File No. 861.00/1258

The Consul General at Moscow ( Summers) to the Secretary of State 1

[Telegram]

236. In confidential conversation with Consulate General … [a high Soviet official] stated that peace terms will not be observed and that Germans will continue to advance occupying or controlling all Russia to the Volga. The non-fulfilment by Russia of any of the clauses will serve as reason further advance. As Bolsheviks will refuse to demobilize Red Guard, inevitable result will be the continuance [Page 394] of military operations. Germans have advanced already from Narva to Yamburg, only 75 miles from Petrograd, simultaneous peace was signed [sic].

Bolsheviks had hoped that by signing peace time would be gained for organizing new army. This he admits is now recognized by Bolsheviks as serious mistake as Germans will not discontinue operations until the already demoralized army is completely dissolved leaving country defenseless. He further stated that de facto government will soon remove to Moscow of those though [sic] have endeavored to persuade Petrograd Soviets to go to some place beyond the Volga. He stated that Lenin’s position was still very strong but that Trotsky had recently lost much of his influence.

The general impression gained from conference was that a large section of the Bolshevik Party realized the disastrous situation brought on by the party and the absolute defenselessness of Russia against German domination. …

I shall keep Department fully advised proceeding of coming congress Soviets. It is not thought they will oppose peace terms.

Embassy at Vologda still. All newspapers except anarchist and Bolshevik friendly.

Summers
  1. Sent via the Consulate at Vladivostok.