File No. 861.77/399
The Chairman of the Advisory Commission of Railway Experts to Russia (Stevens) to the Secretary of State
[Received 1.41 p.m.]
I had talk Vladivostok with special commissioner sent from Soviet, Moscow. Claims that he has full authority of all government property. He is ignorant [omission?]. Is very sore because United States does not recognize his government. I told him I could not discuss such matters. Complains because we are on Chinese Eastern. I told him we knew no factions, our aim only as Ally to induce Russia to resume war against Germany, which statement did not evoke great applause. Said that any request to help railways must come directly from Moscow not from outside committees apparently fishing for recognition. I told him if such a request should be made it would be considered, but I made no commitments. Am I to understand Emerson is to carry out Ambassador’s instructions—if so I must be relieved of all the responsibility thereof. Chinese Eastern much agitated [by] Emerson move. I have no doubt while personally popular we will have to leave here if Emerson works with Soviet, the latter being something that would be beyond my capacity. It is evident Soviet is fast losing confidence of its only support, the ignorant masses, and is looking for some one to help let go the bear’s tail.