File No. 861.00/823
The Ambassador in Russia ( Francis) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 15, 2.38 p.m.]
2091. Trotsky in speech Sunday night reported in Bolshevik paper as saying:
The chief of the American Red Cross came to Smolny and said straight that in Russia there never had been any such strong government as ours and that America of course will give us all kinds of supplies except munitions which we do not require any more.
The visit of the American immediately showed the People’s Commissaries the extreme advantages for us in international situation.
Suppose Robins is meant, as he is acting since Thompson’s departure. This was in morning paper of 11th. Have awaited expecting Robins to do so [come] and explain, but not appeared. Are Red Cross members wearing uniform included in your 1883, December 6, 2 p.m.,1 which says, “The President desires American representatives withhold all direct communications with the Bolshevik government”?