File No. 861.00/2427
The Ambassador in Russia ( Francis) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 7, 1.40 a.m.]
Left Murman 11 last evening arrived here at 1 p.m. Your August 3, 7 p.m., delivered as train started and highly gratifying. No communication established with Odessa [?] yet; no direct wire communication between here and Archangel. Allied missions remaining on boats and planning return to Archangel when escort secured.
French Ambassador insists that Allied chiefs enter Archangel together but I see no object therein, as such procedure might imply returning to Russia which we have never left and which I had no [Page 630] intention of leaving. Furthermore, new government might ceremoniously welcome us and that would be embarrassing as no chiefs authorized to recognize or communicate officially with any Russian Government. As, however, Allied chiefs have followed my suggestions all day almost or quite invariably, I shall not strenuously oppose entering Archangel together if they insist.
August 2, Constitutional Assembly members of northern region proclaimed new government comprising provinces Vyatka, Archangel, Vologda, Novgorod, Kazan, Samara. Administration includes nine members, one from each of six named provinces, and three additional; one of latter, Zubov, assistant mayor Vologda, is Cadet and good man. I know him personally. New government probably intended as member Federated Russia.
Awaiting escort here, where address cables for the present. No communication with Armour, Packer,1 Vologda, or with Petrograd or Moscow whom please advise concerning Embassy if possible.
Stay at Archangel depends on developments. Hope that General Poole will effect connection with Czechs and open Siberian Railway. When may supply ship mentioned in your 222, July 11, 4 p.m.,2 be expected, Archangel or Murman?