861.51/549 a: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Commission to Negotiate Peace

1594. Referring Department’s 1270, March 25, 1 p.m., to which I am awaiting an answer, Martens has notified the National City Bank that all Russian funds in this country now on deposit or hereafter received, are to be disbursed only on his order and has deposited with Bank credentials from Bolshevik authorities in confirmation of his contention. Unless Department takes strong stand and full responsibility to support National City Bank, this incident will further [Page 143] impede any solution of problems conveyed in Department’s 1232, March 21, 8 p.m.16

City Bank is asking formally what action should be taken. What reply am I authorized to make?

Polk
  1. Not printed.