April 20, 1919

I have been canny, perhaps even “ca’ canny,” to use Lloyd George’s favorite expression, in my relations with the Russians. The fact is that with the exception of Prince Lvow, in whom I have full confidence that dates back to and was tested by our close relations during the first revolution (1906), I frankly distrust them all. When they came to the Crillon, and they came from the beginning in droves (now they are fighting among themselves and come singly), I would introduce them to House and when he requested it to the other commissioners with the simple statement, “This is M. Kerensky, of whom you have heard,” or “This is M. Boris Savinkov, his former minister of war.”

It was a wise precaution and I congratulate myself upon my unusual reserve. I do not know what has happened, but I can see that the President is far from pleased with the Russians and if, as reported, Uncle Sam’s money bags were ever open to them they are closed now.

Yesterday the President, Lloyd George, and House were in a huddle as I brought the Colonel an important telegram. Lloyd George was telling the President about how Russia might yet be saved and the President was smiling sourly. Lloyd George said he could get plenty of volunteers for a Russian expedition, British and others and, with fifty thousand men, Moscow, “that den of vipers,” could be cleaned out in a jiffy—“But,” he added, “America must provide the funds.” The President refused point-blank and then added: “Every time we have given your Russians a subsidy they have backed away from their objective. I have no further patience with them.”

From this and other incidents I gather that Kolchak has not only lost ground in Russia but also in the favor of the Big Four. He has, it is true, agreed verbally, at least, to order a constituent assembly when and if he reaches Moscow, but the formal promise has never reached here in official form and there are in his council undoubtedly many men long and closely associated with the imperial regime.