File No. 861.00/927
The French Ambassador ( Jusserand ) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 9.]
Mr. Secretary of State: In informing me that it is maintaining with the secretary of the Rada of the Ukraine de facto relations further accentuated by the recent appointment of General Tabouis as commissioner of the French Republic to that country, my Government adds that the turn of events in Russia and the reports it has received about Austro-German activities at Kiev led it to the conclusion that it could not defer any longer taking a more clearly defined attitude toward the Ukraine.
General Tabouis is therefore to be instructed to notify the Ukrainian government that the French Government is glad actually to recognize it as an independent government.
I am directed and hereby have the honor to communicate the foregoing to your excellency and to inquire whether the United States Government would be inclined to take a similar step with the Ukrainian government.
Be pleased to accept [etc.]