ENPages
987
CABLEGRAM.
The White House, Washington.
WU 47 CO Sheet 2. Petrograd, April 10.
active participation in the world's contest. Free Russia is particularly indebted to United States for having promptly recognised the new order established in this country which brings our two democracies so much closer to each other. The Provisional Government has joyfully accepted it as a token of a concordant and steady collaboration for the work of war as well as for the work of peace.
Milioukov 3623.
41647
990
THE SECRETARY OF STATE WASHINGTON
April 12, 1917.
My dear Mr. President:
Complying with your request of todays date, communicated by Mr. Tumulty, I have considered the two cablegrams which you submitted to me.
I think the message from Minister Miliukov might very properly be given to the press, but I suggest that in the third line, instead of "secular oppression" the words "the oppression of centuries" might be substituted as more in accordance with the intended meaning.
As to the cablegram from King Albert, of which I send you a translation, I am inclined to think that its publication would not do any particular good. It seems to proceed on the assumption that Belgium and the United States have become involved in the war under similar conditions, and I think the intimation that we did not follow Belgium's course for thirty-two months is not a happy one.
Faithfully yours,
Robert Lansing
Enclosures: The President, The White House.
41650
Mp f (uing
991
Dear Tumulty:
My opinion is that the judement of the Secretary of State is sound in this matter, and I would be very much obliged if you would act upon it. I think the change that he suggests in the message from Minister Miliukov is quite justified as the obvious meaning of the text.
The President. C.L.S.
41651