File No. 861.00/1704

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

[Telegram]

119. Had call from Serbian Minister, who gave dramatic account of interview with Trotsky. He says told Trotsky, as cabled in my 98, April 14, 7 p.m.,1 that White Guards Finland would advance on Petrograd and in Ukraine on Moscow and while both assisted by Germans, latter would not cross frontier and that Trotsky would be powerless to oppose to which Trotsky gave silent assent. Later when Serbian Minister mentioned Japanese invasion Trotsky hissed and said such would unite Russians.

Germans and Bolsheviks endeavoring to foment dissension between Japan and the United States. Soviet government willing to treat with any power on earth or elsewhere to perpetuate their domination in Russia.

Lying Petrograd journal, which ten days since printed I was returning because of disagreement with the Department concerning Bolshevik policy, yesterday printed another article, professedly emanating from one close to Embassy in Vologda, that America had prevailed upon other Allies to consider Allied relations with Soviet government and that secret conference thereon be held soon in London. Both lies ignored.

Beloostrov captured by Finnish White Guard 22d.

Mirbach arrived Moscow yesterday and reports that anarchist raid of 12th was made on his order [omission]. Germany protested against landing 6,000 British, French troops for protection of Murman railway as reported in Norwegian press. Am anxiously awaiting information if any change in Far East policy.

Francis
  1. Not printed; see footnote 1, ante, p. 498.