File No. 763.72119/974
The Ambassador in Russia ( Francis) to the Secretary of State 1
[Received November 30, 9.32 p.m.]
2037. My 2034, November 27, sent you direct because had received your 1864 in three days. Morning papers contain three signed communications from Krylenko addressed to army and people as “Commissary of the People for Military, Naval Affairs and Supreme Commander in Chief.” They contain statement that committee consisting of incentive [lieutenants?], military doctor and soldier of first class have been appointed “to apply to the highest commander of (German Army?) of the place where these parliamentaries will be received with request that supreme command of German Army be asked whether will send fully empowered delegates to open immediate negotiations for establishment of armistice on all fronts of belligerent countries for the purpose of initiating thereafter peace negotiations.” These parliamentaries entered German trenches. Of said communications “order No. 3 to the army and navy” states: “Our parliamentaries have returned bringing with them the official reply of the German supreme comander in chief expressing his consent to conduct negotiations for an armistice on all fronts “and that meeting of those empowered by both sides is fixed for December 2. Order further warns all against opposing its provisions, directs immediate cessation of firing and fraternizing. Prohibits military operations except in answer to such on part of enemy.
Papers also contain addresses of Dukhonin to Russian people from the Stavka,2 appealing to towns, Zemstvos and peasantry to rally together, “in name of salvation of our country, be strong in spirit and give the suffering land of Russia a government of all the people on [omission] of all citizens, and knowing neither violence nor blood nor bayonets. Lose no time. The army is awaiting your word.”
Krylenko’s order No. 2 dated 26th brands Dukhonin’s appeals as hypocritical lies; removes commander and commissary of the northern front; also commander of Fifth Army, also commander of Twenty-seventh Corps and declares Dukhonin “to be an enemy of the people, by reason of criminal activities leading to a fresh outbreak of civil war. All persons supporting Dukhonin are to be arrested independently of their public position, their situation in the various parties and their past.”
Trotsky note in my 2034 is presuming and insulting to Allied Governments. It threatens appeals to peoples of countries whose Governments [Page 252] will not recognize him or refuse to propose armistice and peace. Kerth, representing military attaché at Stavka, did not sign protest made under written treaties between Allies because not authorized to do so and for further reason that we are not parties to such treaties. Understand that my colleagues here feel that their military attachés exceeded orders in stating that violations of said treaties would be “followed by grave consequences” when should have confined themselves to protest only.
I directed Judson1 to authorize Kerth to protest against armistice which at that time was thought and meant to be separate armistice. Now however Bolshevik government claims it never intended to open negotiations for separate armistice.
In my opinion Russia in opening negotiations for another armistice without our knowledge and approval is violating its pledged faith to us as all advances made by us to Russia have been for the clearly expressed purpose of prosecuting the war and my recommendations thereof have been based upon the definite and reiterated promise of Russia to continue the war with all the means at her command.