Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-11-24
RUSSIAN PEOPLE LOYAL
TO ALLIES, SAYS ENVOY
WASHINGTON. Nov. "a.


Tho Russian people will not consent to
withdrawal from the war against the Gen.
trail Powers.
Assurance was given to Secretary Of state
Lansing today in a letter by the RUSSIAN
Ambassador Boris Bakhmetieff.
"However dlsorganizlng and dangerous
for my country and the common Allied
cause might be the passing rule of the Bel
sheviki," Ambassador Bakhmetien wrote,
"I have not declined for a moment the hrm
attitude of conviction that even the open
stems taken by the Bolsheviki Withdrawal
of Russia from the war cannot prejudice
tho true spirit of the Russian people and
the real decision which the people will
adopt when they are freed from the tenn
porary rule of violence which is endeavor-
ing TO bring forth irreparable action
The ambassador said that while he con-
sidered Il his duty to remain at his post
and Ito maintain the responsibility OF all
engagements and commitments of the legal
Government of Russia" he has authorized
all embassy attaches 90 follow their natural
feeling in their desire 10 find other ground
for their activities.
From the very outset of the revolt In
Petrograd the embassy has considered
'Bolshev,ki Government as anti-natlonal
and not representative Of the true VIII or
the Russian people," Ambassador Bakhme-
tieff wrote. THE embassy has, therefore,
refused to accept the authority ana mas
not entered into any contact with the group
at present in power in Petrograd. In the
future / will continue In not recognizing
'Bolsheviki' or any similar government
which would break loyalty to Russias al
lies and lead the country TO nonpartlcpa-
ton In the war.
"a deep and active opposition OF all sound
and constructive elements in RUSSIA Is
bound to arise. revealing in positive action
the true spirit of the loyal and national
Russia
However, 1t is evident that until con-
dtions change the Russian Embassy cannot
exercise in full measure the most essential
of its duties and activities, which are based
on active war cooperation with the united
States Government and the Allies. | have
authorized. therefore, members OF the em-
bassy to follow their natural feeling in their
desire to find other grounds for their actl'i-
ties.
"As for myself, I consider it my duty 10
remain at my post, having to hold firmly
the dignity of national and loyal Russia and
to maintain the responsibility OF all engage
ments and commitments of the legal Gov
ernment Of Russia which has been intrusted
to me. I will continue to carry such duties
unless another legal representative, recogn-
lied as such by the United states Govern
ment, would take charge of the representa-
tion of Russia after a formal acceptance
of the whole Of it's functions, duties and
liabilities.
I'm the meantime. defending the symbol
of a national representation of Russia, |
Will carry on the current affairs pertaining
to the manifold matters in which the Rus-
sian Government has contracted tight bonds
in the process of war cooperation with
the Government of the United States and
different institutions of this country |
will endeavor az we'll TO render all pos
sible protection of the interests of the citi-
zens of Russia in this country and will
give support to all activities of individuals
and institutions in Russia whose endeavorS
are directed TO Illustrate the rule of anti
national elements and contribute to the
revelation of the true spirit of the coun-
try.
"a staff of assistants, necessary for the
fultilment of this task, will remain at the
embassy and other Russian institutions in
the United States. performing the heavy
patriotic duty and contributing through
their devotion to the endeavors, which are
actually made in Russia by different de-
partments and institutions, which, not
recognizing the 'Bolsheviki Government
apply all efforts to oppose its destructive
activities by maintaining to the utmost the
war mechanism of Russia and preventing
the dangerous disrupture of all elements
of the state"
The ambassadors letter will be acknowl-
edged by Secretary Lansing. but the Sec
diplomatic form Secretary Lansing would
not comment in any way upon the letter
this afternoon.