File No. 861.00/852
The Ambassador in Russia ( Francis) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 22, 1.35 p.m.]
2117. Trotsky visited French Ambassador yesterday and was received but can not learn whether by previous appointment. Interview as reported in Soviet organ was concerning presence of French officers with Ukrainian Army which Trotsky construed as “openly supporting countenanced [counter-] revolutionary machinations of Kaledin” and disorganizing [Russia]. Ambassador replied all French officers on mission in Russia have received instructions not to intervene in internal political struggles and that presence of officers mentioned was long since accredited to generals commanding the southwest and Rumanian front, and “is explained by the invitation frequently expressed by various Russian governments to supervise the formation of the national Ukrainian Army” and in case of armed conflict between Rada and Soviet would take no part therein.
Account states question of exchange of diplomatic couriers between Russia and France was discussed but if conclusion reached it is not given.
Account further states that in discussing peace conditions negotiations now being conducted Trotsky said that the Russian revolutionary forces would not conclude a peace on basis of subjection “but a peace without annexations and contributions granting to all the oppressed nations the right of free self-determination. The refusal of these democratic principles would carry with it the breaking off of negotiations.” Claimed Chernov reported to have condemned severely action Soviet government toward Constituent Assembly in speech made yesterday. Commissary of Soviet directed by Constituent Assembly in signed statement denied charge that is endeavoring to prevent Assembly meeting and affirmed he will convene same when half or four hundred members arrive and register. This explanation [Page 318] of interference with Assembly appears apologetic and indicates that Soviet government beginning to realize conditions. No cable yesterday because for first time began to feel despair and disgust that Russia had permitted Bolsheviks to remain in control for six weeks.