861.48/1145
The Secretary of State to the British Ambassador (Lindsay)
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note, No. 179, dated March 22, 1920, inquiring whether the United States Government would be prepared to contribute towards the general expenditure of transporting and maintaining refugees from that part of South Russia which has hitherto been under the control of General Denikin.
In reply, I regret to inform you that this Government at this time has no funds available for use in maintaining these refugees. However, this Department is informed by the Navy Department that American naval vessels now in the Black Sea are assisting in the evacuation of refugees from the Caucasus. It is understood that, because of the necessity for prompt evacuation, these refugees are being taken from the Caucasus to the Crimea, and that, if further need arises, evacuation from the Crimea to other points will be made at a later date.
This Government has informed the American Red Cross and the American Central Committee for Russian Relief of present conditions in South Russia but is advised that their relief work in this region is handicapped by lack of funds.
Accept [etc.]