File No. 861.00/1669

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

[Telegram]

126. Did not intend notice attempted statement reprinted in Zarya Rossii, conservative Moscow journal, from Evening Star, unreliable Bolshevik yellow Petrograd journal, to the effect that American Embassy indirectly reported that secret conference held or about to be, London, at American instigation to promote improved relations Allied and Soviet government. Soviet News, however, official organ Russian Central Executive Committee, in long editorial 24th treats canard so seriously that feel constrained to state that I know nothing about such conference or suggestion thereof. Should be pleased to know if Department been urging such conference or whether anyone has.

Francis