Documents from The Times Newspapers Ltd Archive about the activities of journalist Stanley Washburn in the location of Russian troops in the First World War

Abstract

The article examines the correspondence of American journalist Stanley Washburn, a war correspondent for the British newspaper The Times during the First World War, with the managers of the newspaper. Documents held in the archives of The Times newspaper in London reveal details of how the correspondent sought admission to the frontline. In particular, the author considers what assistance the permanent representative of The Times newspaper in Petrograd, Robert Wilton, gave in obtaining permission for Washburn to go to the front on his first trip, as well as what assistance the Russian Ambassador to the UK Count Benckendorf gave, during the period when restrictions were imposed on foreign correspondents. The study reports on Washburn’s trips to the front and his negotiations with high-ranking officials and the highest authorities of the Russian Empire. The article reflects the difficulties of using personal transport in order to collect material for the newspaper. In addition to the primary work of the correspondent to provide the newspaper with news reports, his work on strengthening the propaganda of the allied countries and his attempts to mitigate the negative impact of enemy propaganda became crucially important. Owing to Washburn’s active and competent work, he was able to establish close relations with the authorities of the Russian Empire.