861.00/4791: Telegram
The Vice Consul at Viborg (Imbrie) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received July 3, 11:25 p.m.]
58. The Bolsheviks’ forces on the Gatchina front have now been increased to approximately 80,000 men. There are indications that the Reds will attempt an offensive in which event a White retreat seems imminent. Russian Whites have abandoned their contemplated advance schemed for July 15th and now have small hope that Petrograd can be taken from their front.
Negotiations have been in progress between the Russian Whites under General Youdenitch and the Finns with the end in view of inducing the Finns to advance against Petrograd from the Byellooztrow front. There is every indication that the Finns will undertake the capture of Petrograd, which they are entirely able to accomplish, if they can be assured of Allied approval. In such event the Finns would probably demand an outlet to the Arctic Sea and an ice-free port, a demand which the Russians would be disposed to transmit [sic]. If our Government desires the fall of Petrograd and the overthrow of the Bolsheviks such intimation should be conveyed to the Finns together with an approval for their advance.