File No. 861.00/2697
The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 14, 10.03 a.m.]
396. When Ministers came to conference yesterday afternoon they greatly surprised Ambassadors by stating they had decided to abandon supreme government of northern region. Government had been reinstated, but complained of military interference and cited several cases. They submitted written statement to the effect that zone occupied by Allied forces is narrow with little prospect of being enlarged soon and that—
Under present circumstances existence in northern region of subordinate organs of Russian state government and organs of self-government or local administration quite sufficient.
They planned to appoint military governor who would report to triumvirate directly at Samara, composed of Alexeev, Avksentiev, and Stepanov. Said they were going to Zemstvo meeting at 6 p.m. and knew we were also, and they would announce abdication there. Ambassadors dissuaded them from making such announcement and I requested reconsideration of determination. Thereupon they said had fully considered and were immovably resolved to abdicate because two powers could not function in limited territory without [Page 535] friction and furthermore their decree of mobilization had met with disappointing response. Ambassadors met to-day but Ministry appears arranging for departure and did not come to conference. I called President by telephone and requested him to dine with me but he said had engagement and when I suggested 11 o’clock visit he replied would be engaged most of night with colleagues arranging abdication but promised to call at 11 to-morrow. My colleagues do not attach great importance to government’s departure saying civil and military can not function in such a narrow zone without friction. Lindley had called on President and suggested President be a governor general himself but he declined. Ambassadors concluded to insist on his remaining as representative of general government at Samara and adviser to military governor general of Archangel which I shall advise. If Ministry abdicate proposed abdication unknown to public.