File No. 763.72/7628
The Ambassador in Russia ( Francis) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 8, 6.40 p.m.]
1957. Answering your telegram 1825, November 3 [2], just received. I saw Kerensky Associated Press interview the day sent but after same filed. Have also seen explanatory interview sent to-day and am repeating both en clair my telegram No. 1958 [November 10]. Kerensky received New York World and Times editorials on the interview and pleased thereat. English editorials displeased him as he thought it too critical of Russia. His secretary approved both interviews by signature on the copies filed in the telegraph office. Minister of Foreign Affairs did not see the first interview but read the second with me to-day and thought it satisfactorily explanatory. It is true Russia tired economically but the main handicap is army demoralization which is incurable except by time and propaganda. [Page 221] Criminal excesses of deserting occurring daily and may cause reactionary sentiment but regardless thereof we can not decline to extend or fail in any way to encourage Russia to continue war as her withdrawing therefrom would prolong the struggle five years or more and entail upon us incalculable sacrifice and loss.
Have shown Minister for Foreign Affairs your statement concerning interviews conveyed in unnumbered cable of November 2. We think inadvisable to use same here until the interviews published here which is unlikely as comments from England and America thereon might encourage peace sentiment if advocates thereof should feel that Allies expect Russia to do no more fighting instead of abandoning Russia at this juncture. What would you think of our sending two or more army divisions via Vladivostok or Sweden to her aid if I could get the consent of Russian Government therefor or even induce Government to make such a request? Moral effect of American troops on Russian front be more beneficial than the material assistance so rendered as millions of sensible Russians only need encouragement to organize. Reported 36,000 Russian officers at interior town have informed Government are ready to organize into brigades and go to front or perform any service Government may desire but Government has not consented thereto.