File No. 763.72/5173

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

[Telegram]

1464. Do not understand your telegram 1348, May 31, 5 p.m., referring to Department’s 1426.

[No.] 1426 was sent by the President independently and not at the suggestion of any one. If it is supposed that it was sent by agreement that other powers would also send similar messages the supposition is entirely wrong. Furthermore the statement as to replies of Great Britain and France being unsafe but President’s “reply” satisfactory and statement that Minister of Foreign Affairs “would submit all replies to Council of Ministers” are not understood, as President’s message was not a reply to any communication.

Please explain to Minister of Foreign Affairs that President’s message is in no sense a reply to anything but is a wholly spontaneous and independent communication which it is desirable to make public here as soon as possible provided Russian Government has no objection to publication.

Lansing