File No. 861.00/11427
The Military Attaché in Russia ( Judson) to the War Department
[Copy of a letter sent to the Chief of the Russian General Staff, Petrograd.]
Excellency: Referring to my letter of 12/25th November, 1917, relating to a quotation from American press reports, I desire to say that nothing therein should be construed as indicating that my government has or may be expected to express preference for the success in Russia of any one political party or element over another. Americans have the greatest sympathy for the whole Russian people in the complex situation in which they find themselves and do not wish to interfere except helpfully in the solution of any Russian problem. Their sympathy extends to all sections of the Russian people. Their representatives here are now informed that no important fraction of the Russian people desires an immediate separate [Page 270] peace or armistice. And it is certainly within the rights of Russia, in the position in which she now finds herself, to bring up the question of a general peace.
There is no reason why the attitude of her Allies toward Russia or toward any important elements in Russia should be upon anything but a most friendly foundation.
I desire to avail myself [etc.]
Brigadier General, U. S. Army
American Military Attaché
Chief of American Military Mission to Russia