701.6111/374
The Acting Secretary of State to the National City Bank of New York
Gentlemen: Attention of Mr. J. H. Fulton.
The Department begs to refer to your communication of April 20, 1919, relative to certain demands made upon the Russian Ambassador by L. A. Martens.
In reply you are informed that there is no question at this time of the so-called Soviet Government of Russia being recognized by the United States. The Department begs to inform you further that the Government of the United States does not contemplate recognizing any Government in Russia not based on democratic principles and will try to provide that any recognition hereafter accorded will not have any retroactive effect which will be prejudicial to American interests.
I am [etc.]