Microfilm Reel 195, File 64, "Russia"

COPY OF CABLEGRAM SENT.

[64B]

June 5, 1917.

Amembassy, Petrograd. 1469, fifth.

Forward following to Mr. Root: Quote. Clara Frances entirely recovered. U. S. Grant. Unquote.

LANSING.

1329 - 18th St

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DUNCAN, James,

Quincy, Mass.,

December 29, 1917.

Encloses copy of report to the American Federation of Labor Convention on specific labor features of the experience which he had on the Diplomatic Mission to Russia.

See 142

64B

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Department of State

BUREAU DIVISION

NE-M

ENCLOSURE TO

Letter dated August 13, 1918

ADDRESSED TO

The President.

1--97

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(COPY BNB)

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES U.S. WASHINGTON, D. C.

August 9, 1918.

Hon. Robert Lansing, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.

My dear Mr. Secretary:

It is my invariable rule never to inpose myself upon the different Departments of the Goverment, nor to recommend anyone for any special service, unless I am thoroughly convinced that I am performing a conscientious and patriotic duty.

Mr. Charles Kline is a resident of the City of Allentown, Pa. I have known him for at least twenty years. He is by birth an American citizen, born in New York State. He is now nearly 46 years of age. He is a Director of the Allentown National Bank, the largest financial institution in the City of Allentown and among the largest in Eastern Pennsylvania, outside of Philadelphia. He is a merchant doing a very large business in the City of Allentown in the wholesale dry goods line. He is a self-made man and is estimated to be quite wealthy and I know that the estimate is correct. He is married, but has no children. He is patriotic to the core, owns now $40,000 of Liberty Bonds and has subscribed to every issue. He contributed $2,500 to the Red Cross Association and paid it in cash. In fact, he is in every way, one our energetic representatives along these lines. He is of the Jewish faith and takes an active interest in his church affairs. He is also a member of the Masonic Fraternity. He speaks English as fluently as you and I, also speaks German and is versed in Yiddish, and understands the Russian language.

He wants to do something for his Country more than he has done in the way of contribution. He has five nephews now in the U. S. Service and one brother also; and two of the nephews are now in the War Zone in France, as well as the brother.

I am informed that you are about establishing a Commission to visit Russia to establish economical relations with that Country, as well as political relations, and, therefore, I unhesitatingly recommend to your favorable notice, this gentleman. Compensation is of no object at all to him. In fact, he has gone so far as to say to me that he would pay his own expenses in order

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