File No. 861.00/1142
The Ambassador in Russia ( Francis) to the Secretary of State
[Telegram]
Petrograd,
February 20, 1918, 3 p.m.
[Received February 24, 12.35 p.m.]
[Received February 24, 12.35 p.m.]
2395. Soviet government demoralized, nearly stampeded. Germans reported 70 versts from Dvinsk toward Petrograd. Regardless whether Soviet proposals accepted think I should leave with staff but, not fully decided. Germans could control city within forty-eight hours. If depart, planning go eastward but all arrangements indefinite. More later. If leave I shall confide interests to Norwegian Minister, my most sympathetic neutral colleague, who represents no other power.
Francis