861.00/5282: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Russia (Cole)
751. The President has received a telegram from representatives of the Conference of Zemstvos and Municipalities63 making a fervid appeal for retention of Allied troops. Please consult your British Colleague and if you then deem it advisable inform President of Zemstvos Conference that American troops were sent to Archangel to assist Russians in safeguarding supplies and in such efforts as might be made to restore normal conditions. American troops were withdrawn after cooperating with Allied forces in North Russia for nine months, only because of conditions over which this Government had no control. You may assure the President of the Conference that our action was dictated by stern necessity and only because we had reached the limit of time when our military activities had perforce to cease. This Government understands that every possible effort is being made to offer a refuge for those Russians who are in danger. While this Government regrets most keenly that it cannot render the assistance asked for and which it thoroughly appreciates is very greatly needed, you may say that the Government and people of the United States continue to regard with deep and sympathetic interest the efforts now being made by the Provisional Government of Northern Russia and those other elements associated with Admiral Kolchak, and is hopeful that means will develop by which Russia may be assisted towards a happy outcome of the efforts of her people to regain control of their own affairs.