File No. 861.00/792
The Ambassador in Russia ( Francis) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 11, 7.31 p.m..]
2074. Cannot refrain from expressing great gratitude for President’s message1 because has right ring and states my views concerning [Page 291] war much better than could myself. Think impossible for Soviet government to [last] long. Even extreme socialist and peace champions are disgusted with sailor and Red Guard excesses such as Dukhonin murder and other outrages. If convening of Assembly prevented by force or postponement such action will cause revulsion against Bolsheviks and probable uprising. Reported that plan of Kaledin and associates is to cut off all food shipments for this section if Assembly interrupted. I have not absolutely lost hope of Russia’s continuing in war but do not expect offensive action. Think I am almost alone in this belief. Furthermore I do not agree with Judson and others who think Germany cannot be defeated if Russia makes separate peace. Kornilov joined Kaledin where Rodzyanko and Alexeev have been week or more. Milyukov’s whereabouts unknown. Kerensky’s also; but latter states in announcement printed to-day that while no longer President, he is still member of Provisional Government and joins in announcement concerning meeting of Constituent Assembly signed by other Ministers and published as reported in my No. 20431; orders for arrest of all signers thereof issued by Lenin but none apprehended yet as whereabouts unknown.
Have seen no American paper since this revolution began. Brown, special correspondent Chicago News and connected with McClure Syndicate, claims to have gotten the only telegrams out of Russia for four days after revolution began. Says is Bolshevik in sentiment but when Kornilov was captured he practically sympathized with that cause and left Petrograd for Stockholm. Brown said to me that if United States did not consent to peace offer the dollar would be worth no more than ten rubles is now. Donnel eh Fleurot [Dosch-Fleurot], New York World correspondent, is also in touch with Trotsky and Lenin. I think both correspondents would like to see (the?) Soviet government recognized.