File No. 361.01/4312

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

[Telegram]

2144. Continuing my 21321 concerning automobiles ordered to Rostov by Anderson which Trotsky misconstrued as plan to assist Kaledin. Papers published Christmas morning my reply to such charges. My statement follows:

My attention has to-day been called to an article appearing in to-day’s issue of the bulletin of the Soviets in which it is alleged that the most prominent representatives of the United States are shown to be implicated in the Kaledin plot: that they have taken all measures to assist in [omission]; that under the guise of a Red Cross train destined for the southwest front American officers in Jassy, Messrs. Anderson and Perkins and their associates, and the Russian officers Kalpashnikov and Verblyunski have made an attempt to send several dozen automobiles “and other things” to be placed at the disposal of Kaledin, that Colonel Kalpashnikov and his accomplices have been arrested; that papers of exceptional importance have been seized, among them a telegram from the chief of the American Red Cross Mission in Jassy commissioning Colonel Kalpashnikov to receive from me Rs. 100,000 to send the train to Rostov and a certificate signed by me to the effect that the train is going from “Petrograd to Jassy”; that the plot of the American imperialists with the Kaledinists has been exposed; and that it is now time for me and for the Government which I represent to speak. I have also been informed that in a speech at the Alexander Theater on the night of December 8/21 Mr. Trotsky has charged [me] with “counter-revolutionary” activities.

Instructions of my Government are very definite and positive prohibiting any interference by any American representative in Russia [Page 327] in the internal affairs of this country. I have observed these instructions scrupulously and, so far as my authority extends, have directed their strict observance by all connected with the American Embassy or under its control. The charge or insinuation that I was aiding Kaledin or any other of the numerous and varied factions in Russia is absolutely without foundation and my statement to this effect should be sufficient to convince all of its truth and correctness.

The American Red Cross is an organization in my country supported by voluntary subscription and officially recognized by the Government of the United States, the purpose of the existence of which is the alleviation of human suffering. During the present war in which the United States is now engaged the American Red Cross maintains certain missions operating in the countries of its allies, among them a mission to Russia and one to Rumania, under the chairmanship of Lieut. Col. Raymond Robins and Lieut. Col. Henry W. Anderson, respectively.

The American Embassy at Petrograd has never failed to afford all assistance and cooperation possible with the American Red Cross in Washington and with its missions in Russia and Rumania especially, one of its chief duties and privileges being the transmission to their respective destinations of cables between the respective missions and the American Red Cross in Washington.

The bulletin of the Soviets published the text of a telegram from Colonel Anderson to Colonel Kalpashnikov relative to the shipment of certain motor cars to Rostov-on-Don, directing Colonel Kalpashnikov to apply to me for the advance of Rs. 100,000 for the account of the Red Cross. The bulletin does not publish the text of the two following telegrams from Colonel Anderson which, together with the text of the telegram published, were delivered to Colonel Kalpashnikov on December 1/14:

American Embassy,
Petrograd.

575. Following signed Anderson for Kalpashnikov:

Jassy, December 11 [1917].

Perkins and Verblyunski left for Petrograd 10th. In view changed conditions here disregard my 569, December 5. Have motors ready for shipment on arrival Perkins who carries instructions. Spend necessary funds up to Rs. 50,000. Move them promptly. See Robins about other supplies mentioned my 559, November 28, and act on Perkins’s advice as to further purchase.

Vopicka
American Minister

American Embassy,
Petrograd
.

Following from Anderson:

Jassy, December 5 [1917].

568. Please see my No. 569, to-day, which is for Colonel Kalpashnikov. Please supply him, for the purposes stated therein, necessary funds up to Rs. 100,000 and draw on American National Red Cross, Henry P. Davison, chairman, with this telegram attached to cover.

It is most urgent that this matter be done at once, so please assist Kalpashnikov in the matter in every way possible.

American Minister

In this connection I desire to state that I have never paid Colonel Kalpashnikov a kopek for this purpose or for any other, nor has he ever applied to me for any funds whatever.

[Page 328]

Copies of these telegrams and of all others relating to Red Cross work are on file with the American Red Cross Mission to Russia, the chairman of which, Lieutenant Colonel Robins, is empowered to speak on all matters relating to his mission.

On October 24/November 6 Lieutenant Colonel Anderson requested the Russian Red Cross to transfer to the American Red Cross Mission to Rumania, in order to relieve the Rumanian situation, the motor cars, ambulances, equipment and supplies originally obtained through the efforts of the Siberian Regiments American Ambulance Society in the United States, represented by Colonel Kalpashnikov, intended for use upon the various Russian fronts, which was granted. Since that time the respective missions have been engaged in an endeavor to fulfil the terms of the agreement. The charge that these motor cars are intended for the use of General Kaledin, which in itself is preposterous and impugns the good faith of the official representatives of a government known to be actuated by the most friendly motives toward the Russian people, is additionally disproved by the following letters to me from Colonel Anderson, which show his desire that the safety of the cars be assured:

December 8, 1917.

My Dear Mr. Ambassador: I hand you herewith copy of my recent telegram regarding the motor cars which Colonel Kalpashnikov is to bring to this commission.

The American Red Cross recently placed at my disposal an additional appropriation of $1,000,000 and I am anxious that the motor cars and supplies of this commission shall not fall into the hands of the enemy in the event of further invasion of this territory.

Major Perkins will explain more fully the plans of the commission and is fully authorized to act for me. Sincerely yours,

Henry W. Anderson
Lieutenant Colonel and Chairman,
American Red Cross Mission to Rumania

[Enclosure]

Decembers, 1917.

My Dear Mr. Ambassador: I thank you for your letter of November 13 enclosing copies of the notice in regard to the motor cars of Colonel Kalpashnikov. I desire to express my appreciation of your courtesies and the assistance rendered to Colonel Kalpashnikov in the matter.

Major Perkins of this commission, who will call on you, will explain our present purpose in regard to these motor cars, and I will be grateful for any assistance you may be able to give in carrying that purpose into effect.

I have determined that these cars and other property of this commission shall not fall into the hands of the enemy if it can be avoided.

Sincerely yours,

Henry W. Anderson
Lieutenant Colonel and Chairman,
American Red Cross Mission to Rumania

The document given by me to Colonel Kalpashnikov bespeaking assistance in the transportation of these automobiles from Petrograd to Jassy follows customary precedent in such instances, in fact, since the issuance thereof I have also given on December 1/14 a similar certificate bespeaking protection and safe-conduct for “ambulances, medicines and clothing “sent from Petrograd to Jassy by the American Red Cross Mission to Russia.

It is inconceivable that further documentary evidence or statements are needed to disprove the incendiary allegations intended to arouse [Page 329] animosity towards the American Government, this Embassy of the American people, or to attribute to the American Government or its representatives an act so wholly contrary to its traditional policy.

I trust it will be very difficult for any one to convince the Russian people that America does not feel friendly to Russia and that her people do not cherish an earnest and sincere sympathy for the people of this country in the difficulties that confront them. Many substantial evidences of such sentiment have been given [since] the revolution of March last. Only yesterday a delegation called at this Embassy and presented a floral offering as an expression of the effort I am making to have 1,075,000 pairs of boots and shoes shipped from America for the members of the railway union and their wives and children.

Francis
  1. Ante, p. 321.