Office of the Historian

File No. 861.00/1322

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Russia ( Francis)

[Telegram]
Washington, March 23, 1918, 7 p.m.

21. Your 15 [13], March 16,1 and 17, March 18.2 Department believes your action has had good effect, but does not desire to modify in any way previous instructions as to recognition of Soviet government. As conditions change so rapidly Department has issued you only general instructions and relies on your discretion and judgment to determine your movements and matters not affecting policy of this Government. Unhappily, the United States is unable to extend direct aid to the people of Russia at this time but desires you to reflect attitude of America as already conveyed to you in previous telegrams.

Lansing
  1. Not printed; discusses, as does No. 17, the Ambassador’s press declaration opposing a separate peace.↩
  2. Ante, p. 402.↩