861.00/3855: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Consul General at Irkutsk (Harris), temporarily at Omsk
Following message from the Am[erican] mission dated February 14:
“No. 741, February 14, 12 p.m. Department’s 519 February 1, noon56 and Department’s 627 [629], February 8, 2 p.m.57 It is the opinion of the Commission that the Prinkipo invitation implied that the United States and the Allied Governments would treat all Russian Governments on a plane of equality pending the outcome of the investigating at Prinkipo. Recognition of the Kolchak Government might follow but could not precede that meeting. I suggest that the Consul General at Omsk might give [explain] informally that while no specific invitations are issued it would seem highly desirable for the Kolchak Government to send a delegation to Prinkipo since the future action of the United States may depend on information obtained at that investigation.”
Please take action suggested by the Secretary of State and report to Department. You are to bear in mind that the invitation to admit Bolshevist delegates to the Prinkipo Conference did not imply any willingness to barter principles with the Bolsheviki but has for its sole purpose investigation and obtaining complete information.