New-York tribune., 1919-02-26
Francis Urges
U. S. Troops Be
Kept i'm Russia
American Ambassador to
Tell Overman Committee
of Danger of Bolshevism
Will Go Back if Asked
Believes Armies Should
Stay to Protect People
Friendly TO the Allies

WASHINGTON, Feb. 25.-Ambas-
sador David r. Francis, who arrived
in Washington to-day in the Presi-
Dental party, will appear before the
Overman propaanda committee inves-
tigating Bolshevism and give complete
information of Russian conditions
probably next week, he said to day.
Many startling revelations Of condi-
tions in Russia are expected to be fur
nished the committee by Ambassador
Francis, who has returned from Russia
to rest and give the State Department
the benefit of his knowledge of Russia
of to-day.
There have been many rumors in
Washington that Ambassador Francis
would be relieved of his post because
of his health. He laughted when the
suggestion was made as to these
stories and smiled as he added:
OF course, I intend to go back II
the government wants me to go back.
Referring to the problem in Russia
optimistic of the future. There will
be stable government formed just as
soon as the people are able to act in
concert against the Bolsheviki, he said
And until this stable government is
formed lie does not believe there can
be any real peace for the world
The Ambassador made the following
points,
/. 1t would be a mistake to with
draw the American troops, as the Rus
slams who are friendly to America and
to the Allies would become the imme-
diatc victims Of the Bolsheviki.
2. The Bolshevik government is
maintaining it's power entirely by the
rule of force.
g. The great majority of the people
Of Russia are opposed to the Bolshe
wiki and are anxious that stable gov
ernment be formed and they will rise
to support this government just as
soon as it is assured of maintaining it
self against the Bolsheviki.
4. The people of Russia are friendly
to the Americans. They were, in fact,
very anxious to have him remain in
Russia and delayed his departure sew
eral weeks once it was announced that
he was going away.
Americans Well Cared For
The ambassador is not optimistic
about the proposed conference between
representatives of all Russian govern
ments and representatives of the Allies
sent from the peace conference.
"The representatives of the Boishe-
Wiki are preparing to attend this con-
ference only for the propaganda bene-
participation in it," he said. GAS to
the other governments in Russia, I
can say little I have had some re-
ports as to the Omsk government, that
is, as to the two ruling forces there,
but I have little definite information
concerning it.
"The American boys at Archangcl
are we'll provided for, and they are
not suffering. and they have the same
high spirit which enabled America to
lend the conquering force on the
western front. 1t would be a mistake
to withdraw these troops, as the Rus
SLAMS who are friendly to the Allies
and to America Immediately would be-
come the victims of the Bolsheviki,
and the great majority of the people
Bolsheviki control only very small
minority.
People Were War Weary
"Bolshevism succeeded in Russia be-
cause i. came Just at the time the sol
dlers were beng demOblhZed and when
the people were wearied with war. 1t
could not have succeeded at any other
time, in my opinion. 1t succeeded be-
cause it promised the end of war and
land and bread, and now the people are
realizing the promises have failed to
materialize. 1t is difficult to distin-
guish between the various brands of
Socialism in Russia. There are so
many slight differences.
"Lenine is the brains of the Bolshe-
wiki. Trotzky is not such a power.
He just plays to the circumstances
and again and again he lands on his
feet"
Ambassador Francis says there can
be no doubt that it was German money
which was used to enable the present
Bolsheviki government to gain con-
troll.
"They used their money to corrupt
Russia just as they would have used
money to overthrow the governments
of America or France or of England"
he said
"They are opposed to everything that
is of the nature Of an organized gov