File No. 861.007384
The Ambassador in Russia ( Francis) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 12, midnight.]
1374. British reply finally shaped to conform to Government’s wishes and French reply which I think French Government refused to alter [to] be printed morning of June 9. Italy made no reply. President’s message following morning without alterations unless you positively order otherwise.
Government gaining confidence and courage. Minister for Foreign Affairs says order concerning two regiments mentioned in my telegram No. 13691 [to be carried out] 9th instant. Kronstadt, fortified island near Petrograd, acknowledged fealty to Provisional Government June 6 after a month of insubordination; reconsidered 7th instant and declared its independence. Has area about two square miles. Population 30,000, including 20,000 sailors in mutiny. Government ordered connection severed. Will treat sailors as rebels. Only four school ships there; war vessels of Baltic Fleet at Heltmen [Helsingfors] and Riga. Rosen’s letter without impression here.