File No. 861.00/3112
I now have the honor to transmit copy and translation of Mr.
van Karnebeek’s note, together with the
enclosures thereto. These enclosures are copies of joint
communications to the existing government at Petrograd by the
diplomatic representatives of the neutral countries in that city who
are in charge of the interests of the Associated Governments in
Russia.5
[Enclosure—Translation]
The Netherland Minister of Foreign
Affairs (
Van Karnebeek) to the American Chargé (
Bliss)
No. 12
The Hague,
October 5,
1918.
Mr. Chargé d’affaires: I have the
honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of September 23
last, relative to the chaotic conditions prevailing in the
republic of the Soviets.
Indeed the reports reaching us here regarding the régime of
terror imposed upon that part of Russia recall the blackest
pages in the history of the revolutions and civil wars that ever
disturbed the peoples of the world.
If I could indulge in the hope that an expression of
conscientious public opinion in other lands, brought anew to the
attention of the men now in power at Petrograd and Moscow, would
find the desired response, the principle of non-interference in
the internal affairs of a foreign country ought perhaps to be
waived in favor of sentiments of humanity and solidarity.
In view of the evidence that the unceasing representations made
by the Minister of the Queen can have left no doubt in the minds
of those now in power with regard to the judgment her Government
has formed of their actions, we see ourselves compelled to
abstain from a gesture which could only be platonic.
Both singly and by collective protests in which all his
colleagues have joined, the Minister of the Netherlands has
raised his voice against these actions, whether in regard to the
interests of Netherland subjects and of persons placed under the
protection of the Royal Legation, or in regard to the interests
of the Russian population victim of these acts of terrorism.
May I be allowed to communicate to you in this connection the
text of two collective protests which I have just received from
Mr. Oudendijk.
In closing I take the liberty of begging you to express to your
Government my sincere appreciation of the sentiments which have
inspired the suggestion it has charged you to make to me and to
acquaint it with the considerations I have had the honor to
submit to you hereinabove.
Be pleased to accept [etc.]
