File No. 763.711/5238
The Ambassador in Russia ( Francis) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 9, 11.15 a.m.]
1362. Your cipher telegram 1464, June 3, 11 p.m., just received. Immediately phoned Minister for Foreign Affairs for audience. Will come to the Embassy 6 this afternoon. Explained over phone that the President’s message addressed Provisional Government and not reply to any communication but sent absolutely independently. He immediately asked if President advised of contents of his personal note to me of June 4 which transmitted verbatim in my 1364 [1357] June 4, 6 p.m. When answered affirmatively he remarked that same objections obtained to anything emanating now from President and stated enthusiastically that conditions improving so rapidly in army sincerely hoped nothing be said or done to interfere as to-day’s advices still more encouraging. No formal conference between Allied representatives concerning replies but know that British Ambassador and Henderson submitted to London yesterday third draft of note concerning objects of war. Also know that Italian Ambassador and Thomas, acting French Ambassador, framing note on the same subject and having great difficulty in satisfying Minister for Foreign Affairs and their own countries concerning arbitral court and contributions. His approving of the President’s message May 30 and suggesting alterations therein June 2 demonstrates sensitiveness of the Ministry. Minister for Foreign Affairs sincerely desirous that nothing will lessen welcome to Diplomatic Commission which left Vladivostok evening June 3 due Petrograd about June 12 and says was planning to publish President’s note on commission’s entering European Russia. Was flattering myself that President’s message partly due to my 1253, May 5, 7 p.m., and 1270, May 11, and 1288, May 14,1 as it so thoroughly met what I thought were requirements. President’s plan, however, was better as it prepared way for arrival of Diplomatic Commission. Cable again after seeing Minister for Foreign Affairs.