File No. 861.00/1987
The Consul at Moscow ( Poole) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 9, 10.21 p.m.]
576. Mirbach continuing negotiations with group of Cadets, industrials, etc., headed by Krivoshein, Minister of Agriculture and leader of the left in the Tsar’s government. So far as can be learned German proposition is to support a command which will make K. civil dictator and bring about reestablishment of order. Russians show tendency to hold out in hope that Allied intervention may still come. Mirbach on his side continues conciliatory tactics well [which have] sustained Bolshevik government. The situation is thus rather delicately balanced and in the absence of positive intervention by the [Page 546] Allies it may continue essentially unchanged for some time. It is equally possible however that Allied intervention failing determinating parties of the right will agree with the Germans upon prompt united action.
See my No. 552, May 24, 8 p.m. Halsey telegraphs from Murman May 25:
Notwithstanding orders received direct from Moscow Commissariat Foreign Affairs district Soviet desire Allies to remain. They inform me in writing that their feelings toward United States are most sincere and cordial and that this friendship will only be cemented by presence American warship. Olympia arrived 24th and is under orders British admiral.
Bolsheviki probably hope that by Murman cession to Finland they can avoid issue through direct clash between Allies on one side and Finland and Germany on other.
Kerensky left before 25th for Murmansk whence he hopes to sail for England probably June 2.