861.00/6922

Memorandum by the Minister in Poland (Gibson), temporarily in the United States

The French Ambassador called yesterday afternoon and stated that the Austrian Government is anxious to get rid of Bela Kun and desires to send him back to Soviet Russia with some of his companions. It appears the Soviet Government is ready to welcome him. The French Government feels that it is desirable to get all the Bolshevists possible into the territory occupied by the Soviet Government but has informed Dr. Renner that Bela Kun can be allowed to return to Soviet Russia only if all European and American prisoners now held by the Soviets are safely returned.

M. Jusserand wished to know whether the American Government had any comment to make on this stand. After consultation with Mr. Polk today I notified the Ambassador that we were in agreement with the French attitude.

H[ugh] G[ibson]