File No. 861.00/3399

The Chargé in Russia (Poole) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

648. Lindley has received from Balfour statement British policy in Hamilton [Russia], of which the following is the gist:

Dispatch of British troops to Russia warrant [was] for the purpose of withholding German forces from the western front, and not to overthrow any existing regime or to reestablish order. His Majesty’s Government do not intend to interfere in Russian domestic affairs, but owe certain obligations to the Czechs who are our allies and certain governments which have grown from [up] under our protection on the White Sea, in Siberia, the Caucasus and Trans-caspian. The extent of the protection to be given and what may develop thereafter can not now be foreseen. As, after four years of war, His Majesty’s Government have not forces available to be dispersed over the large area of Russia, this will depend largely upon the decisions of Associated Governments having more considerable resources at their disposal. British activities will be limited for the present to the use of the troops now in Russia and to furnishing munitions to certain elements known to be friendly to the Allied cause.

Military attaché learns that 3,400 additional British troops recently arrived at Murmansk.

Poole