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

File No. 861.77/52

The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

Petrograd, April 18, 1917, 7 p.m.
[Received April 19, 11.45 a.m.]

1200. Communicated contents of your 1324, April 16, 5 p.m., to Government which greatly pleased therewith, and desires to make announcement of contents through public prints. I see no objection.

The plan sent to-day by military attaché to War College in his code is the result of conferences between him and Russian Government.¹ I have conferred on this subject several times with Milyukov.² We approve plan as submitted. Military attaché says approved by Russian war department. I again urge prompt action for improving transportation facilities. Strong practical operating man should be sent Vladivostok immediately, where congestion deplorable and increasing.

Francis

1. The plan was also received through the Russian Embassy, Apr. 21, infra.
2. From March to May 1917 Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs.