File No. 861.00/850
The Ambassador in Great Britain ( Page) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 22, 8 a.m.]
8035. My 7980, December 15, 5 p.m. I have been keeping my eye on this matter and yesterday spoke casually to Lord Robert Cecil about it. He says the British Government has yet no intention to recognize the Bolsheviks but awaits developments not knowing what it may seem wise to do later. He promised to keep me informed before taking action if his Government should reach a different decision.
An informal negotiation is going on through private channels between London and Petrograd looking to the release of interned Russians here in exchange for free exit from Russia of British subjects. But this negotiation is not regarded by the British Government as a recognition of the Bolsheviks.