On June 10 a resolution favoring intervention in Russia was offered in
the Senate by Senator King of Utah. It was referred to the Committee on
Foreign Relations. The full text of the resolution follows:
Whereas, The people of Russia after centuries of political
servitude are finally about to realize their aspirations for
liberty and the constitution of a federal republic; and,
Whereas, The innate sense of justice, desire for public order, and
the community life of the Russian people promise a sound moral
basis for the institutions of liberty and the equal rights of men
under the law as incorporated in a republican form of government;
and,
Whereas, It is the traditional policy and the interest of the
United States of America to promote and protect the progress
of liberty and the principles of democracy as incorporated in
republican institutions; and,
Whereas, The people and the Government of the United States
hailed with great and sincere good-will the prospects for the
establishment of these principles in the great domains of Russia
for the permanent welfare, political dignity, and beneficence of
the Russian people; and,
Whereas, The Imperial Government of Germany, by intrigues and
propaganda, and in perfidious violation of the pretended peace
with Russia, designs to destroy the Government of Russia and the
unity and nationality of the Russian people, and for this purpose
is attempting to separate Russia into small vassal States in order
to more effectually bring the people, territory, and resources of
Russia within the German power; and,
Whereas, In the pursuit of this perfidious purpose, Germany is
now subjecting Russia to industrial and economic servitude, and
is attempting to recruit troops from among the people of Russia
to replenish her depleted armies, and to promote her felonious
purpose in the world; and,
Whereas, The Russian people desire to establish a republican form
of Government and are in sympathy with the cause of the United
States of America and of the Allies, and would welcome assistance
in neutralizing German intrigue and propaganda, and in repelling
the intrusion of German power; and,
Whereas, German troops are now operating in Russia and are making
advances, with a view to taking possession of Russian territory,
including Siberia, and subjecting the same to political domination
and industrial servitude; and,
Whereas, The cause of the Allies and the principles for which they
wage war are thus placed in jeopardy; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That it is the sense of the Senate of the United States
that a commission be sent to Russia to co-operate with the
American Ambassador and other representatives of our Government to
overcome and neutralize German propaganda in Russia and to aid in
Russia's economic, industrial, and political freedom; and be it
Further Resolved, That it is the sense of the Senate of the
United States that a military expedition be organized and sent
by the United States of America, in conjunction with the Allies,
including Japan and China, to co-operate with the armies of the
Russian people to repel the advance of German arms and to expel
from Russia German military power and establish therein the
authority of the people and Government of Russia.
The policy of the Washington Government in June remained one of
nonintervention in Russia, but there was a strongly representative
and widely increasing public opinion that the United States should
join with Japan, China, and the Allies to aid Russia and prevent
further German penetration. This sentiment was especially outspoken
and vigorous in the West and on the Pacific slope, where previously
anti-Japanese and anti-Chinese prejudices had predominated.