861.00/5498: Telegram
The Minister in Denmark (Hapgood) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 29, 1:45 a.m.]
243. Following from military attaché.66
“Riga, October 27th. Communication from Ulmanis, Prime Minister Latvia, dated October 25th, handed me as military representative of the United States, follows in condensed form:
‘Lettish Army has been carrying on fight against Bolshevists for eleven months now attacked by Russo-German troops.
Lettish Army has always fought for ideals for which Allied Powers were combating for five years and has protected whole Europe from Bolshevism. In fighting Russo-German troops Lettish Army prevents union between reactionary Germany and reactionary Russia.
Latvia has been incessantly devastated during five years by German-Russian and Bolshevist armies and has sacrificed more to war against Germany than even Belgium, consequently capabilities very limited and supplying of army possible only with help of Allied Powers. At present army carrying on fight meant [sic] for two fronts.
Following asked of each of Allied Governments: governmental support of aid already given by navies to operation of Latvian Army. Give arms, munitions, etc., to Latvian Army; grant Latvia support of £2,000,000 carry on war, supply provisions to inhabitants as heretofore, prevent coming of new [apparent omission] into Latvia; disarm and evacuate without loss of time all foreign troops from Latvia.
Answer requested by November 3d in order take steps dependent on answer. Signed, Ulmanis, Prime Minister.’
Believe it to be in the interest of humanity to make every effort. This fighting which is resulting in loss of the lives including women and children and enormous damage to property. If these conditions continue great suffering will result this winter and much food and clothing will be required.”
- Col. Thomas W. Hollyday, on detail in the Baltic Provinces.↩