File No. 861.00/808
The Ambassador in Russia ( Francis) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 14, 4.14 a.m.]
2083. Your 1883, December 6, 2 p.m.,2 just received and sincerely welcomed. My policy and course thoroughly explained in my 2081 and much pleased to learn you approve.
[Page 296]Numerous rumors have been current for weeks that Monarchists working with Bolsheviks and same supported by various occurrences and circumstances. This, moreover, not unreasonable as such government more vulnerable than one founded on real democratic basis.
Just heard from source worthy of credence that Smolny government absolutely under control of German General Staff. Reported Germans have announced will occupy Petrograd December 23. While see no object in their so doing other than moral effect think they could do so if desire and it is possible they may so conclude. In such event Embassy would leave but fear could not go to Sweden as frontier closely guarded by Soviet government and it is possible could not secure transportation from Petrograd. Shall, of course, exercise best judgment. Have you any instructions? My plan is and has been from beginning to remain here regardless of governmental changes and internal dissensions, relying for protection on respect of Russian people for sovereignty which I represent. Such has been my reasoning when declining to authorize Bolshevik guard in Embassy. Trotsky gives widest possible circulation to any favors requested by even subordinates of Allied missions, hoping thereby to convince Russian people that his government is recognized by Allies as that would be most effective argument for its recognition in Russia.
Reported that Kornilov after escaping arrived at Kharkov with 7,000 armed followers, demolished armored train sent to interfere with him and when demanding fresh locomotives of the station master and told same would not be furnished Kornilov replied, giving ten minutes for furnishing locomotives or station master would be shot. Locomotives were provided and Kornilov proceeded south, Rodzyanko and Alexeev are with Kaledin at Novocherkassk where troops are assembling but not known in what numbers nor what their plan is.
Horn1 sees me daily and is diplomatic, also efficient railroad operator. Has had office in the Department Ways of Communication since his appointment, having been established there by personal visit of myself; also has interpreter and is keeping in touch with subordinates operating department. Stevens, as I have advised, is at Vladivostok awaiting Emerson’s arrival. He has instructions to keep in touch with transportation managers and I am sparing no effort to collaborate likewise but abstaining from any act that can be construed as recognition of Soviet government. Department’s 1884, December 5, 3 p.m.,2 received yesterday and endeavoring to give same widest publicity as think be beneficial in many ways.