File No. 861.00/1848

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

[Telegram]

173. Robins passed [through] Vologda yesterday in Red Cross, car attached to Siberian Express en route Vladivostok thence America, saying departure in compliance with your 22 of the 7th,1 signed Davison, Lansing, which was received Moscow 10th through Consulate General and was seen by me before delivery. Robins construed this cable as definite recall and when asked by me if Davison returned [ordered return,] replied “no,” but said message was from State Department. Robins had intended remaining in the hope that Thompson would influence Department to recognize Soviet government. He planned to leave Moscow 2d instant but telegraphed me that departure delayed by cables from Paris and Washington. I saw in Moscow a telegram from Thacher2 stating received Robins’s cable and had told Davison and others of Robins’s good work and thought effective. Also saw cable from Davison saying had received Robins’s cables and had seen Thacher and understood situation but could do nothing before reaching Washington and advising Robins to remain until further instructions. Consequently recall surprised Robins. When asked to what he attributed same replied: Summers’s suggestion. He stated yesterday he had received cable from Thacher dated 10th instant stating that he had been Washington and thought had made impression. I do not know whether Robins can reach Vladivostok, as Harbin route closed and Amur route reported cut by Semenov, but Robins said latter report untrue, as Soviet government unadvised thereof. Robins was accompanied by Hardy, Gum-berg and Brown, representative of Chicago News.

Associated Press representative here and Groves3 after talking to Robins at the station understand that he had definite proposition to the United States from the Soviet government and was hastening to America in expectation of receiving favorable reply and definitely [Page 531] stated expected to return promptly if Soviet government survived, but Robins, with whom I talked fully, made no mention of such mission nor of returning.

Have instructed consuls along Trans-Siberian Railway to assist Robins if possible and advise me of his progress; also to transmit through Embassy or Consulate General all messages “on matters of political policy” whether cipher or en clair (see your 78, April 21 [23], 5 p.m.1) as Robins said has procured order of Soviet government directing acceptance of cipher messages signed by himself through consuls.

Some three months ago Robins, after repeated efforts to convert me to the support of Soviet government, upon asking if I had recommended recognition, when I replied, “No,” he said would inform government and tell them I would not. I replied assenting first proposition but requested him not to advise government as to my future course which would depend upon resistance offered to Germany. Robins as I have cabled Department [has] been earnestly advocating recognition and has persuaded several well-meaning Americans that such policy wise, notably Associated Press representatives, Red Cross members and Jerome Davis; the latter I am informed cabled Mott recommending support of recognition. Thacher when at Murman awaiting vessel for London, participated in meetings and advocated evacuation of Murman by Allies, notwithstanding Merrill2 advised him that my policy contrary thereto.

I do not understand Robins’s failure to inform me of his plans as he has continuously since [Thompson’s departure] expressed friendliness and admiration of my course. I regret forgetting to tell him yesterday contents of your 78, April 21 [23], 5 p.m.,1 and that would instruct consuls accordingly.

Of course have no fear of Department’s recognizing Soviet government if it should [last] until Robins’s arrival Washington, which I doubt. Bolshevik press states Robins going to America and will return soon, while opposition press claims his recall final.

May I suggest advising Red Cross and Christian Association to instruct their representatives to confine their activities strictly to the line of their work? Permit me most [earnestly] to say that if the Department would refuse Russian passports issued to socialist fanatics and sensational newsmongers, it would diminish difficulties and lessen embarrassments of this Embassy. Striking examples of unsatisfactory class are. …

Francis
  1. To the Consul at Moscow, ante, p. 523.
  2. Maj. Thomas D. Thacher, former member of the American Red Cross Commission to Russia.
  3. J. Philip Groves, clerk in Embassy.
  4. Ante, p. 503.
  5. Probably error for Lieut. Hugh S. Martin, Assistant Military Attaché.
  6. Ante, p. 503.