861.00/3724: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Commission to Negotiate Peace
519. For the Secretary of State:
Referring to your 449 January 27th. Have you considered recognition of the Omsk Government. The call for a conference will probably destroy morale of all parties opposing Bolsheviks. Recognition of that Government would make it possible to give it some assistance and would undoubtedly strengthen it so it could withstand the crisis created by the recent action of the Peace Conference. I realize that Kolchak is probably a reactionary and there is some question as to how he forced himself into power. I am not recommending recognition, [Page 39] but merely suggesting it for your consideration. If that is not deemed wise, it seems to me that some statement should be made in order not to entirely discourage the Omsk Government and the followers of Denikin. It might be possible to use suggestion of recognition of these groups as a bait to tempt them to attend the conference.