File No. 861.00/2720a
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Great Britain (Page)
1313. The Department has received most disturbing reports concerning the high-handed methods taken by General Poole with the local government at Archangel, whose authority he apparently ignores. The natural effect upon the Russian people will be to arouse resentment and possibly open hostility toward the Governments whose troops have been landed in northern Russia for the purpose of aiding and not of coercing the inhabitants. The course which General Poole is reported to have taken is entirely at variance with the policy of this Government as set forth in the aide-mémoire handed to Lord Reading on July 181 and with the understanding when American troops were sent to Russian territory.
In view of this unfortunate state of affairs and the possibly serious consequences which may result in the attitude of the Russian people, not only at Archangel but elsewhere, toward the governments whose troops are under General Poole’s command, you are requested to lay this matter before the British Government without delay, expressing the deep concern which the President feels as to a continuance of military interference with the local authorities at Archangel in matters of a civil nature.
You may also, in urging the British Government to instruct General Poole to be more considerate of the civil authorities, say that the President, in the event that this reported interference is not checked, will be compelled to consider the withdrawal of the American [Page 534] troops from the superior command of General Poole and the directing of Colonel Stewart to act independently in accordance with the announced policy of this Government. The President would deplore the necessity of taking this step but he cannot permit the United States to share responsibility for the reported action of General Poole as commander of the united forces.
The direct interference of General Poole with the civil authorities at Archangel has been most unfortunate and is reported to have caused great offense and humiliation to the Russians. This Government has been able thus far to retain the good will and confidence of the Russian people in general. It cannot afford to risk this friendly attitude by being a participant in an expedition whose commander apparently is indifferent to the rights and feelings of the Russian communities with which he comes in contact. I have very frankly and emphatically explained the situation to the British Chargé here who assured me he would immediately telegraph his Government.