File No. 861.00/957
The Chargé in Denmark ( Grant-Smith) to the Secretary of State 1
[Received January 16, 2.55 a.m.]
1823. I venture to submit the following views with which I concur:
It is the opinion here in certain quarters, the naval attaché who spent some time in Russia and the informant mentioned in my telegram 1803, of January 9, 3 p.m., being particularly impressed, that the first practical step towards combating German intrigue in Russia [Page 338] should be through the establishment by one of the Allies of relations with the Bolshevik de facto government, the others holding aloof and confiding their interests to the one chosen. Teutonic influence could thus be better counteracted, the participation in certain conferences might be realized, communication with particular parts of Russia established, courier service facilitated, etc. Should the Bolshevik government prove more long-lived than anticipated, the Allies’ delegate would have a voice in affairs; as soon as they fell, the others could take up the work.
At present the Allies have apparently no definite connection with the de facto government, are cut off from the Ukraine, Finland and other separatist movements while some Austro-Germans have entered into direct relations with each group and consequently are enabled to pursue their plans unhindered.
Should such a course be deemed advisable is not the United States from tradition, recent entry on the scene, Latin American experience with de facto governments and especially in the light of the President’s recent message, the best suited among Germany’s opponents to undertake the task?
- Sent via the Embassy in Great Britain.↩