File No. 861.51/284

The Consul General at Moscow (Summers) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

249. Government annuls all loans and Treasury notes except those held by subjects of Central powers. All purchasable property confiscated [Page 39] and new contributions levied under guise of taxes. In case refusal pay imprisonment and fine penalty. Banks closed and no money paid on accounts which are being confiscated. Many American firms suffering severely. Crisis particularly acute in Siberia where managers are being arrested. Am taking every measure to protest and avert total loss property.

Summers