File No. 860d.00/300
The Chargé in Sweden ( Whitehouse ) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 13, 5.13 a.m.]
2985. Referring to my 2970, October 9, 6 p.m.1 The same fear concerning Bolshevism is felt in regard to the Baltic provinces and Ukraine. It is the opinion of those American, English, and French officials with whom I have talked that the departure of the German and Austrian troops from these localities would lead immediately to disturbances and shortly thereafter to Bolshevik intervention. In the event of an armistice with the Central powers it would seem, therefore, advisable not to insist on the date evacuation of these territories until we are in a position to send Allied troops. There can be no doubt that the Bolshevik cause would be greatly strengthened by the occupation of these territories and the task of restoring Russia correspondingly more difficult.
The Esthonian democratic representatives here have even discussed with the Foreign Office the possibility of a Swedish occupation but the Minister of Foreign Affairs informs me that on account of internal conditions such action even if advisable would be impracticable.
- Not printed.↩