Microfilm Reel 194, File 64, "Russia"

Enclosure in Despatch W6222

To Mr. President: The First Russian Legion in France setting out for the front goes to fight the eneny of popular sovereienty - German Inperialism. We knew that only the victory of the Allies will make secure the rights of peoples, and a peace for the whole world.

Only the victery of our Allies will give the possibility to the young Russian democracy to establish these liberties won by the Russian revolution.

Our native land is beaten and torn, but we believe that the people which has wrested liberty for itself will never be a slave. The First Russian Legion sends to you, Mr. President, as a true representative of the free American people, its warm gratitude for the sentiments of friendliness which were expressed by you in your address to the Russian people.

The efforts of the older democracy of the world to support the young and immature demoracy in its hard struggle for freedom and independence will never be forgotten by the Russian people. The First Russian Legion, therefore, will fight shoulder to shoulder with its glorious Allies against the common foe. VICTORY OR DEATH. Hail to the great Anerican people, and to its representative, President Wilson, GLORY TO THE ALLIES - DEATH TO THE FOE: MEMBERS OF THE LEGION. Commander of the Russian Legion (signed) Col. Gotua.

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April 10th, 1918.

Dear Tumulty:

Will you not ask Mr. Adee to have the proper sort of acknowledgment made of this, with an expression of my warm appreciation?

The President.

C.L.S.

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COPY MFC Compared with

{Copies to War Judge?? Brand & State May 24/18]

[64]

Berne, May 22, 1918. President Republic of the United States, Woodrow Wilson.

Russian Section Bureau Relief Prisoners of War of Berne the largest institution of that kind still in operation at Berne respectfully taken the liberty of making urgent appeal in behalf Russian prisoners of war to you noble representative of powerful American Confederation. More than two million unfortunate prisoners who heroically fought on the side of the Allies are now suffering and dying in captivity. From the depths of those camps comes the outcry to appeal to sublime charity of idealistic and humane American people. No hope of early repatriation for prisoners. On the other hand according to reports of our mutual delegates who visited camps, especially those of Dr. Schneelli and testimony of Sister of Charity Szymkievitch, official representative of Russian Red Cross in Austria condition prisoners became enormously worse from absolute stoppage of any relief whatever from abroad. Insufficient food causes disease, particularly tuberculosis, We beg you to grant benevolent reception to our special delegate Obereoutchef who arrives in America. We beg first

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first license to export two thousand tons flour already contracted for by office, second, extend liberal credit for subsequent purchases in Aneriea of floor and other food stuff, third: support with the allies, facilities of transit. Immediate assistance necessary. Charitable help of America would also have enormous moral influence. Unfortunate prisoners would never forget that brotherly assistance and grateful Russia would redeem her debt.

Prisorusse Directeur Kassianow

Delegate Russian Red Cross in Russia.

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