File No. 861.51/274
The Ambassador in Russia ( Francis ) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 18, 9.47 a.m.]
2369. Bolshevik press sharply criticizes protest of entire Diplomatic Corps reported in my 2360, charging capitalism waging imperialistic war on proletariat and calling on the workmen of world to unite in opposition. Diplomatic Corps held a meeting 13th and unanimously, excepting myself, agreed to another protest framed by Swiss Minister against nationalization of land, etc., as far as affected our nationals for whom it demanded without limitation free disposition of bank credits, securities and cash of any value. I asked time to consider saying (if?) approved would sign and send colleagues for signature and present to Government, (if?) disapproved would call another meeting. Conferred since with British and French Ambassadors, who now concur that aforesaid general protest sufficient and particularizing unadvisable, furthermore could tell them but not neutrals that impolitic to irritate Soviet and drive it into German alliance. Called meeting Diplomatic Corps for the 16th. Germans now endeavoring to effect commercial treaty with Russia which am trying cheek by promising agricultural implements, shoes, etc., in exchange for products which enemy would otherwise secure. Have sent commercial attaché to Department of Commerce and using other agencies to accomplish end.
Just heard Mirbach 1 recalled, which probably signifies German offensive. Bolshevik forces yesterday successful in Kiev after conflict eleven days, four thousand killed, and reported German advance planned on Revel and this city; if true may have to leave. Do not know where, as Sweden at present impossible.
- Wilhelm, Count von Mirbach, member of a commission of representatives from the Central powers, which sat at Petrograd to consider with Soviet representatives questions arising from the armistice; later, Apr. 26, German Ambassador to Soviet Russia.↩