Bakhmeteff Seeks Flour for Civilians during Russia’s Civil War
22 October 1919
The United States recognized Russia's Provisional Government in 1917 but refused formal relations with the Bolsheviks who displaced it. Bakhmeteff continued to represent the former government's interests in Washington. [2]
Russian ambassador Boris Bakhmeteff sought 29,000 tons of wheat flour from the United States Grain Corporation on partial credit in 1919. His plan assigned 20,000 tons to civilians in Petrograd and adjoining areas if they passed out of Bolshevik control, with the remainder intended for Archangel and northern Russia under similar conditions. The embassy proposed to make the purchase through a contract with the corporation. [1]
On 22 October, President Woodrow Wilson authorized the sale. He linked relief of civilian distress to his government’s aim of limiting Bolshevism, arguing that food assistance could also protect the United States against subversive propaganda. Julius Barnes, the corporation’s president, received discretion to set the terms, including credit. [1]
Related Diplomats
Sources
- President Wilson to the United States Wheat Director and President of the United States Grain Corporation, 22 October 1919
FRUS 1919, Russia, document 832, pp. 726-727; file 861.48/1005a, ambassador’s application and presidential sale authorization
- Russia: Recognition and Diplomatic Relations
Normal Diplomatic Relations Interrupted, 1917; American Embassy Closed, 1919; Normal Diplomatic Relations Resumed, 1933
Notes
- Delivery and distribution of the authorized flour remain unverified. [1]
Related Reading
Cite This Article
Bakhmeteff Seeks Flour for Civilians during Russia’s Civil War. Chanceries Diplopedia. Record c004a24bd0751c4e7a8f. https://chanceries.org/research/history/russia-bakhmeteff-flour-1919/