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[Letterhead: THE WHITE HOUSE. WASHINGTON]

October 12, 1917

2:15 Tues. the 16th

Memorandum for The President:

Assistant Secretary Phillips of the State
Department telephoned today that the Russian
Ambassador had inquired if the President could
receive the Russian Admiral who was formerly
commander-in-chief of the Black Sea fleet during
the war, and who was invited some time ago
to come to the United States by our Navy Department,
and has been in touch with our navy for
the last two or three weeks. He is in Washington
only until Wednesday leaving that morning
under the auspices of the Navy Department for
our fleet.

The Russian Ambassador did not wish to make
a formal request if for any reason it would be
inconvenient for the President to receive the Admiral.
If the President can receive him, Mr.
Phillips hopes it can be arranged for Monday.

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