File No. 861.00/2929

The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

464. For the Navy Department also, if you approve. Amiral Aube, French cruiser, been here two months. Has powerful wireless equipment by which news is received; acting naval attaché says will be replaced by a cruiser same class, en route from France, which will remain Archangel through the winter. French naval attaché requests American cruiser be sent also; the British will probably have a cruiser. Acting naval attaché and I think it advisable American cruiser be stationed here; also cruiser, class of Baltimore, or large destroyer would answer. Is McCully coming? Understand Olympia remaining at Murmansk through the winter. President Chaikovski says British requisitioning many Russian craft, including volunteer Russian fleet, and can get no satisfaction from them on the subject. Have we commandeered any Russian craft? Three British ships just arrived from England with food and ordnance supplies for the military.

Francis