File No. 763.72/7759
The Ambassador in Russia ( Francis) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 18, 3.20 p.m.]
1958. Following verbatim copies of Kerensky interviews given Associated Press representative Rennick:
Kerensky received Associated [Press correspondent in] beautiful panel library former private library office [of] Tsar, Winter Palace. Correspondent called attention widely contradictory reports Russia’s conditions printed America and asked Premier frank statement facts.
“It [has] been said by travelers returning from England and elsewhere that opinion many people not officially but generally is that Russians practically out of war. Is Russia out of the war?”
Kerensky laughed with the answer. “[That] is a ridiculous question. Russia is taking enormous part in war. One has only to remember history. Russia began the war. While she already fighting England was only preparing and America was only observing. Russia at beginning bore whole brunt fighting thereby saving England, France. People who say she [is] out of war have short memories. We fought since beginning, we now worn out and have right [to] claim that Allies now take heaviest part burden their shoulders. [Page 222] At present Russian public opinion greatly agitated by question where is great British fleet now that German fleet is out in Baltic. Russia,” Premier repeated, “is worn out. She been fighting one and half years longer than England.”
“Could American army be of use if sent Russia?”
“It would be impossible send one,” Kerensky replied. “It [is] question [of] transport; difficulties are too great.”
“If America cannot send troops what [would] be most useful way [for] her [to] help Russia?”
“Have her send boots, leather, iron, and,” Premier added emphatically, “money.”
Kerensky drew attention [to] fact Russia fought her battles alone. “Russia has fought alone, is fighting alone, France has had England to help her from start and now America has come in.”
Kerensky was asked regarding morale [of] people, armies. “Masses are worn out economically,” said Kerensky. “Disorganized state life in general has had psychological effect on people. They doubt the possibility of attainment.”
“What is lesson to democracies of world of Russian revolution?”
“This,” he replied, “is for them to find out. They must not lose faith in Russian revolution because it not a political revolution but an economic one and a revolution of facts must be made. Russian revolution only seven months old, no one has right to feel disillusioned about it. It takes years [to] develop fully. In France which [is] only as large as three Russian departments or states it took five years [for] their revolution [to] develop fully.”
Associated [correspondent] asked what Kerensky expected from Constituent Assembly.
“Constituent Assembly begins new chapter [in] history revolution; its voice [will] be decisive; it [is] certainly most important factor future Russia.”
“What future do you picture for Russia after war?”
“No one can draw any real picture [of] future,” Kerensky said. “Naturally man who really loves country hopes for all good things but that [is] only his viewpoint which may or not be accepted by others.”
Kerensky pale, nervous, and sat end carved table facing Associated [correspondent] emphasizing points statement tapping table [with] fingers. Wore brown undecorated uniform buttoned closely. He plainly fatigued result many trips [to] front, constant audiences diplomats, peasants’ group, who latter [were] gathered outer room waiting see [him].
When Kerensky shown editorials on interview from England and America Associated Press sent following, filing same yesterday but not sent until to-day:
David Sauskis, secretary Kerensky, made following statement Associated to-day regarding “misinterpretation by London press” of interview recently accorded by the Minister-President to Associated [Press]: [Page 223]
I have seen Kerensky reference interview. Showed him quotation English press, he very much astonished at manner his plain statements received [in] London. Whoever read whole interview can draw but one conclusion from it, that Russia was doing, is doing, will do her utmost in carrying on her share [of] the common cause against enemy; that having devoted all her might from very first days [of] war when England only begun her vast preparations and America was still neutral, Russia, who [was] always much poorer economically than her mighty allies, feels now natural pinch [of] war more than England, America, and therefore is justified in contention that her allies shoulder now heavier burden and should assist her unstintingly with war material and finances in matter of her requirements. Minister-President [in] this interview pointed out that not every one of Allied countries appreciates fairly great part Russia was and is still playing in war and that some are inclined to attack her bitterly because [of] great difficulties with which she [is] confronted now because natural evolution of her history. She will continue do her duty.
Sauskis said interpretation [by] American press [of] interview pleasing. He [has] recently recovered [from] serious illness.