311.6124/4a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Commissioner at Riga ( Gade )
Orders of deportation from the United States have been issued in the cases of about 150 aliens of Russian origin who have made it impossible by their anarchistic agitation against this government for this country to continue longer to grant them its hospitality. In accordance with the law and the usual practice it is desired to return them to the country of their origin. The peculiar situation now existing in Russia necessitates special arrangements. The known tendency of the persons to be deported to affiliate with the so-called Bolshevik group makes it appropriate and desirable that they be returned to the parts of Russia under the control of the Bolsheviki. There is however no port to which they can now be sent which will admit them directly to such territory. In these circumstances it will be necessary to arrange if possible for their transit through a port not in Bolshevik hands. It is desired that you ascertain at once from the competent local authorities whether they can be landed at the port of Libau or Windau, as may be most convenient, and given safe conduct by train and humane treatment till they reach the front and be passed over into the Bolshevik lines. The party would arrive on an American ship in charge of representatives of the United States Department of Labor. This government would of course bear all expenses connected with their transfer to the Bolshevik lines and it would be desirable to send with them that far several of the Department of Labor representatives to cooperate with the local authorities. It is necessary to have a prompt reply as the ship will be ready to sail from New York in ten days or a fortnight.
It is considered important that the party pass only through Russian territory and you will make every effort accordingly to secure the cooperation of the Baltic Governments.