861.00/5054: Telegram
The Chargé in Russia (Cole) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 18, 3:20 a.m.]
1381. Further [reference?] to my 1371, August 9, 6 p.m. Answering questions 2 and 3 of your 725, August 6, 4 p.m.
[Page 653]2, British Chargé d’Affaires informs me that the British ordered provision for transport for American staffs and citizens; and, 3, that ships have been appropriated for the evacuation of north Russia with passenger accommodations for 18,000 third class comity [comma?] 272 second class and 976 first class all to reach Archangel at the end of August or first part of September. Definite figure as to numbers proposed to be evacuated not settled but it is thought tonnage as above will be ample. Announcement has been made that the civilian employees of the military and naval institutions (presumably British institutions) will be removed before the departure of the British troops.
Twelve hundred Poles, Letts, Lithuanians, Esthonians leaving today for Danzig and Reval. Transportation will be provided gratis in all cases of real necessity. Destination of the poor refugees undecided.