Microfilm Reel 195, File 64, "Russia"

13 June, 1918

file [64]

My dear Mr. Jones:

I wish I could see Mr. Henry W. Anderson, but, alas, my days are so full that interviews of this sort are extremely diffcult for me to arrange for. I would be very much obliged, however, if you would ask Mr. Anderson to seek out Secretary Redfield, with whom and through him I am trying to make arrangements for Russia which ought to be made in the fullest light we can get on the situation there.

Cordially and sincerely yours,

Hon. Jesse H. Jones, The American Red Cross.

41899

The Waldorf Astoria Hotel 34th Street & Fifth Ave. New York City.

[stamp: THE WHITE HOUSE JUN 18 1918 RECEIVED]

[64]

June 17th, 1918.

His Excellency Woodrow Wilson, President of the United States.

Your Excellency:

In view of the pernicious propaganda which the Germans are waging in Siberia, it has been suggested to me by a number of well-known Americans to organize a proper staff and proceed there with the view of off-setting these evil influences.

The suggestion was probably made to me on account of my being Russian and having represented my government in this country for fourteen years, as ViceConsul in Chicago.

I am naturally anxious to do what I can for the Allied cause and feel that I can render a valuable service on account of my knowledge of the country in general, but as a similar project was suggested on the floor of the United States Senate, I thought it advisable to write to your Excellency and obtain an expression from you before proceeding with this matter.

I was wondering if a private campaign undertaken by me would in any way encroach upon the intention of the government, if not I would be glad to undertake this work and bear the initial expense myself.

Awaiting your Excellency's reply. I beg to remain

Yours most obedient servant, Prince Nicholas Engalitcheff

41900

[stamp: ACK'D JUN 19 1918 [?]]

64

Dear Tumulty:

I would be very much obliged if you would acknowledge this letter for me, inasmuch as I do not know the writer, and if you would reply in the following sense, namely, that we doubt very seriously the advisability of private undertakings of this sort until, at any rate, there is some more settled condition of affairs in Russia, because the entrance of strangers there now not only exposes them to certain dangers but is likely to make the people suspicious of all sorts of outside influence being attempted.

The President. C.L.S.

[illegible handwritten note]

41901