U.S. FIGHTING FOR LIBERATION OF PEOPLES EVERYWHERE

JFK+50:  Volume 7, No. 2335

WILSON SENDS STATEMENT OF U.S. WAR AIMS TO NEW RUSSIAN GOVERNMENT

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) One hundred years ago today, June 9, 1917, President Woodrow Wilson sent a communique to the new government of Russia making clear the war aims of the United States.

This communication was delivered for the President by David R. Francis*, United States Ambassador to Russia.

The war aims of the United States included...

"No terms must change hands except for the purpose of securing those who inhabit it a fair chance of life and liberty.

No indemnities must be insisted on except those that constitute payment for manifest wrong done.

No readjustments of power must be made except such as will tend to secure the further peace of the world and the future welfare and happiness of its people."

The President also stated that the United States was opposed to Germany's call for restoration of the 'status quo' before the war.

The President wrote...

"America seeks no material profit...she is fighting for no advantage or selfish object...but for the liberation of peoples everywhere from the aggressions of...force."

*David Rowland Francis (1850-1927) was born in Richmond, KY & graduated from Washington University in 1870.  He served as Mayor of St. Louis, Governor of Missouri, Secretary of Interior & Ambassador to Russia.

SOURCE

"Wilson Tells Russians Why U.S. Makes War, Must Keep World Safe for People and the Free Nations", The Chicago Sunday Tribune, June 10, 1917.

David R. Francis
The World's Work (1901)

US RECOGNIZES NEW RUSSIAN GOVERNMENT

JFK+50:  Volume 7, No. 2256

UNITED STATES FIRST TO RECOGNIZE RUSSIAN REVOLUTIONARY GOVERNMENT

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) 100 years ago tonight, March 22, 1917, United States Ambassador David R. Francis*, based in Petrograd, extended formal recognition to the new Russian revolutionary government making the United States the first country to do so.

This action is considered unusual because normally time is taken to make sure a new government is stable.  The New York Tribune reported on March 23, 1917 that there was "utmost satisfaction" in Washington circles with the decision to extend recognition and there was hope that the action would lead the German people to turn away from the tyranny of their own government.

The Tribune stated...

"The alacrity with which President (Woodrow) Wilson rose to the...situation indicates...his perception of the advantages (of recognizing the new Russian government)...in dealing with Germany." 

*David Rowland Francis (1850-1927) was born in Richmond, KY & graduated from Washington University in St. Louis in 1870.  He served as mayor of St. Louis, Governor of Missouri, Secretary of Interior under President Cleveland & was the last US ambassador to the Russian Empire.

SOURCE

"America First To Recognize Freed Russia, Quick Action Taken as Hint to German People to Demand Liberty," The New York Tribune, March 23, 1917, National Endowment For The Humanities, www.chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/

David R. Francis

US Ambassador to Russia

The World's Work (1901)