311.6124/5: Telegram
The Commissioner at Riga ( Gade ) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 19—12:55 a.m.]
44. Your December 11, 10 a.m. [3 p.m.] I am happy to inform you I have succeeded in inducing the Latvian Government to permit transport about 151 aliens of Russian origin from the port of Libau to Latvian-Bolshevik frontier; military authorities will see them across the line. Owing to strong Bolshevik sympathies and difficult internal condition as also practically no rolling stock, considerable favor has been extended us. Owing to not reliable Latvian guards I strongly advise sufficient American guards to take charge of train. I have offered as compensation reasonable amount of flour and canned goods to be shipped on the same vessel which when arriving will be stated to leave these articles earliest possible date. I shall also need about thousand dollars. Latvian Government also anxious to have two regiments tried and loyal Latvian soldiers, 3,500 men now at Vladivostok under French command transported by assistance American tonnage from there to Latvia for use Bolshevik from [front?] where they are urgently needed. I have made no promises in this matter but strongly urge assistance.