861.01/71: Telegram
The Commission to Negotiate Peace to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received June 26, 4:32 a.m.]
2794. For Polk from Lansing and McCormick.
Your 2343, June 19, 5 p.m. McCormick has spoken to the President regarding Russian situation. He stated that the telegram to Kolchak does not imply political recognition at the present time by any of the Associated Governments but merely offers of assistance in so far as each government’s policy and legislation may permit. The absence of formal recognition will in our case prevent [us from] extending credit as suggested in your 2363, June 20, 8 p.m. but anything for which they can devise means of payment may now be furnished the Kolchak forces. On his return the President intends to take up with Congress the entire question of economic support for Russia and particularly that pertaining to the Siberian railroad. He expects to send further military instructions to General Graves.
The President expressed his regret at the interpretation given by the press to the telegram sent by the Associated Governments to Admiral Kolchak as he feared that such interpretation might give rise to false hopes.