadors having left. I departed after the Ministry left. Later Bolsheviki through Trotsky protested against Government and against council and sixty bolted amidst jeers of the council. Government removal unmentioned, probably be considered in closed session 24th to which the council adjourned.
Rumanian Minister called to-day, deeply concerned at the growth of peace sentiment here; says even permeates Council of Ministers which I doubt.
Bolshevik protest opposed to Moscow removal. Papers say Bolshevik outbreak probable.