File No. 861.77/190
The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 11, 1 p.m.]
1854. Delighted to learn by letter just received from Miller,1 Vladivostok, September 25, that our Railway Commission made excellent progress since leaving Petrograd August 24 accompanied by Ustrugov, Assistant Minister Railways. Reports freight accumulation Vladivostok reduced about 40 per cent since May. Fourteen decapod engines shipped since June 23, additional coming 8 per week.
Mallet engines clearing from October 1, 5 per week and 50 decapods now Vladivostok and Harbin. Eight hundred box cars shipped since July 1, 300 more by October 1, 1,000 gondolas since July 1, 400 being erected Vladivostok now. Everything good working order Vladivostok and improving rapidly over entire Trans-Siberian as result of Railway Commission’s work whose recommendations being put in operation rapidly.
Again visited Railway Department yesterday but no reports there. Stevens wired would arrive Petrograd 14th. Miller letter states commission retained Vladivostok some time to get and install railway units arriving. Six units cleared October 1 balance following promptly; locomotive shops ready November 15. These and other like advices very encouraging and enable me to successfully refute insinuations of British and French that American Railway Commission effecting nothing. Again I urgently request advices of shipments as made. Show Willard.