File No. 860d.00/164
The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 29, 10.17 p.m.]
209. Wardwell1 visited me yesterday; said Red Cross representatives hereafter would confine themselves to relief work, only participating political affairs when requested; gave me confidential verbal message from Radek, who is able influential Bolshevik editor, asking whether I would recommend recognition Finnish independence if Finland would become neutral and sever close relations with Germany; I encouraged suggestion while expressing doubt of its success. Has Department instructions? Finnish-German alliance constitutes great menace to Murman, Archangel, Petrograd, and all European Russia, but means famine in Finland, Archangel Province. Can you communicate with Haynes?
- Maj. Allen Wardwell, in charge of the American Red Cross Commission to Russia, See vol. i, p. 531.↩