760n.61/3: Telegram
The Commissioner at Riga (Young) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received December 25—5:47 p.m.]
282. Situation more serious. Am in touch with all possible sources of information and while reports are conflicting the seemingly more [Page 667] reliable information indicates attack on Latvia about January 15 possibly preceded by attack against Esthonia. Latvian Army lack ammunition and in the opinion of military observers would be defeated within exact hour.
After most careful and thorough investigation I can not do otherwise than recommend immediate despatch of suitable naval vessel to Riga. Foreign missions quietly sending families away. There is still a possibility that situation will improve but at present it is unquestionably grave. See Hollyday’s 142.54
- Not printed.↩