File No. 861.00/2731
The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 18, 10.10 a.m.]
403. Ambassadors just had satisfactory conference my house with Chaikovski, Poole and Durov, new governor general. Departing government submitted address to people of northern region stating original object of its formation was temporary and terminates with formation of all-Russian state government. Aim having been accomplished by formation [of] said government at Samara composed of members Constituent Assembly, government of northern region resigns its powers and appoints governor general who reports to all-Russian authority Samara. No direct communication with Samara now but same expected to be established by wireless in a few days. While advance “clearing country of German-Bolshevik detachments” proceeds in accordance with well-devised plan it is necessarily slow; as that portion of northern region freed from Bolsheviks is under military authority and Allied representatives have agreed to appointment of governor general responsible to all-Russian government and will see that his legitimate functioning is not interfered with—are main reasons why relinquishment of and transfer of power occur now.
Address calls upon all citizens of region to support governor general with their confidence and their cooperation in discharge of his onerous duties and in his efforts to organize Russian army and that governor general will work hand in hand with town and Zemstvo organs of self-government with friendly collaboration of Allies. The address furthermore states that supreme administration takes this grave decision only after careful consideration of affairs in northern region from all points of view and of course with the consent of Allied representatives and assures people against possibility of restoration or reactionary conspiracies such as coup d’état of September 6.
Address ends with felicitation on beginning of regeneration and unification of fatherland which troops operating in north and east [Page 540] will secure by joining, and ends, “Long life to united independent and free Russia! Long life to all-Russian Constituent Assembly and to new all-Russian government!” I think no disturbance will follow this announcement. In fact it would have been excellent arrangement if criminal kidnaping not occurred as territory is too small contribute toward civil and military functioning without friction. Durov and assistant Samarin dining with me this evening. Ministers of supreme government giving tea 5 p.m. which chiefs will attend.
I broached Russian mobilization to the President and Poole when latter said was not enlisting Russians in British army but forming Slav-British legion and when any Russian military authority organized would turn legion over to it as nucleus Russian army (such information enlightening to me furthermore). Poole stated had ample supplies, equipment for all Russians enlisting and said that President Wilson should understand that fighting Bolsheviks was not fighting Russians but Germans as Bolsheviks indissolubly linked with Germans as demonstrated in every engagement.
British supply ship arrived to-day but unadvised whether for military or civil relief. Poole furthermore stated eight vessels would clear by September 25 from Canada, United States and England with sufficient supplies to relieve food necessities of the civil population. Please inform me on the subject.