File No. 861.00/2684
The Ambassador in Russia ( Francis ) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 12, 6.07 p.m.]
388. After my 386, September 6, 9 [7] p.m. Chaplin distributed circular order reinstating military governor Archangel who was removed by deposed government. Two ministers, Diedusenko and Ivanov had escaped arrest and issued incendiary circular inciting people to resist Chaplin government which Startsev, civil governor [Page 524] of Archangel, was supporting. Poole on my request had prohibited Chaplin from issuing proclamations but when people congregated around two contradictory proclamations and read in connection with Ambassadors’ proclamation all posted on telegraph poles and walls they were greatly confused. Poole called and concurred in my suggestion that Allied Ambassadors assume control local situation to prevent civil war in rear of Allied front, which extends 60 miles on railroad toward Vologda and about 160 on Dvina toward Kotlas, neither expedition having definite knowledge of strength of Bolsheviks opposing them. Consequently Allied forces numbering not exceeding 9,000 altogether, Americans included, would be in precarious situation with civil war in the rear. Failure of Archangel anti-Bolshevik movement would be deplorable from every viewpoint. It would strengthen Bolshevik government, weaken anti-Bolshevik movement in Samara and Siberia, endanger position of Allied forces throughout Russia. These reasons moved me to aggressively espouse assuming control until return of kidnaped ministers and the restoration of sovereign government, if I can persuade Poole to support it.
I consider coup d’état a crime, and if Poole and Kemp would agree I should have its originators arrested. Poole objects because says Chaplin assisted in Bolshevik overthrow and is energetic and decidedly pro-Ally. Allied Ambassadors told Chaplin and Startsev yesterday to cease functioning in any capacity from that moment and they understood thoroughly as I was spokesman and Chaplin fully comprehends English. Proclamation was immediately prepared to the effect that Ambassadors of Allied countries having troops in northern region and the commander had decided to assume control of affairs pending establishment of a constituted government representative of majority of people for the prevention of civil strife in rear of Allied front and to avoid calamity of widespread famine which threatens and for relief of which provisions are being sent from our countries. This proclamation translated into Russian was sent to printers last evening but I was informed after last midnight that the printers refused to work, consequently proclamation not promulgated. Meantime Admiral Kemp reports deposed ministers will return 9 p.m. Allied Ambassadors will meet at my apartment at 6 p.m. to determine future course. Think I shall advocate restoration sovereign government but on conditions enabling military to cooperate without friction. Colonel Stewart yesterday told me one American battalion had gone on railroad and another left by river. Stewart again said only orders he had were to report to General Poole.