File No. 861.00/1927
The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 2, 6.54 a.m.]
226. Just had call from French and Italian Ambassadors accompanied by Lockhart1 and French military and naval attaches who came from Moscow for this special purpose. They requested me to frame joint telegram for all signatures urging immediate Allied intervention from Murman and Archangel but I counter-proposed that each cable individually which was [done]. French Ambassador reported that Allied conference would be held in Paris June 1 at which such agreement should be made. Lockhart exhibited cable which he sent to London yesterday urging prompt intervention regardless of Bolshevik consent. French and Italian Ambassadors have so recommended for two months or more.
I have not changed from expressions in my 140, May 2,2 except to grow in the conviction that Allied intervention advisable from every viewpoint. Red Army organization is a failure and Trotsky influence rapidly waning. Chicherin absolutely controlled by Lenin who champions peace at any price and social revolution. German Ambassador endeavoring in every way to establish closer relations with Soviet government and effectually succeeding. Am convinced if we wait for Bolsheviks’ invitation Allies will never intervene. Meantime Germany disappointed in inability to make larger purchases [Page 180] because has no products to exchange therefor and demanding products as offset to indemnities or expense of maintaining her prisoners of war; furthermore German claimants making exorbitant demands for confiscations since beginning of war.
Soviet government asserts Allied intervention spells German capture Moscow and Petrograd and possibly true but Soviet government daily grows weaker and I much doubt whether would oppose Allied intervention. Opponents of Bolsheviks and of Germany and friends of Allies expect at any moment Allied intervention and would be greatly disappointed if did not occur. My judgment is that immediate intervention is opportune and further delay dangerous. My colleagues affirm that Japan likely to intervene even without Allied consent but I doubt that. My 140 urged that Japanese negotiations be immediately commenced and previous cables recommended that all possible preparations for intervention be made. Think advisable that such action [be agreed] at Paris shortly and every precaution taken that Allied press not reveal.
- Robert H. B. Lockhart, British special representative in Russia.↩
- Vol. i, p. 519.↩