File No. 862.20261/53
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Russia ( Francis)
2074. Your 23543 and subsequent telegrams same subject.
I have read these documents with great interest and trust that you will make every endeavor to obtain further evidence not only of German intrigue with Bolsheviki but also with members of former governments particularly Stunner.
[Page 382]Unless you see some objection, please explain the “widely different sources” mentioned by you, also telegraph name of American who had seen photograph of Y[offe] letter. What part of the material are the British working on? Department agrees with you that the case must be completed before publication can be even considered. Department is not inclined to think publication at this time desirable.
Omit no effort to obtain original or at least photograph of Document No. 1 and Document No. 2. The latter of great importance. The Department desires the original if possible also of Document No. 4.
It would seem to be preferable to obtain photograph rather than original of Y. letter as loss of original might be discovered and lead to undesired inquiry. Would it be possible to obtain copies of all the Brest dossier? Please endeavor to secure complete information regarding “new negotiations with Switzerland carried on with great success.” It would appear that person mentioned is Von Igel formerly in this country.
In order to complete our information in this case it is necessary to satisfy yourself if possible as to whether there are documents or not on file to show that while Bolsheviki were willing to accept German money on the terms mentioned in Document No. 3 they did not at the same time intend to carry on the same form of propaganda amongst German and Austrian troops on the eastern front. Also report what evidence you can find to prove or disprove that such propaganda is being carried on now.