File No. 861.00/1053
The Ambassador in Russia ( Francis) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 5, 4.45 p.m.]
2310. Endeavoring through Robins to get Lenin revoke Reed appointment with fair prospect of success.1
Lenin incensed that Zalkind, assistant commissary Foreign Affairs, sent me note enclosing anarchist resolution and without tendering protection or remonstrance or any comment whatever. Foreign Office sent a messenger to the Embassy, 7 last evening, to inform Ambassador that anarchist demonstration planned for last evening, Christmas eve [sic], Trotsky had prevented; notwithstanding had six men on guard. No demonstration and Robins thinks none planned. Lenin appointed Chicherin to succeed Zalkind.
Smolny reports on great strikes in Germany and demands by strikers for Russian peace on Soviet terms; also appeals for general peace along lines of President Wilson’s message but [?] please cable immediately if true.
- John Reed, U. S. newspaper man, whose appointment as Consul at New York had been announced by the Soviet régime.↩