File No. 861.48/416
The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 26, 3.04 p.m.]
2022. At various times since March last the chief supply committee of northern railways has bought in America 42,000 pairs boots from Taylor and 117,500 pairs from Endicott-Johnson through V. D. Zimdin, latter’s agent here. Supply committee visited me and after relating necessities and sufferings of their wives and children said had paid Ks. 11,000,000 into Credit Chancellery besides large earnest money to Zimdin and had secured tonnage for purchases, every transaction being approved by Michelsen committee.1 I confirmed this story through Sahmen, director, Credit Chancellery, who says shipment delayed by our purchasing committee who prohibit exportation of supplies purchased otherwise than through it. While think such policy exceedingly wise, I recommend this case be made an exception. I am still looking after transportation interests here and it would greatly assist if could secure this shipment as boots are greatly needed. Moral effect of my assistance would be inestimably appreciated. Have seen cables from Endicott representative, Chicago, saying Continental Commercial Bank can not make payment to Endicott because Government prohibits transfer of credit in National City. Understand these payments aggregating $240,000 are to be debited to advances made Russia, the Department of Finance having received its equivalent in rubles here from these railroad [Page 103] workers. Supply committee can ascertain prices charged and if excessive might order reduction but if this impossible necessity is so pressing that I strongly advise permitting shipment to clear at earliest possible date. Zimdin is also agent for Robert Dollar Co, who probably furnishing tonnage. Shoes more needed than munitions now. Please answer.
- The Inter-Allied Priority Board, or Michelsen commission (chairman, the Russian General Michelsen), controlled questions of preference in shipments-of materials required by Russia.↩