123 T 71/127 c: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Chargé in Denmark (Grant-Smith)
1443. Roger C. Tredwell, Consul at Tashkent was arrested by the Bolsheviks October 20, 1918. All effort to secure his release through official channels, including intervention by the Government of India at the instance of the British Foreign Office, has thus far failed. Americans returning from Russia suggest the possibility of doing something informally and indirectly by interesting Bolshevik representatives in Copenhagen and pointing out to them that it would be a clever move on their part to release Tredwell prior to the Prinkipo Conference. Such action might be construed as demonstrating their reasonableness and would forestall any efforts American representatives at Prinkipo might make to bring pressure upon them because of their action in detaining Tredwell in violation of international law and custom. It might also be pointed out that their situation in regard to Tredwell is most unfortunate, not only because his conduct was scrupulously correct, but also because his important official position and prominence in his service have caused a great deal of attention to be given his arrest, and a great deal of prejudice against the Bolsheviki to be aroused in this country by his detention. In view of the situation thus created some Bolshevik representative in Copenhagen might be interested to take up Tredwell’s case personally in order to endeavor, by effecting Tredwell’s release, to remedy a tactical mistake on the part of the Bolshevik authorities which would otherwise prove most embarrassing and even costly.
Advise Department what you think can be done, having in mind the necessity of not involving this Government directly with the [Page 175] Bolshevik representative at Copenhagen. If you find the Department’s suggestion feasible you will be authorized to draw for any reasonable expenditure involved and to make every effort within the scope of your available resources.