File No. 861.00/2211
The Consul General at Irkutsk (Harris) to the Secretary of State2
[Received July 7, 10.25 p.m.]
When I was in Turkestan, Central Asia, two months ago I reported to Summers situation regarding cotton there and attempts of Germans to get control of every available bale. I made certain recommendations as to how American Government and Allies should act to stop this.3 Since my appointment Irkutsk I have not heard what action, if any, our Government has taken concerning this matter. In view of fact that Germans are exerting every effort to obtain not only all Russian cotton but wool [omission?], copper, and grain, I strongly recommend that American Government appropriate sufficient money, amount to be determined later, to purchase these raw materials in return for British shoes, dry goods, and machinery. Money thus expended would not be lost. The cotton should go to [Page 128] Russian mills for benefit Russian workmen. Food should be supplied to the starving people from superabundance Turkestan and northern (blank) from (blank) river valley and Siberia. There are large quantities of food and other supplies in both Vladivostok and Archangel which should be hurried as soon as possible into Siberia and Russia. An efficient business organization should be placed in charge with headquarters, in beginning, at Vladivostok. This organization should work closely with the experienced organizations of the International Harvester Co., with American Railroad Commission now in east Siberia, and with National City Bank in European Russia. Apart from such manufactured goods as might be imported from America much could be supplied from Japan and also from China by the removal of embargo. Our organization should also work closely with Cooperative Societies in both Russia and America. I recommend these measures strongly not only to keep all reorganizing materials from falling into enemy hands, but as a strong impetus to encourage Russia to again declare war upon Germany. This policy may be pursued no matter what party remains permanently in control of Russia. If Department agrees in principle, steps may at once be taken to complete organization. Strongly urge it.