The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1918-08-15
U. s. HAS BROKEN
WITH BOLSHEVIKI


bombardment of the islands covering
Arcl,augel.
A third report from Consul-General
Poole refers to TIL, arrests OF British
and French citizens at Moscow. On the
afternoon of August there was a con-
ference between Tchitcherin and the
Consuls- General of Japan. Sweden and
the United States with the following
results:
First, the Soviet Government gave
solemn assurances that allied persons
having diplomatic or official character
would not be molested second,
Tchitcherin stated the allied military
missions would not be allowed to depart
as had been promised; third. that civil
persons arrested were hostages for the
lives of Soviet members In territory &C.
cupied by the Allies.
Tchitcherin said that these persons
are civil prisoners arrested. In accord
ance with the practices of war, for in
ternment. He added that no RESPONSE
bllity could be assumed for their future
safety because Great Britain and France
had attacked Archangel without dec
laration of war.
Mr.. Poole stated that he was without
knowledge Of what had taken place in
the north but warned Tchitcherin that
the peoples OF the allied nations could
not be intimidated and that the initia-
tion of a system OF reprisals by the
Soviet Government could only result in
individual members of the Government
being held personally responsible and in
the loss by the Bolshevik cause of what
ever respect II might now have In the
minds OF the civilized world.
A fourth message from Mr.. Poole,
dated August s, stated that the author
General of France and England on the
afternoon Of the fifth and arrested the
Consuls General and their STATS. At
3 o'clock on the morning of the sixth
the Consuls General and part OF their
stats were released through the untir-
ing good offices OF the Swedish Consul
General
Mr.. Poole stated that a guard re-
manned around both Consulates and
would not permit British or FrencA
nationals to approach. Mr.. Poole pointed
cut that these acts occurred Immediately
following the solemn assurance given
by Tchitcher!n that all persons having
diplomatic or consular character would
be respected. Feeling that there were
no assurances that the American Con-
sulate General would not be violated at
any moment he destroyed his codes and
records
This and the general situation made II
impossible to carry on his functions, and
Mr. Poole accordingly asked the Swedish
Consul General to take over the proteC-
ton of American interests and at the
same time to request facilities Of the
Soviet Government for the immediate de-
parture Of the American diplomatic and
Consular staff The allied Consuls were
doing likewise =,
All steps were being taken for the Sc
curity OF private American citizens, who
had not been molested so far Mr. Poole
added that departure would probably be
by way of Petrograd and Stockholm. At
the instance of the Swedish Consul Cen
eral the German Embassy had already
recommended to the German Government
the issuance OF the necessary safe con-
duct.
The fail of the Soviet Government is
considered n possibility since the last
messages were received from Mr.. Poole.
Lenine and Trotzky are reported to have
fled from Moscow to Kronetadt because
pressure against them was becoming
so strong that they feared for their
lives. II is believed that their Govern
ment may have fallen since then and
IL this is true it is believed that Mr..
Poole will remain and resume charge
of American afrai4e.