George Buchanan

George Buchanan

English diplomat
Date of Birth: 25.11.1854
Country: Great Britain

Content:
  1. Early Life and Diplomatic Career
  2. Ambassador to Russia
  3. February Revolution and Recognition of the Provisional Government
  4. April-May 1917: Diplomatic Maneuvers and Bolshevik Repression
  5. June Offensive and Bolshevik Growth
  6. Kornilov Affair and Bolshevik Threat
  7. October Revolution and Soviet Power
  8. Termination of Diplomatic Relations
  9. Post-Revolutionary Years
  10. Conclusion

Early Life and Diplomatic Career

Sir George William Buchanan was born in Copenhagen on November 25, 1854. He entered the British diplomatic service in 1876, serving as a minister in Sofia, Bulgaria, from 1903-1908, and in The Hague, Netherlands, from 1908-1910.

Ambassador to Russia

In 1910, Buchanan became British ambassador to Russia. Despite opposing the desire of pro-German circles in Russia to break with the Entente powers, he maintained close ties with the Kadets and Octobrists during World War I.

February Revolution and Recognition of the Provisional Government

Buchanan played a significant role in the February Revolution of 1917. He held frequent meetings with Duma leaders and expressed sympathy for their goals. On February 5, 1917, he telegraphed the British Foreign Office, reporting that the majority of Russians were committed to fighting the war and that he was concerned more about the economic situation than the political one.

On March 1, Buchanan advised Grand Duke Michael Alexandrovich to introduce a constitution and form a government led by M.V. Rodzianko. He pledged British support for the Provisional Government created on March 2, but insisted that Grand Duke Nicholas Nikolaevich remain as Supreme Commander-in-Chief.

April-May 1917: Diplomatic Maneuvers and Bolshevik Repression

Buchanan feared the Provisional Government's increasing weakness and began diplomatic maneuvers to prevent Russia from withdrawing from the war. He pushed for the suppression of the Bolsheviks and the arrest of Lenin. Following the resignation of Milyukov and Guchkov, he expressed regret, recognizing the new coalition government as their only hope of saving the war effort.

June Offensive and Bolshevik Growth

Buchanan was one of the initiators of the June Offensive by Russian armies. However, he realized its futility and proposed reducing the army's size and returning soldiers to the rear for compulsory national service. He welcomed the Provisional Government's repressive measures against the Bolsheviks in July.

Kornilov Affair and Bolshevik Threat

During the Kornilov Affair, Buchanan refused to leave Petrograd and demanded a reconciliation between the Provisional Government and General Kornilov. After Kornilov's arrest, he feared the collapse of the war effort and became alarmed by the Bolsheviks' growing influence.

October Revolution and Soviet Power

Buchanan believed the Bolsheviks had superior intelligence and organizational skills, but he condemned their terrorist methods. On October 23, he demanded the arrest of Trotsky. On November 14, he proposed that Russia be allowed to decide its own future, hinting at recognition of the Soviet government if it agreed to continue the war.

Termination of Diplomatic Relations

However, after receiving a threatening note from Trotsky in November, Buchanan began to reconsider. He informed the press that he would refrain from any action that could imply recognition of the Soviet government. In December, he recommended either reaching an agreement with the Soviet government or breaking off diplomatic relations.

Post-Revolutionary Years

Buchanan returned to Britain in December 1917. Initially, he opposed breaking diplomatic relations with the Bolsheviks, but later became a strong advocate for military intervention and support for the "White" armies. From 1919-1921, he served as British ambassador to Rome. He retired in 1921 and authored several memoirs.

Conclusion

Sir George Buchanan played a complex and influential role in British diplomacy during the Russian Revolutions. Despite his initial support for the Provisional Government, he ultimately recognized the threat posed by the Bolsheviks and became an advocate for military intervention against them. His actions and opinions shaped British foreign policy towards Russia in the aftermath of the revolutions.

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