861.00/6349: Telegram
The High Commissioner at Constantinople (Bristol) to the Secretary of State
122. From Admiral McCully [,Odessa].
“12. Sent an officer ashore today to attempt to get Americans believed to be still in Odessa. These are Barnett Young, Jacob H. Rubin of Union Bank, Milwaukee, Tate ex-soldier of the United States Army and Mrs. Eli Keyser. Barnett and Tate could not be found and may have gotten away on a steamer. Rubin does not [Page 583] wish to leave, has offered his service to Bolsheviks and apparently sympathizes with them. Mrs. Keyser was seen and was indifferent about going away and some money was left with her. The names of these people were given to Bolshevik commander who promised they would not be molested so it would not seem necessary to take further steps unless so directed.
According to observation of the officer landing, order is maintained in the city, people apparently going about usual business, food shops open and food seeming fairly plentiful. Officer commanding is General Uborevitch about 20 years old. He stated that he had suppressed looting immediately coming here and that no one would be molested except spies and thieves. He wanted to know why British war vessels had fired on his troops when his Government had made a treaty with their Government, apparently being under the impression that there is such a treaty. He said that merchant vessels will be welcomed for commercial pursuits but that he will open fire on the British war vessels if they do not leave within three days. Bolsheviks have also captured Nikolaiev and probably troops are fairly well equipped, many wearing British uniforms and under strict discipline. Weather is very cold here and ice is forming well out to sea. I expect to leave for Sevastopol evening of February 11. End McCully.”
- Telegram in two sections.↩