File No. 861.51/265
The Consul General at Moscow ( Summers ) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 4, 6.32 a.m.]
165. Banks closed and impossible to negotiate drafts. Same situation prevails throughout European Russia. Have asked consuls in Harbin, Vladivostok, and Yokohama to purchase rubles by selling drafts on Department up to $50,000 in all. Please request Red Cross to honor these drafts or if, as I have requested, funds have been placed to my credit at Riggs Bank, this cable will be authority to charge them this account. I have arranged for transfer of rubles purchased to Moscow. I have saved Red Cross 100 per cent by operation.