File No. 861.00/2421

The Secretary of State to the French Ambassador (Jusserand)

No. 2243

Excellency: Your communications dated July 16 and 28th last, respectively, relative to the contribution of financial aid with a view of furthering the movement of the Czecho-Slovak forces in Siberia in which this Government is asked to contribute one third of a total sum of 5,000,000 rubles, a part of which has already been paid by the French Government, the money to be used for the benefit of Czecho-Slovak troops and for recruiting troops to join the Czecho-Slovak forces, have been received.

Regarding this matter, and since the receipt of your two communications, I have the honor to inform you that this Department is in touch with Professor Masaryk, as representing Czecho-Slovak interests, and applications for assistance for the Czecho-Slovaks and for financial contributions by this Government for the support of their cause, are coming from Professor Masaryk. At his request, steps are being taken to furnish the Czecho-Slovaks with certain supplies but the method of financing the undertaking, while under consideration, has not yet been determined upon.

Accept [etc.]

Robert Lansing