File No. 861.00/2779

The Secretary of State to the French Ambassador (Jusserand)

No. 2268

Excellency: I have the honor to refer to your excellency’s communication dated September 16 last,1 relative to the agreement by the French and British Governments as to the allotment of the expenses incurred in rendering assistance to Russia in equal moieties, and making inquiry whether the United States Government would be disposed to join in an agreement to assume an equal share with France and England of the payment, the allotment among the three powers to date back to July 1, 1918.

Regarding this matter, I am pleased to inform you that the Government of the United States will support its forces at Archangel and has agreed to share with France and Great Britain, one third of the expenses of rationing the Archangel and Murmansk districts for the winter, but it is not in a position at this time to extend further any joint support of undertakings in the north of Russia.

Accept [etc.]

Robert Lansing
  1. Not printed.