File No. 861.00/2776

The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

416. Quiet. Another officer died. Total deaths, 65, including two lieutenants.

Government installing Durov governor general, will publish abdication Monday. Three ministers left yesterday for Samara; delegation of Russian officers opposed to sovereign government planning to go Samara to explain conditions here to Alexeev and represent that American Ambassador protected two ministers. French Ambassador thinks undue favoring sovereign government, which socialistic, may drive anti-socialistic Russian officers and Russian bourgeoisie to German side. I told him our policy was not to interfere [Page 543] even with local governments and to discreetly protect same if decided choice of people as this government undoubtedly is.

The transport Rhodesian arrived from Montreal with 5,800 tons Hour which being transferred to Russian craft for shipment to interior points, where flour exhausted. Please advise what vessels en route Archangel with supplies.

Francis