File No. 861.00/2507
The Secretary of State to the French Ambassador (Jusserand)
Excellency: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your excellency’s note of August 12, 1918, in regard to the coordination of the action of the Allies in Siberia and northern Russia. You advise me that your Government believes that it would be wise to organize an inter-Allied civilian board charged, among other duties, with that of safeguarding unity of action towards the Russian people, of deciding political disputes and of defining the attitude between the Allied Governments and local authorities; and you are good enough to suggest that the chairmanship of such a board would go to a representative from the United States.
In this connection I beg to inform you that the Government of the United States feels confident that, upon their arrival, cordial cooperation will govern the relations between the representatives of the United States and the representatives of the Allied nations, but believes that the means by which such essential liaison may best be effected must await the arrival in Siberia of the respective officials. The foregoing refers to the cooperation in such relief as it may be decided to extend in eastern Siberia, as distinct from any political activities which governments may choose to exercise there. Moreover, as has been publicly announced in the press of this country, it is the hope and expectation of the Government of the United States that the governments with which it is associated will lend their active aid in the execution of these plans.
Since the beginning of the revolutionary movement this Government has maintained an attitude of strict impartiality as between contending political parties and, as it contemplates no change in this attitude, it deems cooperation in any political action impossible and believes it would be as unnecessary as it is undesirable. It prefers to occupy a position in eastern Siberia merely as a friend who stands at hand ready to help in the most practical and wholehearted manner.
While, therefore, this Government cannot see its way clear to concur in the suggestion that a representative of the United States should assume the chairmanship of such an inter-Allied board, I beg to express my appreciation of your excellency’s courtesy and consideration.
Furthermore, I improve this opportunity to inform your excellency that, while the matter of the extension of economic relief to the Siberian people is receiving constant and attentive consideration, this Government has not as yet definitely determined upon the action it will take in that respect.
Accept [etc.]