File No. 861.00/1826
The Ambassador in Russia ( Francis) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 20, 10.30 a.m.]
160. Had conference with Lockhart 9th. He is only diplomatic representative his country has here if may be so called; showed me [Page 526] in strict confidence copy of cable from Balfour to Reading in Washington concerning Allied intervention which was sent from London to Washington April 25, and to Lockhart April 28 for his information. Main object of cable was to persuade President to consent to Allied intervention. Meantime Italian Embassy Vologda received cable stating Reading has informed Italian Ambassador Washington that President unalterably opposed to Allied intervention unless desired by Russian people. Lockhart strongly favors Allied intervention with or without Soviet government approval but says approval desirable, to which I agree, but if securable only by promise to sustain even secretly Bolshevik domination I think cost would be too dear as Lockhart says he is officially informed that Germany has made imperative demand of Soviet government to require Allies to evacuate Murman. Robins of whom I made the same inquiry says no such ultimatum issued. I think report is correct.
Monarchical sentiment growing, also opposition to Bolshevik domination increasing throughout. Confidentially, had a consultation with Sadoul, French captain in close relations with Soviet government, commissioned in French Army after a defeat as radical socialist candidate for Chamber of Deputies. French Ambassador, socialist also, but Bolsheviks dislike socialists who disagree with them more than they dislike non-socialists while moderate socialists bitterly denounce Bolsheviks for delaying by their policies the triumph of socialism for half a century or more. Sadoul says Bolshevism is dead, and only way to prevent restoration of monarchy is assisting in coalition of socialistic democratic and anti-monarchical governments [elements?] for formation of extremely liberal republic. When asked if Lenin, hitherto Bolshevik dictator, would compromise his radical policies the affirmative reply was so prompt that suggestion rose in my mind whether Sadoul was not Soviet agent to sound me on the subject. I replied the suggestion was new and very interesting. Sadoul said Lenin contemplates denationalizing banks, and revoking decree repudiating loans. In my opinion Soviet government realizes its unsatisfied [sic] condition and is playing for time. Chicherin telegrams to me direct, one expressing regret if prohibition cipher messages had inconvenienced me, another expressing condolence concerning Summers’s death together with request to participate in funeral ceremonial which I granted, all indicate desire to establish friendly relations with us.1 Such desire augmented by information imparted by me through consulate that Emerson and seven engineers coming to assist in transportation betterment. I am not discouraging such advances because wish de facto government to side with Allies when steady [sic] Allied intervention unavoidable, or [Page 527] when compelled to decide between Germany and Allies. I think that Soviet government when replying to German ultimatum concerning Murman will make evasive statement to gain time.
Had four extremely full days in Moscow but consider profitable. Retaining Consulate General under Consul will justify my returning soon and often as I contemplate. Hope the Department will not send as Consul General one unacquainted with prevailing conditions; I think Harris best qualified for place but his services and judgment required for present on Siberian situation which growing extremely interesting; Poole is quick, capable and untiring. Furthermore, chief Far Eastern division Soviet Foreign Office, and representative of Soviet government at funeral, whom I granted audience 10th after much insistence, asked why I did not engage house Moscow and move from Vologda, and when I replied Allied missions had joined me in Vologda and we thought safer from German interference, he remarked German Ambassador in Moscow, and my rejoinder was: he is treated much more considerately than Allied representatives.
Meantime, I trust sincerely we have been making all possible preparations for Allied intervention as I have recommended for months past, and that active negotiations have begun among Allies therefor, as urged in my No. 140 of May 2, 6 p.m.1