File No. 861.00/1764
The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State1
[Received May 9, 8.19 p.m.]
Remaining here for two days longer to study situation, including subjects mentioned in your 87, April 26, 6 p.m.2 If Germany delivered ultimatum to Soviet government as reported in Consul General’s No. 492, May 8, 1 p.m., Allied intervention should not be delayed, regardless of Soviet reply to ultimatum. If a demand for evacuation Murman is denied, Soviet government will require and probably request Allied assistance. If Soviet government accedes to German demand, of course Murman will not be evacuated and in such event Allied intervention should be announced regardless of Soviet wishes. Soviet government alarmed by German action in Ukraine, see Consul General’s No. 493 of to-day,3 and by German possession of Rostov-on-Don and is evidently nervous concerning situation generally. No known organized opposition to Soviet government with force at its command but dissatisfaction therewith evidently [indicated], and maintain my opinion majority of Russian people would welcome Allied intervention.
- Sent via the Consulate General at Moscow (No. 496).↩
- Vol. iii, p. 122.↩
- Post, p. 682.↩