New-York tribune., 1919-03-11
L. :. Approval of Lenine
Regime Advised if They
Would Fight Germany
Records Are Offered
Red Cross Leader Denies
Charge That He Sympa-
thizcd With Bolshcviki
Ne,c York 7r,bune
W0Shir Qton B,treuu

Washington Btreuu
WASHINGTON, March 10.-A mass
OF confidential documents showing the
negotiations between Ambassador
David r. Francis and the Soviet gov
ernmcnt through Colonel Raymond
Robins, mead OF the Red Cross in
Russia, were put into the record Of
the Overman investigation committee
this afternoon by Mr.. Robins. They
show that Mr. Francis was willing to
recommend formal recognition of the
Soviet government if it could be
brought to active warfare against
Germany.
Mr.. Robins appeared at his own re
quest, with the belief that he was go
ing to attack the testimony of the
ambassador, but as his statement pro
ceeded it was found that he was attack
ing story Of that testimony carried
by one of the press associations on
Saturday night, and widely published
The committee decided the publication
OF this story justified his reply to it.
but the members all declared at the
close that they saw no disagreement of
moment between the testimony Of the
two men.
The documents submitted by Mr..
Robins We're all copies of originals in
his possession. and many of them were
lnitlalled IN Mr.. Francis's own hand
he first statement which Mr. Robins
took up was the allegation that he had
asked the Soviet leaders what their
principles were and had sympathized
with them from that time on.
Sympathy With "Reds" Denied
That is an absolutely false state
ment,' he said. "While was in Rus
sla, and since my return, | have at all
times been absolutely opposed to the
principles of Bolshevism Those prin
clples are not unfamiliar to anv stu
dent of radical thought, and have al
ways dlsapproved them. There was no
need tor me to make any inquiry about
them"
The first document Nh. Robins pro-
duced was copy Of a memorandur
he had prepared Of verbal Instructions
under which he. for some davs. had
been negotiating with the Bolshevik
leaders at Mr.. Francis's request. 1t
was memorandum which he was au
thorlzeo to communicate to these men
ana was drawn up to prevent misunder-
standing. 1t read
Suggested Communication to the Com
nssar for Foreign Affairs
At the hour the Russian people
snail require assistance from the
nlted States to repel the actions Of
Hefmany and her allies you NAV he
assured that Will recommend to the
American government that it render
them all ard and assistance within its
power If upon the termination Of
the present armistlcc Russia fails to
conclude democratic peace through
the fault of the Central Powers. and
Is compelled to continue the war.
shali urge upon my government the
fullest assistance to Russia possible
including the shipment OF supplies
and munitions for the Russian ar
mics, the extension of credits and the
giving OF such advice and technical
assistance as may be welcome to the
RUSSIAN people in the service of the
common purpose 10 obtain through
the defeat of tn. German autocracy
the effective guarantee Of lasting
and democratic peace.
Terms Of Recognition Stated
'i am not authorized to speak for
my government on the question of rec
ogniton, but that is n question which
will Of necessity be decided by actual
future events. may add. however,
that If the Russian armies. now under
the command OF the peoples COM
m'ssalres, commence and seriously
conduct hostilitics against the forces
of Germany and her allies | will rec
ommend to my government the formal
recognition of the de facto govern
ment Of the peoples commissioners
l''Notc in lead pencil at bottom:
OK, d. K. t" subject to change by
IL ,,.+,, Z
VIII be promptly informed. 1-2-lS'
In the margin, TO Col. Robins.'j"
The second document. Of the same
date, carries on the margin note
III pencil, "To Colonel Robins: This
Is Substance OF cable | shall send to
department on being advised by YOU
that peace negotiations terminated
and Soviet government decided to
prosecute war against Germany and
Austria-Germany. d. r. f." 1t reads:
"From sources which | regard as
reliable have received information
to the effect that Bolshevik leaders
fear complete failure Of peace ne
gotlations because of probable de-
mands by Germany of impossible
terms.
Desire for peace is so funda
mental and Widespread that it is i'm
possible to fortel the results Of
''!c abrupt termination or these ne
gotations, with only alternatives a
dlsgraceful peace or continuance of
war
Bolshcviki Eager for Support
"Bolshcvik leaders will welcome in
formation as to what assistance may
be expected from our government r.
continuance of war is decided upon.
Assurances OF American support in
such event may dcvidedly influence
their decision.
"U nder these circumstances and
Notwithstanding previous cables, |
have considered it my duty to in
struct General Judson informally to
communicate to the Bolshevik leaders
the assurance that in case the pres
ent arnistice is terminated and
Russia continues the war against the
Central Powers I will recommend to
the American government that it rem