File No. 861.00/843
The Minister in Sweden ( Morris ) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 21, 9.30 a.m.]
1193. I asked my representative, Alfred W. Kliefoth, stationed at Haparanda and Tornea, to come to Stockholm so as to explain to me personally the conditions of the present situation as he sees them. I am therefore cabling a statement which I have asked Kliefoth to prepare regarding the existing situation. I desire to call your attention particularly to his statement regarding the great number of German and Austrian officers remaining in Russia and its possible significance. Kliefoth’s statement follows:
In Torneå the Allies are represented by a French, British, and American officer, their duties being: (1) to facilitate passing of respective couriers and officials; (2) assist Russian authorities in work contra espionage and prevention smuggling. Under Bolshevik domination their work limited to assist respective nationals across frontier. Smuggling is only limited by Finnish custom authorities who are inefficient and incapable to cope with situation. Following goods are being smuggled from Finland into Sweden: rubber, lubricating oils, tin, copper, wire, platinum, and Russian rubles. Bolsheviks are represented in Torneå by two so-called commission[er]s or delegates of Soldiers’ and Workmen’s Committee. These are two ordinary sailors without rank, hardly capable of reading or writing their own language. Their authority is supported by Red Guard composed of Russian soldiers and armed Finnish workmen. The six Russian officers formerly in control are continuing their work under control of these commissioners. These commissioners are exceptionally courteous to American subjects and American control officer.
[Page 738]People leaving Russia required to have permit from the Bolshevik government. With sole exception of British, foreigners have little difficulty in obtaining permit. Foreign diplomats also required now to have this permit. Russians leaving country have Bolshevik passports. Persons entering Russia are not required to have permit but all persons having vise of Bolshevik representative can pass immediately. Diplomats and couriers still admitted without Russian vise but private foreign nationals must wait at Haparanda until permit has been obtained for them. Bolshevik sympathizers, workmen, and poor people, are usually admitted without formality but so-called Russian bourgeois are practically excluded in all cases.
German agents may enter Russia almost at will. Large number German civilians are daily leaving Russia with Bolshevik permits. The regular biweekly Red Cross train is still in operation, five hundred Russian invalid prisoners being exchanged each week for the same number of German and Austrian prisoners but the number of German and Austrian officers leaving Russia in this exchange is below the average. It is believed that these officers remain in Russia to assist in disorganization of the country. German soldiers have stated that most of all officers did not care to go home although they had opportunity. German subjects are also entering Russia with German passports, majority claim to be Russian political exiles although German subjects, their entrance being usually arranged by the Bolshevik representative at Stockholm.
Bolshevik proclamations are printed in the German language and are being distributed in Finland. Russian printer stated that neither type nor paper was Russian or Finnish.
Situation in Finland is somewhat as follows. There are 100,000 Russian soldiers there undisciplined and disorderly and Finns are endeavoring to get rid of them. Finnish Bolsheviks although in decided minority are in control of government owing to assistance of Russian soldiers and sailors. Food situation is serious. In many localities people living on half rations. The fact that America is not giving aid at present time is used as a basis of propaganda.