File No. 861.00/2661
The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 11, 5.15 a.m.]
391. Lindley says confidentially has asked to be relieved if not given control over military forces which General Poole appears empowered to command; apparently friction setting out [in]. Poole when informed by me that supreme Government reinstated and relations between it and military be defined, to-day writes informally requesting nothing be decided before knowing his views as “Military dispositions in this town remain in my hands.” Americans constitute decided majority of Allied forces under Poole, totaling about 4,000; one battalion sent on railroad toward Vologda, one on Dvina toward Kotlas and one performing guard duty in Archangel. Americans arrived 3d, debarked 4th. Kidnaping occurred night of 5th. Americans first assigned guard duty 6th from which community concluded Americans planned or supported coup d’état. Stewart says only orders were report to Poole. While I suspect British and probably French officers planned coup d’état American officers absolutely knew nothing about it. Your unnumbered July 30, 3 p.m.,1 through American Consul, Archangel, and also your circular of August 3, 4 p.m.,2 stated American troops sent Archangel but gave me no instructions or authority over them. If Poole has unlimited control I fear he has learned military and colonizing instincts together with his contempt for sovereign government and his general mistrust of Russians will handicap American policy in Russia and may possibly bring about condition like that in Ukraine. I am not asking control of American troops but informing Department of conditions so that it can give instructions if so elects.
Since above written have seen Stewart who says Poole desires him to take command of railroad expedition toward Vologda; Stewart, while not shirking responsibility, dislikes leaving Archangel and I prefer he remain here as he commands three battalions and Archangel [Page 533] is base of operations. Tramway employees on strike because Ministry kidnaped; Major Nichols commanding American battalion here says was asked by military control office if had men who could run street cars and replying affirmatively was told to send such men to car barn and take out cars consequently since yesterday afternoon American soldiers have been acting as motormen and conductors but collecting no fares, public riding free and every car crowded to full capacity. I advised Nichols to request that written order be given him for such use of American soldiers.
Please send Jenkins or Willoughby Smith or both here immediately, also Flack.