File No. 861.00/621
The Ambassador in Russia ( Francis) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 4, 4.45 a.m.]
1931. Minister of Foreign Affairs addressed Council of Republic this afternoon and all Allied Ambassadors attending. Speech mainly on economic lines appealing to Russian pride and interest opposing separate peace or any peace reflecting on Russia. Received by Bolsheviki with indifferent coolness, elicited some applause from the right and center but not discussed, as debate thereon fixed for 31st.
Quiet here. Some doubt Bolshevik demonstration materializing November 2. All-Russian Council Workmen-Soldiers, also of Peasants, passed resolution against same. Trotsky, president of Petrograd Council Workmen-Soldiers, advocating demonstration and use of force, if necessary, to depose present Government, saying that Russian naval officers propose general peace on the lines of Skobelev [instructions] and if accepted, army will know for what it is fighting.