861.00/5281 a: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Commission to Negotiate Peace
3238. For Polk from Treasury Department.
“In view of strong representations made by the American Mission and Department of State as to the importance of repatriating Czecho-Slovak troops in Siberia, I am prepared, with the approval of the President, to establish credits in favor of the Government of Czecho-Slovakia, and to make advances thereunder for expenditures necessary for transporting these troops to Czecho-Slovakia, on the understanding that the total expenditure involved would not exceed $12,000,000. As however stability in Czecho-Slovakia, from a material standpoint, concerns England and France more than United States, and as the British can supply a large part, if not all, of the tonnage required for purpose, I do not feel that United States should bear all of this expenditure. I suggest, therefore, that you take matter up with British and French on basis that British furnish the tonnage, that we furnish the funds required for their keep in United States and railroad transportation therein, and that French supply the funds for their transportation home after reaching [Page 300] Europe. As expenditures in Europe can be paid in francs there will be no undue burden to the French Treasury. As United States has supplied almost all funds required for European relief during the armistice, I am satisfied that England and France will realize that they should bear a large portion of expense. Please advise disposition of British and French Governments so that Treasury may determine exact amount of credit to be established by it.”