311.6124/56: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Commissioner at Riga (Young)
Your 17, May 28, 2 [6] p.m. and Department’s May 26, 2 p.m. You may discreetly approach Esthonian authorities and state to them that United States Government desires to deport to Soviet Russia in one or more parties, about 500 natives of Russia, some of whom will be accompanied by families, traveling at deportees’ expense. Majority these persons undesirable in the United States because of their membership in the Communist Party of America, an organization advocating the principles of the Third International. All have had a fair trial. None of them either charged or deported as anarchists. Most of them possess savings and are, in fact, anxious to return to Russia.
Will Esthonian authorities permit landing at Reval, furnish transit accommodations to border at this Government’s expense and obtain permission for deportees to enter Soviet Russia? If Esthonians desire that party proceed under guard, expenses thereof will also be met.
Similar party sent last year through Finland and admitted to Soviet Russia although containing many avowed anarchists.
An early reply is requested.