861.00/5770: Telegram

The Commissioner at Riga (Gade) to the Secretary of State

Repeat American Mission.

20. Regarding Dorpat conference.

Baltic States delaying further procedure hoping for some expression from the Allies and America as to their action in discussing terms of peace with the Bolshevik. They hoped such an expression might be made after the request made to [in] my telegram number 3, November 12, 7 p.m. to American Mission80 repeated Secretary of State to consider appointment of third power to control and police proposed neutral zone which Latvian Foreign Minister states still unanswered. Esthonia has informed Latvia she will recommence separate negotiations with Bolshevik, December 1st, if Latvia then still waiting. Bolshevik hoping that disputed points, especially possession of city of Walk, causing difficulties between Esthonia and Latvia, may lead to separate peace with the former, and with Yudenitsch eliminated, allow strong Bolshevik attack on Latvian eastern front. Latvian negotiations with Polish General Prince Radziwill concluded, and agreement reached by which Poland and Lithuania promised to assist Latvia if unable to protect eastern frontier before the movement eastern frontier. Latvian troops now busy with Bermondt. On December 15th joint Polish, Latvian and Lithuanian offensive agreed on against the Bolshevik. I am reliably informed that Esthonia has for a month been secretly and separately negotiating in Moscow. Bolshevik demands now stiffened including free passage merchandise and agents through the port of Reval which was refused by Esthonia. England believed to be apathetic. French policy especially desired.

Gade
  1. Transmitted in telegram from the Commission to Negotiate Peace no. 5158, received Nov. 13, p. 740.