File No. 861.77/402
The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 26, 11.54 p.m.]
180. Conforming to the arrangement I made in Moscow an official of the Ways of Communication [Ministry], in a special car, passed through Vologda yesterday to meet Emerson. Railway official is named Lobanov whom I have known personally about a year, and who is very friendly. He was discharged by the Soviet government but was reengaged about April 1. He reports 42 per cent locomotives and great scarcity fuel [sic]. Selections [says Russians?] do not see what American engineers can accomplish with present railway working force; wired on my request to Moscow for chief practical operating man to meet Emerson, Vologda on arrival. Emerson arrived at Vladivostok 7th, since which nothing from Vladivostok but press says started west 13th.