File No. 861.00/350
The Ambassador in Russia ( Francis) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 8, 4.05 p.m.]
1253. Continuing my 1248, May 4. Street demonstrations continued but eventuated in overwhelming demonstration for Ministry. Every banner favoring Lenin was destroyed when seen, evidently by action majority of citizens here [supporting] Ministry which has no opposition elsewhere in Russia. Minister for Foreign Affairs who lunched with me to-day is much elated over situation. Ministry issued another note yesterday explaining note of May 3 which explanation merely reiterates previous but has appeased workmen’s committee. Will Department reply to Minister for Foreign Affairs’ note May 3 reiterating Provisional Government’s statement of April 10 [9] giving ends of war which communicated through Russian Embassy there or shall I reply and if so have you any suggestions in that connection?
[In a telegram from the Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Russia (No. 1385, May 7, 1917) there was transmitted a message from the American Federation of Labor to the Executive Committee of the Council of Workmen’s and Soldiers’ Deputies, arguing for an interpretation of the peace formula, “no annexations, no indemnities,” in the sense of “no forcible annexations, but that every people must be free to choose any allegiance it desires,” and no “punitive and improper indemnities,” and warning against “international” conferences as instigated by the Kaiser. Any intent on the part of the United States to influence the form of government which Russia shall eventually adopt is disclaimed. See Foreign Relations, 1917, Supplement 2, Volume I.]