Evening star., 1922-06-05

Recognition OF Boris Bakhmeten as
Russian ambassador to the United
States under his appointment by the
kerensky government. which collapsed
five years ago. will cease June 30.
He has been notified of that decision
Of the United States government by
Secretary Hughes in reply to COM
munication from him saying that he
had practically completed the liqui-
datios of property claims growing out
Of the world war, the chief function
entrusted to him, and was willing to
relinquish his diplomatic office II
the Washington government desired
him to do SO.
The correspondence was dated late
in April, after Senator Borah had
challenged the ambassador status.
long the subject of controversy, in
connection with attempts to hale MN
before a Senate committee, and IN ms
communication Mr.. Bakhmeten states
that the renewed discussion" Of the
subject had led him to question
whether his continuance as ambassa-
dor would serve the best interests of
my country and the convenience of
the United States"
Charged Misuse Of Funds.
Both that letter and the Secretsry's s
reply. however. antedate the climax
of the Senate discussion of the sub
ject. during which charges were pro-
duced by Senator Borah Of misuse OF
Russian embassy funds. of which
cognizance is taken in an exchange
of letters between Secretary Hughes
and Secretary Mellon of the Treasury
Department. made public with the
other correspondence. Giving de-
tailed statement Of the emhassy's ex-
penditures. Mr.. Mellon declared that
the sls7.oo0.o00 advanced by the
United States was used solely for the
purchase Of obligations of the Rus
sian government in accordance with
the liberty loan acts"
OF the s62.000,o00 of this total left
''for expenditure" in this country
after transfer Of s125.000.000 to the
istry. the Treasury Secretary said.
balance of only s10,000,000 -"mained
as a part of the total of $55,A9O.0 900
which the embassy had on deposit in
the United States at the time OF the
fall of the Kerensky government.
Expenditure OF this amount on De,
posit. together with sums added
through sale of Russian property in
this country. for liquidations has been
under the supervision of state and
Treasury officials. Mr. Mellon said,
giving the total of liquidations effect
ed at approximately 100000. 900. To
permit the negotiations regarding
these to be carried to completion.
Secretary Hughes informed NJ. Bakhme-
teff that upon his retirement Serge
Eghet. financial attache of the en-
hassy. would continue to enjoy
diplomatic status.
Letter Dnfed April :S.
Mr. Hakhmetsff's letter TO Secretary
Hughes. unde'' date of April IS. 1922.
is as follows
My Dear Nc Secretary:
it advisable &. 'ering forward once
more the su >hs"t OF my position as
the representative of Russia in the
United States.
Received at Washington in July.
1917. as ambassador of the first demo-
cratic government of Russia. l have
remained at my post up to the pres
ent time in order to serve and pro-
tcct Russian national interests. and
TO facilitate. in cooperation with the
Treasury and Stale departments. the
liquidation and final settlement of a
large volume of commercial business
stood obligated. partly through my
agency. to American business con-
Germs. l am happy to believe that
American. as well as Russian. inter-
ests have been served thereby.
THE work of liquidation has now
been brought to a practical close. At