File No. 861.00/2041

The Consul at Moscow ( Poole ) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

609. Department’s 52, May 28, 2 [5] p.m. Substance of Smith’s letter as follows:

Vote at meeting of Diet March 30, first resolution adopted for continuing war. Order for immediate general mobilization has just [Page 632] been issued. It is hoped something will be accomplished to stop Turkish advance and prevent probable German invasion. Batum fallen to Turks owing lack discipline among Georgian troops. Small patriotic forces might have held out indefinitely. Turks aided by local Mussulman element which will always render Caucasia’s situation difficult and complicated. Advance of Armenian troops [who?] were acquitting themselves more credulously [creditably]. Baku, fighting between Armenians and Bolsheviks on one side against Tatars on the other side. Is it possible this conflict be stopped by central authorities Moscow in order to prepare common defense against Turks? Tiflis isolated. In absence of instructions we are working to aid and encourage local elements and consider recent decision of Diet decided victory against always active German and Turkish influences. Heavy responsibilities on our part especially in realm of finance. Supreme council of defense of Transcaucasia has just been formed constituting dictatorship of three.

Poole