Lansing to Francis on US position if Soviet government adbicates or is deposed File No. 861.00/1945 [Telegram] Washington, June 12, 1918, 3 p.m 177.     Your 239, June 3, 5 p.m. In the event present Soviet government abdicates or is deposed you may announce to the Russian people, whom the United States has never ceased to consider its associates against the Central powers, that this government will recognize a government of Russia which it has reason to regard as representative of the people of Russia and chosen by their collective action. The Department prefers that you should not make any announcements which would seem to dictate just how a new government should be chosen. There is no change in this Government's policy towards Russia either in Europe or in the Far East. Lansing Documents on US Foreign Policy in Russia [Subject] [Author] [Date]