File No. 361.61/4315
The Ambassador in Russia ( Francis) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 30, 2.57 p.m.]
2154. Statement in my 2144 was published 25th textually in Soviet official publication and followed by number of impertinent questions indicating doubt as to truth my statement. If had official relations with the government officers would demand apology or explanation. Have not replied but sent Robins to Trotsky who repulsed first two efforts of Robins to explain. Yesterday received clear statement from Anderson which Robins to-day showed Trotsky and reports that Trotsky discredited.
Anderson wires through American Legation, Jassy, that ordered automobiles to Rostov December 5 because “conditions became acute” and his plan was to save Red Cross units from Germans by southern route motoring from Rostov to British Army in Mesopotamia. Conditions improved few days later when order canceled and Kalpashnikov ordered to bring automobiles to Jassy where much needed, [Page 330] adding “further than this we have nothing whatever to do with any political or military conditions Russian either directly or indirectly.” Suggest show Davison.