Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, 1918, Russia, Volume III

File No. 861.61321/7

The Consul General at Moscow (Summers) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

Moscow, March 30, 1918, 12 noon.
[Received March 31, 8.53 p.m.]

297. Harris, former Consul General at Stockholm,³ reports from Tashkent that one-half cotton crop Turkestan is being shipped to Moscow ultimately destined Germany. Requests cable Department and Vanderlip¹ that 200,000 tons cotton actually on cars. He urges Allies immediately purchase same and prevent it falling enemy’s hands. If Department is willing in principle to authorize Consulate General, also Stevens, National City Bank, purchase this cotton and retain same in Tashkent until it can be sold to Russian mills at later date, we will begin work at once. Useless to do this work through Allied Military Missions and [as] they do not have time or facilities acting promptly. Estimated needs immediate use $10,000,000. Can negotiate drafts here favorably if authorized. Embassy advised. Please cable reply.

Summers

3. Ernest L. Harris, after his retirement from the Consular Service in August 1916, was agent for a bank in Russia; in May 1918 he was reappointed and detailed as Consul General at Irkutsk.
1. Frank A. Vanderlip, President of the National City Bank, New York.