861.77/634: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Commission to Negotiate Peace
391. For the Secretary of State.
Referring to my answer43 to your 376 January 21st, regarding Siberian railway plan, I take the liberty of calling your attention to the political situation here. Critical spirit in Congress is being clearly manifested in regard to Russia: 1st, by attacks on War Trade Board Russian Bureau; 2d, by attacks on personal conduct of Ambassador Francis by LaGuardia, who apparently got his information from Consul Winship now at Milan and Lieutenant Commander Crosley, formerly at Petrograd, now Naval Attaché at Madrid; 3d, by Senator Johnson’s continually attacking Administration for keeping troops in Russia and Siberia.
There is no question but that the Republicans are trying to force an extra session, and leading Democrats seem to feel that the extra session is inevitable. If successful, Republicans through control of various committees will make attacks on every phase of policy of Administration in Russia. We are committed now to a plan for operation of railways in Siberia and the need is as urgent as ever, but I wish to lay stress on the fact that money must be supplied in large sums in order to carry through the plan. In view of the attitude of Congress on the Food Bill, I should doubt the possibility of securing money for the purpose by an appropriation. The Russian Ambassador has no funds for any real railway reorganization, and has already exhausted sums set aside for maintaining Railway Service Corps.
I am taking the liberty of stating the case baldly so the President and yourself may have all the facts before you before he commits himself to supply the money for this purpose from his private fund. [Page 246] I have asked Woolley44 to express his views on the situation, and as soon as I hear from him will cable you again.
I have not communicated with the Japanese Government our formal acceptance, and for this reason would like to have your views as soon as possible.