Paris Peace Conf. 184.01502/4: Telegram

The Chargé in Denmark (Grant-Smith) to the Commission to Negotiate Peace

313. Following from [Greene, Libau.] “Greene 7, April 12. I came first to Libau and have remained here because present situation in Latvia is more critical than in other territories we are to cover owing (1) to important section of country including Riga being held by Bolshevists, (2) the presence of a dominant German military force on which security of country must depend until other arrangements are made, (3) intensity of local intrigue in which Germans, Baits, Bolsheviks, Lettish, bourgeoisie, Jews and Lettish Socialists all have a hand.

[Page 140]
(1)
My 67 recommended relaxation blockade and supply of German forces. This very important. Lieutenant Colonel Dawley making careful study military situation which will be cabled you after his return from front.
(2)
British have naval situation at Libau and Windau well in hand. Strength varies but I have seen one light cruiser and six destroyers at same time in Libau. Admiral Cowan most helpful in every way to our Mission.
(3)
A British Mission with Major Keenan as chief, one captain and some civilians established at Libau. Grant Watson, unofficial political representative of British Foreign Office, was here on our arrival but left for Lithuania.
(4)
Foodstuffs are scarce with high prices and diminishing stocks. There is still some flour at Libau but is reported that at Windau, Tukum and Mitau supplies exhausted. Fats everywhere exceedingly scarce. Probably considerable food secreted but will come out now that American food is entering. Arrival Lake Wimico with 1,200 tons flour for immediate needs together with officers American Food Administration has immensely helped situation and is first material aid from Entente or America. Can we count on allotment foodstuffs for Baltic States as per bulletin number 3 AFA page 23? This very important as sections freed from Bolshevists must be provided with adequate food ration. Otherwise we are nourishing bolshevism behind fighting front. From reliable source I understand that current feeling among unemployed and landless is that if they must starve they prefer to do so under Bolshevist regime where they can rob the bourgeoisie and rich.
(5)
Germans dominate situation as they are here in force and Lettish Army is insignificant as military factor. Germans now state they are here under article 12 of the armistice,8 although they at first claimed to us they were an army of occupation. General von der Goltz commands all forces operating in Courland, and is Governor of Libau. In addition he controls police and telegraph and German Military Intelligence Service Bureau of railroad. Without Germans country would be quickly submerged by Bolsheviki. This naturally creates most difficult and anomalous situation, as Lettish people historically are anti-German, and this feeling has been reinforced by their experience of German Military Intelligence Service operation during war. Von der Goltz informs us that Germans here under article 12 armistice, and also for the international fight against Bolsheviki which threatens western civilization and western culture. We shall telegraph you much more fully regarding all above after Dawley and I return from interior and front.
(6)
The present de facto government of Latvia is extremely weak, and represents no mandate from the people of Latvia. It would be overthrown immediately if there were popular election. It is self-constituted government by party leaders and men who took things into own hands at Riga and were later driven from that city by Bolsheviki advance. It was recognized by Germans December. Both Baits and Socialists are hostile too and bourgeoisie give only grudging support. At same time it is only organization we have dealings with and should be supported as de facto national government or organization of Latvia, but should not be recognized for present. It should be treated with, however, on all questions concerning food import, blockade, finances, etc. Ulmanis, Prime Minister, and Walters, Minister of Home Affairs, only capable men they have in Cabinet. Ulmanis makes good appearance and seems to have considerable energy and shrewdness.
(8*)
My present recommendations are: (1) Is [Lifting] of blockade by sea for German Military forces operating in Courland. To be controlled by British Admiral. (2) Steady importations of foodstuffs in accordance with A. R. A.9 program and relief for unemployed and children in Libau and Windau. (3) Provisional relaxation of blockade of Libau under proper control, in order that raw materials may be imported and industrial life recommenced and unemployment be reduced. We have list of raw material immediately needed. Million dollars to the de facto government of Latvia to be secured by timber in national forests in Latvia which was formerly Russian crown or state property. Finance expert should be sent immediately in order study this matter. Greene.”
Grant-Smith
  1. See telegram supra.
  2. Vol. ii, pp. 1, 4.
  3. Number of Par. came as “8”. [Footnote in the original.]
  4. American Relief Administration.