840.48/2102: Telegram

The Ambassador in France (Wallace) to the Acting Secretary of State

284. [From McCormick:]

Department’s 1889, May 7, 3 [5] p.m. for McCormick.83

[“] I set out below the letter which Dr. Nansen wrote to Lenin on April 17 and which it is understood has not yet been delivered owing to the delay of courier by military operations in Finland. Doctor Nansen himself is leaving today for Petrograd to present the proposal to Lenin.84

‘Mr. Nikolai Lenin, President of the Russian Soviet Government, Moscow. Sir: On April 3rd I sent the following letter to President Wilson, Clemenceau, Lloyd George and Orlando:

[Here follows text of letter printed ante, p. 102.]

Today, April 17th, I have received the following answer:

[Here follows text of letter printed ante, p 108.]

I would be glad to hear from you in this matter at your earliest convenience.

I may add that the neutral organization which I propose offers its services in this cause without any remuneration whatever, but of course its expenditures in the purchase and transportation of supplies must be met by the Soviet Government.

Believe me, Sir, Yours most respectfully, (signed) Fridtjof Nansen’.

Please bring the foregoing to the attention of the War Trade Board. McCormick.”

Wallace
  1. Not printed.
  2. According to Soviet reply forwarded through Copenhagen, Crab 104, May 14, infra, the proposal was received by the Soviet authorities by wireless on May 4.