File No. 861.77/158
The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 28, 8.10 p.m.]
1664. Stevens, Miller, Darling finally started special car last evening to put in operation their recommendations on the Siberian Railway.1 I personally saw them off. This accomplished after my repeated interviews with Minister for Foreign Affairs and two interviews with Kerensky on the subject and informal conferences between commission and officials of the Department of Ways of Communication. Stevens although sometimes discouraged and threatening abandonment of the (omission) left in good spirits. Kerensky told me personally that the American Railway Commission recommendations be made effective on the Siberian Railway and Council of Ministers appointed Ustrugov, Assistant Minister of Ways of Communication, to make same operative. He promised [Page 198] to accompany commission but failed. Promised to leave to-night or to-morrow and join commission. I again visited Minister for Foreign Affairs told him would consider Ustrugov’s failure to join commission almost a breach of international courtesy. Received assurances would be no failure.
Darling report concerning Murman Railway rather encouraging, am looking after that also as transportation essential factor in situation. Please show Willard.
- Henry Miller and W. F. Darling were members of the Advisory Commission of Railway Experts to Russia, of which John F. Stevens was chairman.↩