File No. 861.00/1016
The Ambassador in Russia ( Francis) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 29, 1.88 p.m.]
2287. Food conditions grave; bread quarter of pound daily allotment. Hotel France raided last night by Red Guards; all food taken.
Factory workers, especially women, organizing, passing resolutions against Soviet, which is the natural result of food scarcity, but the problem is what will succeed present power if overthrown. Bolshevism growing in the Ukraine. If Germans negotiate separate Ukraine peace and control resources of that section they will be indifferent to Soviet peace; could take Petrograd, but properly consider it liability not an asset.
Took Poole to British and French Ambassadors to-day to make a report on southern conditions. Think both those Governments have aided financially Alexeev movement, but not through Embassies here.
Trotsky’s unexpected departure very significant, indicating separate peace I fear.