Evening star., 1932-11-20

State Department supplement two pre-
vious volumes on relations with Russia
and cover most of the years 1917 and
1918
They throw additional light on the
credits given to the provisional gov
crnment of KerenSky, review efforts TO
stabilize Russian currency, discuss plans
to continue trade after Kerensky was
overthrown by the Soviet regime and
explain efforts of American railway en-
gineers to rehabilitate Russian rail-
reads.
Secretary Of State Lansing cabled
Ambassador David r. Francis April 8,
1917, asking him to learn what flnan-
cial aid the Russian provisional govern
ment desired from the United States.
Three days later Francis replied that
Russia needed $500. 900 ,000 adding:
Russia owns boundless forests, i'm
measurable deposits of ores and oils and
immense areas of tillable lands. This
lean, in my judgment would be abso-
lutely safeA Furthermore, it is adviS-
able from every viewpoint of policy"
Subsequent dispatches indicated Rus
sian officials were, eager that Great Brit
ain should have mo control over any
credits the United States advanced to
Russia. 1t also was demonstrated very
soon that the United States had no en-
thusiasm about lending $500, 600, 900,
but gave Russia credit of S1O0,000,-
600 on May II, to be used chiefly for
the purchase of locomotives and railway
cars in this country.
Urged $4,000, 900 Loan.
On July 8, 1917, Elihu Root, chief
of the mission sent to Russia to devise
plans for keeping that country in the
war, joined with Ambassador Francis
in recommending loan of S75000,000
to pay Russian soldiers in Finland and
disgruhtled sailors in the Finnish waters.
This loan was represented as necessary
for national security and was immedi-
ately granted.
Francis advised on July % that $50
100000 more be advanced and described
Kerensky's attitude as determined and
aggressive" saying:
"Kerensky is undoubtedly the most
potent influence in Russia now"
State Department dispatches to
Francis indicated that Secretary Nc
Adoo of the Treasury was not inclined
to meet Russian demands unsparingly
and a note from Lord Reading, the
British Ambassador in Washington, on
August 3, stated that Russia was ask
ing for supplies far in excess of what
her transportation system could handle.
However, another credit for $780,
600, 900 was granted by McAdoo August
% to cover rifle contracts and other
orders placed in New York.
Appeals for 100000, 900.
On November Francis made another
appeal for S100,000000, saying it was
necessary to bolster sentiment. He said:
IF the Soviet should control its
government would net survive long,
but would be succeeded by stronger
government which would be more po-
tential in restoring order and prose-
cutting war"
Then came the Bolshevist victory.
Col. E. N. House wired Secretary
Lansing from Paris November "a
IN Great Britain and France the
Russian situation is considered as hope
less at the moment. There is no re-
sponsible government within sight.
should advise making no more advances
at present or permitting any further
contracts for purchases"
Messages later received by the State
Department announced DEGREES by the
Soviet government repudiating foreign
leans and taking over all property by
the Bolshevist government,