File No. 861.00/1987
The Consul at Moscow (Poole) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 9, 10.21 p.m.]
576. … Halsey telegraphs from Murman May 25:
Notwithstanding orders received direct from Moscow Commissariat Foreign Affairs, district Soviet desires Allies to remain. They [Page 477] inform me in writing that their feelings toward United States are most sincere and cordial and that this friendship will only be cemented by presence American warship. Olympia arrived 24th and is under orders British admiral.
Bolsheviks probably hope that by Murman cession to Finland they can avoid issue through direct clash between Allies on one side and Finland and Germany on other. …
- Printed in full in vol. i, p. 545.↩