861.00/5184: Telegram
The Chargé in Russia (Cole) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received September 10, 5:20 p.m.]
1410. Your 751, September 4, 6 p.m. British colleague absent temporarily at Kem. I have communicated following to the attention of the president, Zemstvo Conference:
American troops were ordered to north Russia in order to guard stores and to support the Russians in whatever efforts they might make to restore normal conditions of life. These troops cooperated with other Allied forces for nine months and were only withdrawn because of condition beyond the control of the United States Government. The Government of the United States now desires to assure the president of the Zemstvo and Municipal Conference that it acted [Page 661] under compulsion of necessity arising out of American law and only withdrew its troops because the time had arrived when its military activities had to cease. Although the Government of the United States most keenly regrets its inability to furnish the requested assistance, for which it thoroughly understands there is a very great need, both the Government and the people of the United States continue to feel a deep and sympathetic concern in those efforts now being made by the Provisional Government of north Russia and the other groups assisting Admiral Kolchak. The Government of the United States is also hopeful that means will be found to assist Russia toward a happy outcome of the struggle now being waged by its people again to come into control of their own affairs.
You will note this is paraphrased, since your text was in … code. You will note also word necessity has been modified by phrase “American law”. This was done in order to give concrete explanation of the circumstances necessitating withdrawal and because the only explanation of the American withdrawal understood or appreciated by Russians of all classes is that 329th [339th] Regiment, 310th Engineers and railroad troops had to be demobilized when the war with Germany was over, since that was the only purpose contemplated by the American selective draft act. It was thought best to omit sentence regarding refugees since the Government of the United States is not actively engaged in the affair of such persons and because it now appears impolitic, after the Russians’ decision to defend Archangel to the last and the efforts being made to create enthusiasm and to organize for that purpose, to insist officially on the presumption that it will collapse, also because those most in danger cannot or will not leave. The word hopeful used as corresponding word of the original message undecipherable.