861.00/3659
The British Chargé (Barclay) to the Acting Secretary of State
Memorandum
His Majesty’s Chargé d’Affaires presents his compliments to the Acting Secretary of State and, with reference to the Embassy’s memorandum No. 10 of January 3rd with regard to a message to be sent to the various Governments in Russia, has the honour to inform him that His Majesty’s Government have received a communication from the French Government stating that they cannot agree to the proposal, as by doing so it would necessitate the recognition of the Russian Soviet Government which would be contrary to the principles which have previously controlled the action of the Allied Governments in Russia and which would also help the Bolshevist propaganda. In the opinion of the French Government the Allied Governments should continue to furnish the different Governments fighting against the Bolshevists, with money and arms and such military support as may be practicable. The French Government consider that the Soviet Government will ultimately collapse if the Allied Governments continue to refuse to treat with them.