861.00/7900: Telegram
The Commissioner at Riga (Young) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received 11 p.m.]
286. Situation remains without important change. French political and military missions regard situation as very critical and have destroyed archives and are shipping out all personal effects today. They believe that foreigners will be unable to leave unless by naval vessel for which they telegraphed prior to my request of December 24th. They are uncertain as to whether or not French naval vessel will arrive but believe that safety of missions and foreigners depends upon immediate arrival of foreign man of war. British mission here less apprehensive of immediate danger and much more optimistic regarding internal situation. My own information, obtained from all possible reliable sources, indicates that French are unduly alarmed and that British are possibly over optimistic.
[Page 668]In view large personnel American Red Cross and their large supplies and bearing in mind the great difficulty of a successful evacuation by train or motor transport should an evacuation become necessary, I trust that Department has taken prompt action on my request for an American naval vessel.