861.00/4314: Telegram
The Chargé in Russia (Poole) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received April 18, 9:49 a.m.]
1086. To Paris as 95. I have received Department’s telegram 588, April 15, 6 p.m. quoting the Secretary’s answer to my 1053, April 9, 7 p.m. I understand this to mean that there is unity of policy with Great Britain concerning military operations in north Russia and I shall be governed accordingly until further instructions.
With reference to my telegram 1074, April 15, 6 p.m. Ironside yesterday received detailed information respecting the new British contingent from which it appears that it will number not less than 12,000. The first [final?] objective will be the occupation of Kotlas.
Ironside informs me that he has power to evacuate the 339th Infantry first of all the troops now here. The ships bringing the new forces will be used and embarkation will occur before June 1st. This will probably obviate further trouble. It will be necessary to retain the American engineers’ battalion to the end of evacuation. Y.M.C.A. is recommending to its headquarters New York that its work be continued this summer on substantially the present basis.