File No. 860c.01/4
The Russian Ambassador (Bakhméteff) to the Secretary of State
Mr. Secretary of State: I am instructed by the Imperial Government to bring the following to your excellency’s knowledge:
In contempt of the law of nations the German and Austro-Hungarian military authorities at Warsaw and Lublin have just proclaimed that the Russian provinces of Poland would henceforth form a separate state. The Imperial Government protests against that act, which constitutes another violation of the international conventions solemnly vowed by Germany and Austria-Hungary and declares it null and void. It asserts that the provinces of the Kingdom of Poland have not ceased to form part and parcel of the Empire of Russia and that their inhabitants are bound by the oath of allegiance which they have taken to His Majesty the Emperor, my August Master.
Be pleased [etc.]