File No. 861.731/81
The Ambassador in Russia ( Francis ) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 7, 7 p.m.]
149. Filed to-day my telegram No. 140, May 2, 6 p.m., refused May 2. Following delivered to-day to all missions:
According to explanation of the Commissaire of the Post and Telegraph, circular 3201 refers only to the consuls in Siberia and all persons not subject to detention. Lapin.
Also received the following from Chicherin:
Stopping cipher telegrams Vologda was result misunderstanding. We are very sorry to have created inconvenience. Chicherin.
It is my opinion that there was no misunderstanding but Soviet government concluded to retract prohibition order. French Consul Petrograd wired was handling there and applying to neutrals. This changes situation materially as Allied chiefs had agreed to ask safe-conduct to nearest Allied country if prohibition operative. I am authorized by Allied chiefs to provide [protest] against interdict of cipher message to Siberian consuls which shall so instruct consuls in Moscow where I go to-night, leaving Armour here.
Had to-day thorough conference with Japanese Chargé d’Affaires who advocates Allied intervention and when asked in what form said by establishing sane Russian government in Siberia which would be rallying center for German resistance and would attract all anti-Bolshevik Russians. Have not told any colleagues of contents of my 140, May 2, 6 p.m. Shall cable further on the subject from Moscow where Johnston accompanies me.