861.00/4479: Telegram
The Chargé in Russia (Poole) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received May 13, 2:57 a.m.]
1175. 115 to Paris. American consul at Murmansk reports that the presence of American engineering troops in that region is making a very favorable impression among the local workingmen from whom expressions of sympathy and interest are heard. The morale of the troops is excellent and they do their work in an earnest, quiet, and unobtrusive manner. He considers that this may be the chief cause for an improved political atmosphere at Murmansk.
I am informed by Y.M.C.A. workers that there is a good deal of talk among the Russian troops in the Archangel area respecting the departure of the Americans. While insisting upon their hostility to the Bolsheviki they say that they are not certain to what extent they will then be prepared to cooperate with the British who they suspect have ulterior territorial ambitions.