File No. 861.00/3043
The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 26, 10.17 a.m.]
520. Answering your 315, October 22, 4 p.m.2 Neither McCully, Poole arrived. I see Chaikovski and Ironside often, former favorably impressed by latter. I think they will cooperate harmoniously if General Poole remains away, which I think advisable, also Thornhill and Grimes. Ironside supplanted British commander on railroad front with French commander upon which I congratulated him as I think change will remedy French disaffection. I have received reports of American officers and soldiers on the railroad front being dissatisfied and am sending Stewart there.
After Consul Poole arrives if present harmony continues and Poole and McCully view the situation properly, I think I can safely leave for London but be compelled to go to Murman to take Olympia as her captain says she cannot come here, if ice heavy, first due 29th. Poole’s arrival unknown. Shall inform Department if and when depart. Can I safely go to Vladivostok via Mediterranean from London? [Page 563] Planning to take Johnston. Doolittle arrived; Flack, Calder, Zahler not arrived; no instructions. What advices from Ambassador Morris, Vladivostok; what responses to the aide-mémoire mentioned in Department’s 193 [1953], October 11, 1 p.m. [8 p.m.]1 to London?
I am willing after the operation to return here or go to Siberia, but in either event think should be out of Russia shortest time possible. I consider union of Archangel and Omsk governments exceedingly important and the junction from this end depends on armistice; if armistice arranged, believe would be able to reach Omsk via northern route sooner than via Vladivostok as Allies would immediately send sufficient troops to rescue the Czech Army.
- Not printed.↩
- See vol. iii, p. 147, footnote 1.↩