New-York tribune., 1922-06-05
Bakhmeteff
To Retire as
Russian Envoy
tcssslssoS ipe sss sss

countries Wnicn WIN IvvP' ~" "'"Nf
we're trying 70 accomplish the same re-
suit.
Naturally th. activities OF Bakhme-
tef have brought down lot OF oppo'
sition on his head from those who sym.
pathlred with tho Soviet experiment
but the attacks did not become sum
GENTLY fierce 20 induce the State De.
psr,ment 70 act until this spring
Nr. Bskhmeteh's letter 70 Secretary
Hughes, under date Of April ~. 1922
was a. follows:
"My Dear Mr.. Secretary: In view o.
recent events think u advisable 70
bring forward once more the subject
Of my position a. the representative
of Russia IN the United Statef.
"Reeelved AZ Washington in July, 1917
A. ambassador OF the FIRST democratic
government Of RuBsia I have scmsined
AZ ny post up 10 the present time In
order TO serve and protect Russian ma
tional Interests ana 20 facilitate. in CO.
operation with the Treasury and state
departments. the liquidation and finsl
settlement OF a large volume Of com
mercial business for which the govern
ment OF RusSis stood obligated partly
through ny agency. 70 American busi-
ness concerns ] am happy TO believe
that American - we'll as Russian In
terests have been served thereby.
His Work Completed
The work of liquidation has nov
hsen brought % a practical close. A.
the same time ny status as anioassa
dor hes been made me subject Of 20
neved discussion ! an led n cues
tion whether my continuance as An
bassador Of Russia will longer serve
tho hest interests of my coln'rv ard
the convenience Of the United State'
Government am prepared, IL tn'
United ststes government 80 desires
10 retire and terminate my ohicia
functions
"On account Of persona matters
have MANNED % sail from this country
within the near future. u would D.
necessary 10 wind up ny Affairs ana q
arrange for the custody Of the Russiar
property for which J an responsible
This work could be completed about
Ipne 30. which date could be regarded
"a tho date on which my retirement
from Official duty would take enect.
"In the event Of my retirement
.pogest that Mr. Serge Ughet. fnancla
sttache o. the embassy, be recognized
a, custodian Of the properties m cues
tion and as the agent through whom
nending business can De transacted and
terminated.
"In assuring you % my deep appfe
c,at,on Of the personal consideration
have always enjoyed a. tne hands O
tho state Department. and otner De
nartments o. the American govern
ment. 7 desire 20 express also my
gratitude for .he good will and con
siderstion with Which the United state
bss treated ms country. America va
ers, 20 welcome the advent o. aemoe
rscy in Russia and 90 recognize tn'
nrovisionsl government. Since tnen
snd through Russlas great trial me
T.t.ed states has evinced deep and
.,,r,na,hetic understanding Of RUSSIA
a,occs. Of transformation and nss con
s.rroJ urbroken faith IN the regs nera
,ian ana happy future o. the Russian
~Tbe United States has lent lriehaaiy
.eo,t in preserving FOR the kvssisn
nno,ie the integrity o. their nStionai
psVr, psV,,,,ory and in safeguarding then
sssa,on,ic freedom. Finally, America
-, ,n,erously come 20 the relet o.
.sEarirr ard saved millions OF kus
st"ns rom starvation. For this ass,st'
80 and support In the hour OF o.
80 Pussia will conserve etetna'
gratitude.
Hughess Acceptance
Ia Ibis letter Sir. Hugnes repliee
the following day as follows
M dear Mr. Ambassador;
81 rave received your letter o. Apr
ss 400 I'M which you bring tor"aia
The question OF your status ss amossse
soy N the United states ard sugges'
.sst il nav be appropriate 20 have tni'
.ar,,ina,e in the near future, lnasmuc
=. ,se liouidation and fnal settlement
~ ,he business OF the Russian govern
,,.rt i'm the United States for wnlcf
Won we're responsible "a now pisct.c@iil
ronpleted and as your continsanee a.
.mhassador under the existing citcum
stances may give rise 20 misnnaei
standing.
II believe that cnange In me pres
ent situation is desirable. and ! an
vlad 10 De able 20 concur in your sug
ges,ions a. TO how this may rest O
brought about
"You will continue 20 De recogni ze'
a. ambasador until June 80 next Ate
this date the custody q tne propert.
of tho Russian government IN tni
country for which sou have been -
sponsible will be considered 10 vest p
Mr.. Serge Ughet, the financial attaen'
OF the embassy. Mr. tghets diplc
matte status with this government Wi
not be altered By the termination c
YOUR duties. and he will continue 9
enjoy the usual diplomatic privilege
and immunities.
with assurances Of my high esteem
and appreeiating the friendly spirit d
which you have dealt with all matter
OF interest to this government. ! an