861.00/5134: Telegram
The Commission to Negotiate Peace to the Secretary of State
[Received August 31, 10:32 a.m.]
3955. Your 2886, August 20, 2 p.m. Very clear [Vice Consul] Burri’s report refers to Captain Berry and party, who were sent [Page 770] out as observers to Denikin’s headquarters by American Mission and General Churchill some months ago. This party has now received instructions to return to Paris in accordance with Commission’s general policy of liquidating such missions. It is understood that Captain Berry is now in Constantinople en route to Paris.
Captain Berry’s reports have been largely of a technical military nature, reporting on the operations of Denikin’s forces. It is presumed that General Churchill can give Department information regarding the nature of such reports of Captain Berry as have been forwarded to him. The reports dealing with political affairs are being summarized to the Department by despatch.
Captain Berry in every way [his reports] has spoken very highly of Denikin, denies that he is showing reactionary political tendencies, and advocates according him whatever support the Allies feel able to give. In the following telegram received from him he states:
“August 23rd. Emphatically urge Government replace me with similar mission properly accredited to Denikin showing [period]. Cannot exaggerate anxiety Volunteer Army and Russian population concerning America’s attitude toward Russia and Denikin showing [period]. Presence of this mission during six months has somewhat allayed anxiety and suggested America’s sympathies, but absence of that American support is influential in to conduce [in growing] bitterness against United States. Recall of this mission without replacing will certainly be interpreted to mean Government’s course is indifferent or even hostile.”