THE SOVIET REPUBLIC EFFORTS TO OBTAIN THE RELEASE OF AMERICAN CITIZENS, ETC.-Continued Date and number Subject Page 1919 June 14 (1675) June 24 (3955) June 25 (2416) June 28 July 1 (1662) To the Chargé in Denmark (tel.) Instructions to inform Danish Red Cross that U. S. authorities in Siberia hold no Bolshevik prisoners and that the United States has no objections to purchase by Danish Red Cross of medicines in America for needy Russians; also to endeavor, under these circumstances, to secure release of Kalamatiano. From the Chargé in Sweden (tel.) Lomonosov's arrival in Sweden; failure to secure passage to Russia for himself and staff; appeals to Moscow and reply refusing to consider his exchange for Kalamatiano (texts printed). To the Commission to Negotiate Peace (tel.) Message from Legation at Copenhagen (text_printed) regarding Danish Red Cross efforts to include Kalamatiano with French and British in exchange for Russians in France; suggestion that offer of tonnage be made in return for release of Kalamatiano and Americans. Inquiry as to action being taken by France; approval of tonnage offer. From the Chargé in Sweden (tel.) Soviet telegram to Lomonosov (text printed) denying that any offer had been made to release Kalamatiano and advising Lomonosov to wait in Sweden; telegram by Lomonosov, through Swedish Foreign Office (text printed), inquiring how his passage from America to Russia was conditioned. To the Chargé in Sweden (tel.) Department's willingness to assist Lomonosov to return to Russia; refusal to assist his staff except under some arrangement which would secure release of Kalamatiano. Transmittal of Department's telegram no. 1662, July 1, to Soviet Government, through Swedish Government, by attorney for Lomonosov. 185 185 187 187 188 188 July 7 (3977) From the Chargé in Sweden (tel.) July 13 (3129) From the Commission to Negotiate Peace (tel.) 188 French intention to repatriate Russian soldiers in France regardless of reciprocal action on part of Soviets. July 14 (3988) July 18 (1668) From the Chargé in Sweden (tel.) Soviet telegram to Lomonosov (text printed) reiterating refusal to release Kalamatiano, explaining situation regarding Kalamatiano, Martens, and Tredwell. Lomonosov's statement to Legation (text printed) comparing his case with that of Tredwell and requesting U. S. reciprocity of treatment. Request for instructions, since permission for Lomonosov to remain in Sweden expires August 1. To the Chargé in Sweden (tel.) Instructions to telegraph U. S. Commissioner at Helsingfors of U. S. desire that Lomonosov be allowed passage through Finland to Russia, and to say to Lomonosov that his statement regarding detention in America is contrary to facts. 188 190 THE SOVIET REPUBLIC REJECTION OF BRITISH PROPOSALS FOR FACILITATING THE REPATRIATION OF CHINESE COOLIES REMAINING IN RUSSIA Date and number Subject Page 1919 Jan. 20 (57) From the British Chargé Jan. 25 Feb. 8 Feb. 24 (144) Feb. 28 Mar. 5 (171) Mar. 26 British request for support of a proposal to China to order home their nationals now serving in Bolshevik armies, and to address summons to Bolshevik Government to release all Chinese from army service and facilitate their return home. To the British Chargé Request for British views as to advisability of proposed action in view of unsettled state of China and danger of introducing lawless element in large numbers; counter-proposal that coolies be returned gradually and their distribution supervised. To the British Embassy Opinion of American Minister in China and of his British and Russian colleagues that presence of coolies in China in large numbers would endanger peace of the country. Department's concurrence and instructions accordingly. From the British Chargé Request for U. S. views on desire expressed by Union of To the British Chargé Reply that reasons have been given as to inadvisability of assisting at this time in repatriation of Chinese workmen and coolies who have been under influence of Bolshevik rule in Russia. From the British Ambassador Explanation that movement for repatriation of Union of Chinese Workmen in Russia was at their own request and has no connection with British proposal of January 20. Submission of question to Chinese Government. To the British Ambassador Opinion of U. S. Minister in China that Bolshevik propaganda will find little encouragement in China and that Government is willing that workmen return. Reports from other sources that movement is part of plan for armed uprising in Siberia and for establishing Soviets in China. 190 191 192 192 193 193 194 Apr. 21 (295) From the British Ambassador 194 British decision to drop whole question of allowing Chinese CHAPTER II SIBERIA CAMPAIGNS IN WESTERN SIBERIA, AND THE FINAL DEFEAT OF KOLCHAK From Harris at Omsk: Evacuation of Ufa by Siberian troops and small detachment of Allies. Jan. 10 (165) To the Commission to Negotiate Peace (tel.) 195 For Lansing also: Report from U. S. military observer at (Instructions to repeat to London.) Undated From the Minister in China (tel.) [Rec'd From Harris at Omsk: Plan of Siberian Army on western Jan.11] front, under command of Generals Gaida and Pepelyaev, to attempt to reach Moscow by spring. 196 Jan. 13 From the Minister in China (tel.) 196 From Harris at Omsk: Kolchak's statement that situation in Orenburg district is serious owing to Social Revolutionary and Bolshevik propaganda; arrangements for dispatch of troops to Ufa. Undated From the Minister in China (tel.) [Rec'd Jan. 24] 196 From Harris at Omsk: Report on frustration of Bolshevik attempt to loot Perm, Kolchak being aided by Cossacks. Fall of Ufa, however, to Bolsheviks counter-balancing any advantage gained. Undated [Rec'd Jan. 25] From the Minister in China (tel). 197 From Harris at Omsk: Occupation of Orenburg by Bolsheviks, January 22. Jan. 30 From the Minister in China (tel.) 197 From Harris at Omsk: Reverses suffered by Siberian troops at Kungur, endangering Perm front; congestion in railway traffic and unrest in political and military circles. Jan. 30 From the Minister in China (tel.) 198 From Harris at Omsk: Refusal of Czech and Siberian soldiers in Kungur region to obey orders; drastic action taken by military authorities. Undated From the Minister in China (tel.) 198 [Rec'd Feb. 3] From Harris at Omsk: Japanese offer to support Kolchak in fight against Bolsheviks; Kolchak's refusal of offer, stating that aid should come jointly from all the Allies. Undated From the Minister in China (tel.) [Rec'd 199 Feb. 5] From Harris at Omsk: Improved situation at Kungur and Undated [Rec'd From the Minister in China (tel.) 199 Feb. 15] From Harris at Tomsk: Improved military situation at Omsk, population quiet, regiments on both sides refusing to fight. Undated From the Minister in China (tel.) 200 [Rec'd From Harris at Harbin: Report of capture by Siberian Mar.20] Army of Ufa and of junction point of Chishmy. 118353-37-3 SIBERIA CAMPAIGNS IN WESTERN SIBeria, and the Final Defeat of Kolchak—Con. 1919 Mar. 29 (1367) Apr. 18 (236) May 17 (306) To the Commission to Negotiate Peace (tel.) Indorsement of optimistic views of Harris (text printed) arrived at after discussions with Graves, Stevens, and others at Vladivostok, describing Kolchak government as stronger and campaign against Bolsheviks as progressing favorably, only needs now being economic and protection in the rear. From the Consul at Vladivostok (tel.) Contradictory reports regarding military situation at Omsk. Thompson's report from Irkutsk (text printed) of imminence of coup d'état at Omsk and Irkutsk because of reactionary tendency of government and refusal to authorize constituent assembly. Reports also of army advances toward Samara. From the Consul at Vladivostok (tel.) From Harris at Irkutsk: Activities of Bolsheviks in region between Irkutsk and Krasnoyarsk; promise of Czech full military strength to crush movement. From the Minister in China (tel.) Page 200 201 202 Undated [Rec'd June 4] 203 From Harris at Novo Nikolaevsk: Report of unsatisfactory military conditions on Ufa front and unchanged railway situation. Undated From the Minister in China (tel.) 203 [Rec'd June 7] From Harris at Omsk: Report of victory of Ural Cossacks over Bolsheviks on Orenburg front and advance of Siberian Army on north; its repulse, however, on Kazan front. 203 Undated [Rec'd June 14] From the Minister in China (tel.) From Harris at Tomsk: Command of northern and western armies by Gaida, whose policy is moderation based on democratic principles, instituting counter-Bolshevik propaganda to improve morale of army; restoration of confidence notwithstanding greater strength of Bolshevik Army. From the Minister in China (tel.) Undated [Rec'd June 21] 204 From Harris at Omsk: Probable resignation of Gaida; his views that Bolsheviks will not be defeated by Siberian Army, that Kolchak is surrounded by clique of Russian officers intriguing against him. Undated [Rec'd From the Minister in China (tel.) 205 June 23] From Harris at Omsk: Superseding of Gaida by Dietrichs as commander in chief of main Siberian Armies. Undated From the Minister in China (tel.) 205 [Rec'd July 2] From Harris at Omsk: Evacuation of Perm by Siberian From Harris at Omsk: Serious situation on Ufa and Perm fronts and in trans-Baikal as regards railway, yet considerable improvement in service owing to work of U. S. railway men; influx of refugees. From the Minister in China (tel.) From Harris at Omsk: Battles at Zlatoust and Kungur; notification to all Americans including Red Cross to retire to Omsk if Bolsheviks advance; serious situation at Ekaterinburg. 206 SIBERIA CAMPAIGNS IN WESTERN Siberia, and tHE FINAL DEFEAT OF KOLCHAK-Con. Date and number Subject Page 1919 July 10 (372) Undated [Rec'd July 12 Undated [Rec'd July 14] Undated [Rec'd July 16] Undated [Rec'd The Commanding General of the American Expeditionary Forces 206 From Slaughter at Omsk: Capture of Perm and Kungur by Red Guards; destruction of Kama River fleet; evacuation of Perm and retreat by Dietrichs and Gaida forces; chaos and panic west of Tiumen. From the Minister in China (tel.) 208 From Harris at Omsk: Japan's proposal to send troops to Ural front under guise of protecting railway when Czechs evacuate. From the Minister in China (tel.) From Harris at Omsk: Evacuation of Ekaterinburg July 8; army to retire behind Tiumen; Russian Red Cross to evacuate patients to Omsk; Bolshevik concentration on Kolchak's front with view to taking farming districts of Urals. From the Minister in China (tel.) From Harris at Omsk: Report from Tomsk of mutiny in Siberian Army following distribution of Bolshevik propaganda. Restoration of order by Czechs. From the Minister in China (tel.) 208 208 209 July 17] From Harris at Omsk: Bolshevik_occupation of Ekaterinburg; further evacuations toward Omsk by U. S. consular officers, U. S. Red Cross, etc. Undated July 24 From the Minister in China (tel.) From Harris at Omsk: Evacuation of Chelyabinsk by U. S. Memorandum by the Third Assistant Secretary of State of Con- 209 210 From Harris at Omsk: No Americans now west of Omsk; presence of Czech and British troops in Omsk guaranteeing safety of city. From the Ambassador in Japan, temporarily at Omsk (tel.) To the Commission to Negotiate Peace (tel.) Report from Vladivostok to War Department (text printed) of hopelessness of Kolchak's efforts to reorganize army and lack of cooperation among government officials. Gaida's statement (text printed) of hypocritical declaration by government in favor of constituent assemblies, at same time plotting restoration of monarchy. 210 212 |