File No. 861.00/1759
The Ambassador in Russia ( Francis) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 9, 2.26 a.m.]
146. When informed evening May 2 that French Ambassador’s cipher telegrams to Paris refused thought discrimination against him because French Government not replied to demand for his recall, but when my cipher messages to the Department and Summers were refused about midnight was astounded. Cabled you en clair concerning [omission] to join therein. Had prepared exhaustive cable special green concerning best course and Allied intervention, having concluded temporizing with Soviet government should cease, but reception was refused. May send same from Archangel but fear be garbled by inexperienced wireless operators.
This prohibition cipher messages may be beginning of policies which will result in withdrawing all diplomatic immunities. In such event am inclined to ask safe-conduct to nearest ally, China, or possibly start eastward without making such request. If informed by Soviet government that Archangel or Murman only exit, shall choose Archangel but the ministers should not leave Russian soil if possible to remain. Allied missions express willingness to accompany me wherever I may go. My preferences follow: Harbin, Vladivostok, Archangel, Murman.
It is possible this treatment of Allied representatives may arouse widespread opposition to Soviet government and result in Bolshevik overthrow; if such appears probable Allied chiefs may appeal to Russian people from wherever they may be but such appeal would be framed against our common enemy, and would not favor or oppose any Russian faction.