File No. 861.00/2845
The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State
[Received 12.24 p.m.]
432[?]. Y.M.C.A. occupy theater here where they maintain reading, billiards and writing rooms much frequented by Allied soldiers. Last evening I addressed them inviting Governor General and President to accompany me. Latter requested, made a speech after I had spoken and stated that he had prepared cable to President Wilson asking for more American troops and to [after] consultation requested me to send the following telegram:
To the President: Torn to pieces and bleeding, tumbling to death, Russia appeals to you, great citizen, for a quick and decisive help. It was thanks to the American forces that the glorious change has been effected on the [western?] front. Now the eastern front, which we are endeavoring to restore under trying conditions of struggle [Page 542] against the Bolsheviks, is craving for a similar change at your convenience. Strategic situation in northern Russia needs sending more American troops here for enabling us to form a second Russian army for delivering a decisive blow to the enemy and for putting an immediate end to the horrible spilling of innocent blood in the central part of Russia. Quite appreciating the hardships of the task, Russian democracy offers in advance her heartiest gratitude and admiration to her precatory sister for the exploit. Nicholas Chaikovski.
I send in cipher by request because sender wished same unknown to British and French.
Two steamers just arrived here conveying 500 American, 500 British, 700 French soldiers, also two American couriers with six pouches, also Consul Davis., wife and child.