The Military Atache in Russia (Ruggles) to the War Department On growing German influence and Allies losing favour among Russian people File No. 861.00/1970 [Telegram] Vologda, May 1, 1918, 11 p.m. [Received May 23, 1918] 22.     [First paragraph skipped]     Bolshevik strategy employed attempting to force us to declare for or against them. German influence growing. Mirbach says Germany stands ready to help Russia actively and immediatley in her unfortunate condition. German party in Russia gaining recruits of all elements. We are losing our favorable postion in estimation Russian people by our complete failure. Had our railroad men been promplty sent here stores of enormous value to Germany could have been evacuated from Moscow and Petrograd districts. Besides, our standing and influence would have been greatly improved. As it is there is very little that we can point out as having actually accomplished. I believe diplomatic representation in Moscow by Allies important, perhaps by officials there. This [would] offset German diplomacy which cannot be done from here nor from statements by Allied diplomatists for publication. Also that we should negotiate with Bolsheviks modus vivendi by consent to immediate Allied intervention through Siberia and northern ports; maintain military contact; establish commercial contact; have clear understanding of what Allied interests in Russia employed and what our policy is to be.     Unless something is done in the near future I believe that the Bolsheviks through German pressure will compel Allied diplomatic corps to leave Russia. Have sent Bukowski [Assistant to the Military Attache] to Petrograd to assist British, French officers in evacuation of material.     Pershing informed. RUGGLES Documents on US Foreign Policy in Russia [Subject] [Author] [Date]