Paris Peace Conference 180.03401/147
Notes of a Meeting held at President Wilsons House in the Place des Etats-Unis, Paris, on Wednesday, May 7th, 1919, at 11 a.m.
I. C. 181. E
- Present.—United States of America: President Wilson.—British Empire: The Rt. Hon. D. Lloyd George, M.P.—France: M. Clemenceau.—Italy: M. Orlando.—Secretaries—Sir Maurice Hankey, K.C.B.; Count Aldrovandi.—Interpreter—Professor P. J. Mantoux.
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Russia
4. Mr. Lloyd George said the situation in Russia was developing in a very remarkable manner, and would have to be dealt with soon. There had been a curious collapse of the Bolsheviks, and the British Cabinet were pressing for a decision. It seemed that Koltchak had made such progress that he might soon be in a position to join hands with the forces based on Archangel. On the other hand, it was possible that he might march direct on Moscow. This was M. Paderewski’s65 view. Hence, in a short time, the Allied and Associated Powers might be faced with a Koltchak Government in Moscow. [Page 342] According to information furnished by M. Tchaikowski66 and M. Paderewski, Koltchak was simply a soldier and nothing more. Denekin was said to be pro-German or at any rate in the hands of a pro-German Chief of Staff. All this pointed to the desirability of imposing some conditions on Koltchak and Denekin before further supplies were furnished. furnished. Koltchak’s political programme was vague and indefinite, containing such items as “there must be land reform.”
M. Paderewski was afraid of a very powerful military Russia developing under Koltchak.
M. Clemenceau pointed out that M. Paderewski, like all Poles, was anti-Russian.
President Wilson suggested that we should demand a programme of reforms and insist that our continued support depended on its being adopted.
Mr. Lloyd George said that he and General Wilson had both formed a very high opinion of M. Tchaikowski. He thought that his colleagues ought to see him. He was sent to Siberia by the Czarist Government owing to his liberal views, and was urging that the Allies should prevent Russia from becoming Imperial again. He himself feared that more than he did Bolshevism.
M. Clemenceau was afraid of both.
President Wilson said Bolshevism must collapse, whereas an Imperial Russia might remain. There was nothing in the Treaty with Germany to prevent the Germans from forming a powerful industrial and commercial union with Russia. He asked what the assistance given to Russia consisted in.
Mr. Lloyd George said arms and supplies.
President Wilson asked if they had been able to build up stocks.
Mr. Lloyd George thought not. Koltchak’s success was probably due to the fact that the Bolshevists had no coal or oil.
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