File No. 861.77/153
The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 19, 2.50 a.m.]
1625. [For] Willard [from Stevens]:
After long delays Government has approved all commission’s recommendations. Work on improvements starts immediately. [Page 196] Commission with officials going to Siberia line to start long engineer runs and whatever can be done pending arrival committee units. Arrange to send 12 units of 14 men, each unit to consist of 1 division superintendent, 1 master mechanic, 1 chief train dispatcher, 2 train masters, 2 traveling engineers, 6 train dispatchers and 1 line repairer. One division superintendent at least should be thoroughly experienced in terminal work. Ten units to be located at towns between Vladivostok and Omsk, two Petrograd to Moscow. Master mechanic should be experienced roundhouse foreman capable keeping up running repairs with poor engine-terminal facilities. Also following foremen: 10 (omission), 10 foundry, 10 boiler, 10 machine, 10 engine-erecting, 5 car-erecting, 5 paint, 20 roundhouse. Minister suggests some men speaking Russian or French can be gotten on American roads capable filling lower ranks. Also 2 general superintendents having practical experience in train work to rank as majors. All above force to be organized as United States military unit skeleton engineer regiment. Suggest division superintendent[s] rank as captains, balance lower grade. Should have quartermasters to handle food and quarters. Also ingenious shop superintendent skilled in rearranging antiquated shops having electric power line driven shafts, speed up to-day machinery and output without stopping work. He should be made a member of this commission. Also first-class man to direct installation telephone, train dispatching and electric locking block-signal circuits. Order 1,000 selector phones and bring along as many and other essential appliances as can be had quickly. Can probably adapt present iron wires. Care in selecting men of patience and policy necessary. All to act as instructors to educate Russians in American methods returning to United States thereafter, time depending largely upon duration of war. Expense of all this, excepting general superintendent, to be Russian through credit of United States. While we begin at once to try and improve things, not much can be effected before arrival American units so hurry them along. There has been a great change recently in official spirit here, now apparently enthusiastic for American methods which we must make successful.