File No. 861.00/3003
The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 20, 5 a.m.]
495. General Ironside regretfully says appeal for permission to transfer troops Murman to Archangel refused by the British War Office but the General is not discouraged and is making best disposition of few troops here. Has arranged for each American company at the front to spend eight days monthly in Archangel. He says that he is aiding Russian mobilization. The President is pleased that 800 responded to mobilization call out of a possible 1,500 in territory mobilized. Ironside concurs, saying has recommended additional call in the territory occupied by Allies.
Your 312, October 17, 4 p.m.,1 gives gratifying information which was unknown hitherto and renders me less modest in suggesting and demanding.
- Not printed.↩