File No. 763.72/8939
The Ambassador in Russia ( Francis) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 21, 7.11 p.m.]
2387. If Germans decide to come Petrograd they can; hear however Soviet preparing resistance. Allied missions would leave, if possible, before Germans arrive. Swedish exit impossible; Murman route open now, but probably unavailable later, as Germans or White Guard can interrupt. From Revel Germans can take Helsingfors, and then surround and capture Petrograd where resistance too ineffectual against Germans’ warfare. Government perhaps go Moscow where think I shall go if possible.
[Page 383]Trotsky thought that protest against resumption of hostilities without seven days’ notice was sufficient, and while awaiting reply heard of fall of Dvinsk.
Robins has just telephoned that Hoffmann’s reply was that thought armistice ended where peace negotiations terminated, and Russia had been given ten days’ notice instead of three.