File No. 861.00/1630
The Ambassador in Russia ( Francis ) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 20, 9.18 p.m.]
100. Robins’s automobile taken by anarchists 11th when he complained to Soviet government and says without feeling told them to demonstrate claimed power to protect life and property. He reports that morning of 12th 26 anarchists’ rendezvous Moscow surrounded by Red Guard demanding disarmament in five minutes; majority surrendered, those resisting were attacked and 522 arrested, 40 killed and wounded. Robins says this thorough demonstration of Bolsheviks’ power, another argument for recognition.
[Page 498]Riggs and other Allied military attaches Moscow being estopped from aiding army organization by your cable No. 49, April 5, 8 p.m. Wires Ruggles, 13th:
Formal declaration, which apparently expected by Ambassador, that this is an army to fight Germans will never be made for obvious reasons, therefore our aid can only come after declaration of war when it will come too late.
Furthermore states:
Through Ambassador first I have seen to-day British Foreign Office telegram saying in substance:
British Government signifies its hearty willingness to treat with Bolsheviks on basis of terms as given in telegram relating conversation Trotsky with military missions. It further states that economic questions such as repayment of loans are not to be raised at this time. Only aim to defeat Germany.
A second telegram making this stronger and telling Lockhart to go the limit; furthermore, Trotsky knows this. He is very pleased as he asked for British naval mission and has offered Canadian Colonel Boyle important transport post.
Riggs further says, “Watch French Ambassador who is expecting to aid and will very soon get orders to change his play,” and predicts British will beat us to it and will have French supporting, we coming third. This contrasts greatly with views of Summers and Serbian Minister cabled my 98, April 14, 7 p.m.1 Desiring, however, to leave no excuse for Soviet government’s favoring Germany, am cabling you to-day requesting Emerson and several engineers be sent Vologda immediately.
Moscow papers say “Rus-Tel Agency” suppressed as counter-revolutionary—that agency promulgates statement that I had received cable from you to the effect that Japanese landing agreed to by Allies; apparently my statement based on your 47, April 5, 6 p.m.,2 as cabled in my 86, April 10, 4 p.m.;2 nullified effect of false publication and allayed excitement about landing.
Moscow Soviet press says Soviet government seeking through neutral government recognition by Allies and claims that Allied missions at Vologda and neutral missions remaining at Petrograd are preparing to move Moscow headed by American Ambassador. I know of no basis therefor, do you? Mirbach, German Ambassador to Soviet government, expected soon, reported leaving Berlin 14th special train of ten cars.