860j.01/192: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in France ( Wallace )

188. Mission. Your 186 January 19, 7 p.m.

As regards Armenia, this Government concurs in the decision taken by the Council to recognize the government of the Armenian state as a de facto government on the condition that this recognition in no way prejudges the question of the eventual frontiers. The Secretary of State will so notify the Armenian representative in Washington.

While this Government appreciates the point of view of the Allied Governments in wishing to render material assistance to Georgia and Azerbaijan, it cannot but feel that the question of the recognition of these governments as de facto governments raises [Page 776] issues of great scope and importance. The possible reaction on the minds of the Russians hitherto friendly to the Allied and Associated governments of such a recognition, which may be advertised by the Moscow government as the beginning of an attempt to dismember Russia, demands the further and very serious consideration of the American Government.

Polk