861.00/6712: Telegram
The Commission to Negotiate Peace to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received September 14, 9:18 a.m.]
4204. Department’s 2776, August 9, 3 [4] p.m., and 2916, August 22, 4 p.m.6 Memorandum of French Foreign Office states that Anglo-French [Page 296] agreement of July 2d, 1918, provides for division of all expenses between Great Britain and France, Great Britain to advance transportation and other charges of Czecho-Slovak troops beginning with [the date of] their departure, while France would furnish necessary amounts to pay for these troops during their stay in Italy [Russia], Great Britain, in addition, was to request the United States to contribute one third of the total expense as finally determined. The memorandum further states that the question of reimbursement of expenses paid for the Czech-Slovak troops was also taken up with the Czecho-Slovak Government which agreed to repay all expenses incurred for the formation and support of the Czecho armies in Europe, the new Republic being desirous of bearing all expenses connected with its war of independence.
Repayment of expenses incurred in Siberia was not, as stated in memorandum, formerly [formally] conceded. The Czecho-Slovak Government considers that as the Czecho troops in Russia were put at the disposition of the Allies for the benefit of the common cause, it would be unreasonable to expect the [new] Government to bear such heavy burdens. The Czecho-Slovak Government, however, [would] be willing to bear reasonable part of the same.
The French and English Governments which have hitherto made advances for these troops in Siberia and continue to be responsible for their support and their repatriation ask whether the Government of the United States is willing to accept the obligation of paying one third of the expense pending final arrangement with the Czechs.
- Latter not printed.↩