File No. 862.20261/55
The Ambassador in Russia ( Francis) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 16, 1.43 a.m.]
2365. My 23542 mainly framed by Sisson on documents procured by myself and sent at his instigation to prove relation which I thought existed from the beginning of the last revolution until my conviction shaken by Robins who said after thorough investigation was convinced that Lenin and Trotsky received no German money. Am now satisfied they did accept it but recent developments demonstrate they did their work too well and were making inroads in Germany and Austria. They felt justified in accepting money from Germany as they promote the chances for their world-wide social revolution for which they are constantly working, being willing to sacrifice any country therefor. Kolontai and three other prominent Bolsheviks leaving for Stockholm bent on international revolutionary propaganda; watch them. Provisional Government probably unaware that money used; such information possibly withheld by Halpern, its trusted official, whom British now suspect although he was then their legal adviser.
[Page 381]Separate Ukrainian peace negotiated with bourgeois Rada which Soviet army successfully fighting; Sweden and Germany aiding bourgeois element in Finland which Russian Red Guard fighting; reported arrests by Bolsheviki of Baltic province German-sympathizing landowners because Germans threatening Revel and Petrograd, all indicate that Bolsheviki sincerely opposing Germany and consequently aiding Allies but unintentionally. Difficult to believe that declaration that state of war ceased is part of frame-up with Germany. Army demobilization part of program to prove Bolsheviki not continuing imperialistic war while organizations of Red Guard volunteer legion to defend revolution not inconsistent.
Meantime Alexeev, Kornilov organizing army in south avowedly to preserve order in Russia when Soviet government overthrown as now generally predicted inevitable. A’s representatives here declare he not fighting Bolsheviki but pleased by their success in Ukraine.
Situation is difficult problem. Immediate solution impossible.
Trotsky and other peace commissioners returned to Petrograd and Trotsky will address Central Soviet Committee evening of 14th.