File No. 861.00/719
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in France (Sharp)
2864. For Colonel House:
Following telegram, dated November 25, just received from American Consul at Tiflis:
In the presence of high commissioners, commander in chief, consuls, and military agents the Allies, a meeting of representatives all local nationalists, parties, and assemblies was held yesterday at which it was decided to establish temporary separate government of Trans-Caucasus and to continue war upon this front. Full loyalty to Russia was expressed and the fact that this government was created solely to keep out anarchy until time true representative government of Russia may be established to which this government would revert was specially emphasized. All executive and legislative [Page 583] powers were given to members of Russian National Assembly for Caucasus, numbering 36, to be convened December 28; until that date power vested in special committee appointed; excludes various national and party committees. Military commander Cossacks declared republic and elected president a few days since with Ekate-rinodar as the capital. Such a movement taking place among the Cossacks of the Terek. Encouraging a union of these states with Southern federation and Don Cossacks, strongly recommend I may be instructed to recognize these de facto governments and Don [omission] requested in my telegram November 18 be immediately extended in order to check disturbances which otherwise would be precipitated by Russian troops here and on front, at all events until sufficient force national troops will be assembled. Entire success of this federation and its power to stop the growth of Maximalists principally must depend upon ability meet obligations. Smith.
Consul indicates that this temporary separate government of Trans-Caucasus expressed full loyalty to Russia but definite opposition to Bolshevik government at Petrograd. The omission in the latter part of the Consul’s telegram would seem to refer to a fund of $10,000,000 which the Consul telegraphed for November 18 for the purpose of pay and supplies for the troops on Caucasus front. Department understands that British Embassy is recommending to British Government that more financial relief be given. The American Consul at Tiflis will not be given authority to recognize de facto government until it is evident that such action will not tend to foster sectionalism or disruption of Russia or civil war.