File No. 861.77/183
The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 2, 11.20 a.m.]
1814. For the Secretary of State and Willard:
[Page 200]General railway situation grows more critical, exciting alarm of the Russians and Allies. Minister for Foreign Affairs desires to confer with myself and Minister of Ways of Communication which suggestion I earnestly approved stating statement in [omission] called therefor. I have wired Stevens to return Petrograd immediately leaving Trans-Siberian Railway to Miller and Darling, but that system enough for all commissioners here now. Magnitude and difficulties railroad problem demands presence here of biggest railway men available, even Willard himself. I do not mean commission, but a man like Howard Elliott with a few competent subordinate experts to advise concerning operation of lines other than Siberian and construction of new lines to facilitate food distribution and movement of troops. How soon can you send such assistants? Please answer immediately.