861.77/944: Telegram
The Chargé in Russia (Cole) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received July 18, 9:45 a.m.]
1327. 143 to Paris. Your 710, July 12, 7 p.m.
Governor General Miller wrote General Richardson, June 24th, requesting that American engineer troops at Murmansk be allowed to remain. General Richardson transmitted this request to headquarters American Expeditionary Force, France, by telegraph and forwarded original letter. On June 30 American General Headquarters, Paris, telegraphed General Richardson that troops could [Page 639] remain until August 15, if they were “willing to stay”. A telegram was later received specifying that troops could remain if they would “volunteer”. General Richardson thereupon immediately proceeded to the Murmansk front and found that the men were “willing to remain, if so ordered” but would not “volunteer.” Their reasons were that their positions were being held open for them at home and their unions were paying their dues under the condition that they were engaged in the Army under the draft. Therefore the men were willing to remain but, since to volunteer would have deprived them of these important privileges, opinion among them was practically unanimous, for going home as planned. In view, then, of this telegram of June 30th the mentioned unwillingness to “volunteer” necessarily involved their withdrawal as early as possible. The withdrawal began early in July and concentration at Kokura [Kola?] should be already complete. In view of the above, it is my opinion, as well as that of General Richardson, with whom I have consulted, that the retention of the units [these men?] is impossible, as their “willingness” to remain cannot longer be counted on.
General Miller understands the above and would like to have engineer replacements for Murmansk, as there has not been and cannot be any increase in the Russian railroad personnel although the line is constantly lengthening. He has understood that the naval forces would be withdrawn completely and has now made a strong request that one naval unit remain. I transmit his request with my own and General Richardson’s hearty endorsements. We both suggest that the vessel carry a sizeable complement of marines. I understand that the presence of a naval unit with marines on board or in barracks on shore does not carry the same implication of belligerency as the presence of regular troops and it may, in view of the uncertain future, eventually become highly important that some American force should be here to protect Americans and American institutions.
A large part of the above anxiety of the populace is based on the uncertainty regarding the long-continued presence of British troops, although new arrivals are expected. In his speech made on June 6th General Ironside said: “And when I shall have done my work of creating a Russian army with Russian help, here in the North, we will leave and return to our homes” (not included in summary transmitted in Embassy’s 1274, June 21[11], 1 p.m.41).
This announcement was made in view of the advance to Kotlas, but since its probable failure no further statement has been made. [Page 640] All sorts of rumors and exaggerations are rife among the population and the presence of a cruiser with marines would be reassuring.
If another naval unit replaces the one here it would be advantageous for it to be subject only to the direct orders of the proper American naval authorities. The vessel now here is in an ambiguous position being subordinated to the British senior naval officer, dependent on him for certain supplies and yet at the same time unable to participate in active operations. The situation would be easier were the ship to be subject only to American orders and as little dependent as possible on British supplies. While under instructions to take no part in operations, it should, nevertheless, be free to intervene in case of local rebellion against the Provisional Government or in case of disobedience [disorder?].
Please read in connection with the above my telegram number 1315, July 11, 5 p.m., and also number 1321, July 16, 6 p.m.,42 particularly paragraph number 3.