Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, The Paris Peace Conference, 1919, Volume I

Paris Peace Conf. 861.00/101

The Russian Ambassador ( Bakhmeteff ) to the Secretary of State

Paris , January 10, 1919.

My Dear Mr. Secretary: Following our recent conversation, I have the honour to forward to you the original (in French) as well as the paraphrase in English of an Aide-Mémoire regarding the representation of Russia in the Peace proceedings. This Aide-Mémoire has been prepared by the Conference of Russian Ambassadors and public men, assembled at present in Paris, and is handed over to the respective Governments. In its substantial part this document coincides with a Mémoire which I left with you.

Summarizing briefly, we are fully aware of the fact that a plenipotentiary official representation of Russia is dependent upon the recognition of a Government of Russia. Nevertheless we are firmly convinced that the practical question of participation of Russians in the Peace proceedings ought not to be deferred until such recognition takes place. Obviously, before being officially vested with plenipotentiary powers, no Representatives are in a position to sign binding agreements. However, in the preliminary stage it is mainly the general character of solutions which is going to be determined. More so, the very platform of the future proceedings, on the broad and generous principles brought forward by the United States, anticipates agreement and understanding, and not outvoting or majorisation.

A proper participation of Russians would contribute to eliminate such procedures and decisions which, in the future, might be regarded by the Russian people as unjust and unfair. The very absence of Russians would perpetuate in the future as a permanent source of ill-feeling.

That is why I was so emphatic in advocating the idea of admitting Russians at the earliest stage of the future proceedings, when even in the position of spokesmen, that is representatives who would be entitled to discuss all forthcoming questions from the Russian point of view and whose voice should be considered as Russian opinion.

I mentioned to you the encouraging fact of unity of view of different Russian factions, from moderate conservatives to national socialists, with respect to the Russian international situation and her position in the coming settlement. It is this unity of national opinion as well as the fact that the Assembly of Ambassadors and public men now in Paris is connected with all the centers of national movement in Russia, which happily contributes to the possibility of favourable decisions.

Accept [etc.]

B. Bakhmeteff

[Enclosure]

Aide-Mémoire

Russia is entitled to participate at the Peace Conference on conditions equal with the Allied Powers.

This is not only her privilege as of a nation which has so heavily participated in the war, borne enormous sacrifices and thus largely contributed to the final issues. The participation of Russia is as well a matter of concern to the Allies & to the whole world, because a peace concluded with the exception of Russia and without due consideration to her rights and her lawful interests, would not secure the stability of the forthcoming settlement which has been the chief aim of this war.

A Plenipotentiary Representation of Russia encounters difficulties for the moment because there is not a Government in Russia officially recognized by the Allies. However, the progress of the consolidation of authority in Russia gives all reason to anticipate that before the ratification of Peace Treaties the unification of Russia will be a fact accomplished.

But even in the present preliminary phase of Peace proceedings, while no binding decisions are as yet taken, but problems outlined and the general character of solutions determined, the non-participation of Russia would present inconveniences of not minor importance.

To meet these conditions, the Ambassadors of Russia in the Allied and Cobelligerent countries, on the suggestion of the authorities at Omsk, have assembled in Paris and with the collaboration of eminent Russian public men, whose participation has met full approval of Omsk, have proceeded to organize preparatory work for the forthcoming Peace negotiations.

The Assembly of Russian Ambassadors and public men is prepared to take part at once in the present phase of Peace proceedings by designating for this purpose qualified Representatives.

Paris , January 6, 1919.