File No. 861.00/803

The Ambassador in Russia ( Francis) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

2088. Constituent Assembly not convened Lenin having announced it would not be permitted until four hundred members in assembly room provided which is Tauride Palace formerly occupied by National Duma. Probably only about one hundred members in Petrograd, many elected members prevented from coming by fear of arrest.

Armistice negotiations will be resumed to-morrow. Bolsheviks in my judgment will make separate armistice and separate peace on German terms if necessary in order for them to retain power which is dearer to them than welfare of Russia and her allies.

Francis