File No. 861.00/1081
The Ambassador in Russia ( Francis ) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 11, 1.27 p.m.]
2347. Siberia, with population eighteen millions and area twice ours, productive soil, rich in minerals and forests, is planning separate government whose representative called and states constitutional convention elected by people will meet in March and determine character of government and name officials. Expressed a desire to establish close commercial relations with us and welcome American [Page 44] capital. I promised to recommend loan if government formed on proper lines and could satisfactorily guarantee products not being sold to Germany during war. Sentiment of country is conservatively socialistic, but opposes Bolshevism. Siberia is best hope of Russia and its people are extremely solicitous concerning Japanese domination. Planning to send representative to convention; cannot go myself.