File No. 600.939/36a
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Russia (Francis)
2047. Your 2321, February 2, 9 p.m. Department now informed embargo by Chinese placed at instance British Minister at Peking. We have informed Chinese Government that the American Government can not assent to the prohibition of the export to Siberia of merchandise owned by Americans and that in our opinion any embargo on exports to Siberia, particularly at this time, is inadvisable. The Department has further advised both British and French Governments that, for the present, we feel it is important an impression should not be created in the minds of the Russian people that they are being abandoned by the Allies or the United States and that consequently we are permitting to go forward, both via Kola and via the Pacific, all supplies, other than munitions, for which tonnage can be found. These supplies now include railway material, agricultural machinery, binder twine, shoes and leather, and Red Cross and other supplies for civilian population. Attitude of this Government towards Russia defined by President’s address to Congress. Two ships now loading at Pacific port, another at New York for Kola.