File No. 861.51/278

The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

2379. In reference to my 2379 [2369], 14th. Diplomatic Corps just adjourned. Submitted instructions prepared by myself directing consuls to pursue general lines of protest of my 2360, February 12, treating each individual case on its merits but not to encourage defiance or violation of Bolshevik decrees or laws unless same interfere with personal liberty of nationals or confiscate property owned before same were promulgated or enacted; consuls directed to attend opening of safe-deposit boxes and categorically protest against opening, also protest against extraction of property or documents therefrom and if the protest unavailing demand receipts from commissariat. Such instructions solely for guidance of consuls who prohibited from divulging same. These instructions not formally adopted but seemed to meet general approval, consequently no additional protest insisted upon.

Francis