File No. 861.00/343
The Ambassador in Russia ( Francis) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 7, 12.50 p.m.]
1248. New Government passing through trying ordeal caused by opposition of Workmen’s and Soldiers’ Deputies being dissatisfied with Minister for Foreign Affairs’ note of May 3 communicated to Allied powers through Russian representatives and explaining or amplifying note of April 10[9] on ends of war. Crowds and one or two organized regiments marched streets yesterday afternoon and evening with banners calling for Milyukov’s resignation and few banners demanding peace. I conferred with Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister of War jointly 6.30 afternoon; told them unless gave better evidence of established Government must ask my Government to make specific demands before furnishing credit or supplies; that if present Government resigned or failed to assert itself would [advise] my Government to withhold all support as another revolution would result in German successes in Russia and reestablishment of monarchical government. Both assured me had no intention of resigning and that workingmen did not so desire as they knew it would mean withdrawal of our support and perhaps that of all Allies but that workingmen desired to control policy of present Government. I told them they could not so afford as such course would lose them respect of Russian people and of all their Allies as well as their own self-respect. At 10 p.m., during conference between workingmen’s committee and Council of Ministers, there was demonstration around building unfriendly to Government officers but later friends of Government congregated in such numbers as to overwhelm opponents. Atmosphere seems clearer to-day. This opposition is by Lenin and his followers who I think are inspired and possibly paid by Germany. Shall cable further developments. No bloodshed.