861.48/1323: Telegram
The Ambassador in Great Britain (Davis) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received 7:37 p.m.]
1687. Your 1182, November 26, 6 p.m.40 Replying to my representations, Foreign Office states in note received today that British Government is unable to enter into any further commitments beyond the very large liabilities they have already assumed in connection with refugees who left South Russia on collapse of Denikin’s army early this year. Note adds that French Government have assumed responsibility of refugees who left the Crimea owing to Wrangel’s defeat and are now taking all possible measures to relieve these unfortunate people. Reports have been received by the Foreign Office from the British High Commissioner at Constantinople that despite efforts being made by French authorities there, local resources are taxed to the utmost, refugees condition is deplorable, and great difficulty in dealing with enormous numbers already there is being experienced.
Foreign Office note concludes by suggesting that much could be done to relieve very critical situation arising from sudden exodus of over 120,000 people from the Crimea if the United States Government could render assistance to French naval authorities at Constantinople and give such material support as is possible.
[Page 638]I am informally advised that the British are assuming responsibility of transfer of a certain portion of these refugees from Constantinople to Serbia, which country will endeavor to absorb as many as possible. An additional number were to be accommodated at Lemnos, while they were endeavoring to install many in Tripoli and Algeria.