File No. 861.00/801
The Consul at Tiflis (Smith) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 13, 1.45 p.m.]
Maximalist uprising Rostov reported crushed with considerable bloodshed. Two transports and one torpedo boat the Black Sea Fleet attacking Taganrog but government of Don anticipates no trouble liquidating the affair. On official authority it is believed that Russian National Assembly will be convened at Kiev or Novocherkassk, as indications appear favorable to Cadets, and assembly, if convened at Petrograd, would be under German influence and in Moscow would be dispersed by Maximalists. Either of the two former centers would be favorable for Allied influence. Convention it is supposed will be called for former. The Provisional Government, being socialist, would prefer the first [i. e., Kiev]. I am personally strongly in favor of convention’s being called by Duma’s committee on claims [sic] with Rodzyanko chairman. He is now at second [i. e., Novocherkassk]. Strongly recommend that I or some other diplomatic or consular officer should visit at that place and Ekaterinodar to report situation and discuss it with R[odzyanko] and Alexeev. William Jenkins or Poole could take charge here temporarily. Another officer should be sent immediately to Kiev. Please instruct me as soon as possible regarding recognition state and south Russian federation governments and if they may be assured sympathy and assistance.