15 May 1917. Robert Lansing

Non-fiction

Project 1917 is a series of events that took place a hundred years ago as described by those involved. It is composed only of diaries, letters, memoirs, newspapers and other documents

Robert Lansing

Washington, D.C., United States

[Letter to the US Ambassador in Petrograd David R. Francis]

You may state to the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the information of his government that the High Commission now on its way from this country to Russia is sent primarily to manifest to the Russian Government and people the deep sympathetic feeling which exists among all classes in America for the adherence of Russia to the principle of democracy which has been the foundation of the progress and prosperity of this country. The High Commissioners go to convey the greetings of this Republic to the new and powerful member which has joined the great family of democratic nations.

The Commissioners, who will bear this fraternal message to the people of Russia, have been selected by the President with the special purpose of giving representation to the various elements which make up the American people and to show that among them all there is the same love of country and the same devotion to liberty and justice and loyalty to constituted authority. The Commission is not chosen from one political group but from the various groups into which the American electorate is divided. United, they represent the Republic. However they may differ on public questions they are one in support of democracy and in hostility to the enemies of democracy throughout the world.

This Commission is prepared, if the Russian Government desires, to confer upon the best ways and means to cooperate in the prosecution of the war against the German autocracy which is today a grave menace to all democratic governments in the world. It has been the solemn duty of those who love democracy and individual liberty to render harmless this autocratic government whose ambitions, aggressions and intrigues have been disclosed in the present struggle. Whatever the cost in life and treasure this supreme object must be attained by the united strength of the democracies of the earth, for only thus can come that permanent and universal peace which is the hope for all people.

To the common cause of humanity which Russia has so courageously and unflinchingly supported for nearly three years, the United States is pledged. To cooperate and aid Russia in the accomplishment of the task, which as a great democracy is more truly hers today than ever before, is the desire of the United States. To stand side by side, shoulder to shoulder, against autocracy will unite the American and Russian peoples in a friendship for the ages.

With this spirit the High Commissioners of the United States will present themselves in the confident hope that the Russian Government and people will realize how sincerely the United States hopes for their welfare and desires to share with them in their future endeavors to bring victory to the cause of democracy and human liberty.

, and others

Comment

✍ Also today

Marina Tsvetaeva

Foundling hospital, Moscow, Russian Empire

Whenever I learn that someone’s fond of me, I’m surprised; so too when I learn that someone dislikes me; but what surprises me more than anything is to learn of someone’s indifference.

, and others

5 Like

Comment

Kira Allendorf

Moscow, Russian Empire

We went on an “excursion”. This “excursion” was for Years 2 and 3. It was really, really enjoyable. We were in the vicinity of Sparrow Hills. We took breakfast with us and breakfasted al fresco.

, and others

1 Like

Comment

Pavel Milyukov

Left the post of Minister of Foreign Affairs

Elizaveta Naryshkina

Tsarskoye Selo, Russian Empire

What awful reversals! All the generals have turned and fled, and none can command the demoralised and unreined army. While the government sits throughout the night, the soldiers run away and desert. Kerensky, with much bitterness, has pronounced: “I only regret that I did not die two months ago, when I could have shaken off my mortal coil with the illusion that my country was free. Who do you wish to be - free citizens, or a nation of brigands?”

, and others

Comment

Vasily Rozanov

Petrograd, Russian Empire

Lenin was always considered a creature of the gutter, and a thinker of the most phillistine ignorance. He is outdoing even this reputation.

Lenin rejects Russia. Not only does he reject the Russian Republic, but he rejects Russia. As for the people, he does not recognise them. Recognising only classes and estates, he calls on all Russians to think only on their narrow class interests and advantages. He does not, and does not want to, see a unified people.

, and others

1 Like

Comment

Vladimir Lenin

Petrograd, Russian Empire

Some say: Leave things as they are, put still greater trust in the Provisional Government. The threat to resign may be a trick calculated to make the Soviet say: We trust you still more. Others propose a coalition cabinet. We propose a third way: A complete change of the Soviets’ policy, no confidence in the capitalists, and the transfer of all power to the Soviets of Workers’ and Soldiers’ Deputies. A change of personalities will give nothing; the whole policy must be changed.

, and others

2 Like

Comment