File No. 861.00/2680
The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 12, 8.42 p.m.]
389. Kidnaped Ministers returned last night and promised representative of Allied Ambassadors would perform no act of government before conferring 11 a.m. to-day, but before that hour issued a proclamation officially signed, stating had been brought back by the Allies and assuring people their rights be protected. President telephoned me of this whereupon I requested him come my apartment to meet Allied Ambassadors, and withhold circulation of the proclamation until workable agreement effected to prevent friction, which continually arose before kidnaping. Ambassadors prepared statement for signature of Chaikovski personally, officially stating kidnaped Ministers been brought back by Allies and promising preservation of people’s rights and liberties. Such declaration submitted to Ministers who not disposed to accept but agreed to consider and return 4 p.m. Italian Ambassador and I of one mind. Commissioner Lindley reasonably concurs, but apparently hampered by Poole, who issues orders without submitting to any authority while professing desire to comply with wishes of Ambassadors, especially American Ambassador. French Ambassador and Poole himself are surrounded by military officers who have no patience with Russians and no faith in reorganization of army without mailed fist. Meantime returned Ministers propose unreasonable conditions. Situation [Page 526] extremely difficult, but I am assiduously endeavoring to reconcile conflicting opinions and avoid bloodshed.
Returned Ministers assert that British Colonel Thornhill, chief British Intelligence Bureau, was cognizant of kidnaping and assisted in planning same, which Lindley discredits.
I think I have given Colonel Stewart thorough understanding of the situation. He dined with me last night as did Lindley, Poole and Admiral Kemp. I have refrained from giving Stewart orders.
Am hourly receiving delegations, decided majority of which protest against coup d’état and threaten armed uprising if sovereign government not restored. These delegations represent peasants, Zemstvos and laborers, who constitute bulk of population; while other side composed of Russian officers claiming to number 500 and wholesale and retail timber organizations and commercial interests generally complain that supreme government is weak, incapable, but opponents represent very small percentage of the people. While sovereign government inexperienced and deficient in comprehending fully the situation, they are supported by overwhelming majority of the people and claim to be working in cooperation with regeneration movements in Samara and Irkutsk. For this reason I am supporting sovereign government and endeavoring to reconcile thereto my colleagues and military authorities.