File No. 861.00/1263

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

[Telegram]

Your 238. As cable communication takes two or three days Department relies on your judgment to determine when developments [Page 399] require you to leave Moscow, but hopes situation may not require you to move Consulate. In view of disorders at Irkutsk last December which resulted in burning numerous buildings and also the presence of armed prisoners of war reported by Macgowan via Peking, the Department suggests you consider whether Omsk or Irkutsk is the better place in the event you are forced to withdraw from European Russia.

Your work has been admirable. If matter requires, do not hesitate to leave post temporarily, turning over Consulate to consular officer whom you consider best qualified.

Polk