File No. 763.72/8900
The Minister in Persia ( Caldwell ) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 19, 9.35 a.m.]
Have been requested through our American Consul, Tiflis, by Russian commander in chief and Trans-Caucasus to “join Russian colleagues in protest against Persian Government closing frontiers to Allied forces and individuals in view of the active German propaganda and the danger that such measures might bring to our missions, Christians and foreign population.” I have discussed matter unofficially with the Persian Government who advise that frontier closed against all military persons only, and Armenians recruited from the Caucasus. I have requested timely measures to safeguard American and Christian lives and property but in view of the policy of the United States, have refrained from making formal protest pending instructions.