friction between Czechs and Russians although not dangerously so. The moving spirit among Czechs at present is to get back to Bohemia but have no clear conception how this may be accomplished. Stefanik and Pavlu, however, wish to act in close harmony with the wishes of Allies and this phase of situation gives us no concern as I believe soldiers are responsible. Unfortunately Social Revolutionary ideas have entered Czech ranks and recently regiments (refused?) to obey orders. Such behavior naturally undermines all discipline. It must also be said that Czech National Council, Ekaterinburg, is saturated with the Social Revolutionary ideas. In my judgment, position of Czechs was never better. With what they have accomplished, their losses have been very small. From June 1 to November 15, the total number of Czech troops engaged in campaign amount to 49,709 soldiers and 1,600 officers. The actual battling forces have been 23,499. The actual losses amount to killed only 1,139; died of wounds 220; wounded 3,888; missing 362; [seriously] ill 3,161. In addition 64 officers were killed. Total losses only 8,787. These statistics have been prepared by Czech General Staff and are reliable. They definitely explode the idea of abnormal losses. Reports of there being fifteen and twenty thousand killed have been spread broadcast in order to obtain sympathy and Allied help. It has not been done exactly intentionally in order deceive but nothing on the other hand has been done to contradict such exaggerated reports. Czech troops everywhere in [Russia] to-day better fed and clothed than Russian troops. [In whatever] there is best to be obtained in [Siberia], Czechs come first [unintelligible groups]. I am not criticizing this state of affairs but simply mention it as a fact. From the viewpoint of what they have accomplished against Bolshevism they certainly deserve every consideration but I also think the time has definitely come but [when] substantial assistance and moral support should be given to the Russian in the same spirit, sympathy and admiration as has been manifested towards the Czech. Being in very close touch with the situation I am now more hopeful than at any time past. The better elements in Russia are very slowly [omission] to the monarchist and are reaching out for control. Our Government can assist by the application of cautious diplomacy in slowly eliminating baneful Japanese influence, [in] which every Russian believes United States secretly connives, [tending] to keep the [different] parties in [Siberia] from uniting. Department's splendid assistance can be given by Red Cross and Y.M.C.A. to Russian soldiers. Every effort must be made to stamp out Bolshevik and Social Revolutionary [elements]. There is no difference between radical Social Revolutionary and Bolshevik in principle. There is no difference 60806-32-35 between Chernov and Lenin and Trotsky. They are both destructive, inverted autocracies, incomparably worse than what the blackest forces of reaction might inaugurate were they to seize this power. The world has just freed itself from the aspirations of Hohenzollern tyranny but an [absence] of law and order still [prevails] in Russia which may become dangerous to other countries unless summarily dealt with now. HARRIS File No. 861.00/3414 The Consul at Vladivostok (Caldwell) to the Secretary of State [Telegram] VLADIVOSTOK, December 12, 1918, 10 a. m. 337. Department's December 3, 6 p. m. Several months ago a wireless telegram reported American loan of $5,000,000 to Siberia, which newspapers reaching here a few days later showed was to Liberia instead of Siberia. I believe this telegram was sent from here to Harbin and published there by Committee Public Information, local representative of which is now investigating. I have no doubt this is statement referred to, but consider further correction unnecessary. CALDWELL File No. 861.00/3430 The Consul at Irkutsk (Thomson) to the Secretary of State1 [Telegram] IRKUTSK, December 13, 1918. [Received December 14, 1.22 p. m.] Volkov staff received a letter dated December 10 from Japanese General [?] stating that the troops of the Kolchak government may not come eastward any farther than station Slavyanka on Lake Baikal to fight against Semenov. To-day Semenov proclaimed himself commander of the Far Eastern Army. Staff of Volkov claims that telegram from Kato, Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs, to Semenov intercepted two weeks ago states Japanese disapproved Volkov appointment and Semenov must oppose Volkov nomination. THOMSON 'Sent via the Legation in China. File No. 861.00/3462 The Russian Chargé (Ughet) to the Acting Secretary of State WASHINGTON, December 14, 1918. [Received December 16.] MY DEAR MR. POLK: I have the honor to transmit to you herewith paraphrase of two cables received by the Russian Embassy from Omsk, dated respectively December 8 and 10, the importance of which you will appreciate by their contents. Believe me [etc.] [Enclosure 1-Telegram-Paraphrase] S. UGHET Admiral Kolchak to the Russian Embassy at Washington December 8, 1918. Since becoming supreme chief I have been shown disobedience by former Ataman Semenov, who continues his independent activities in the TransBaikal region. Semenov has destroyed railway transportation and interrupted telegraphic messages. Communications between the front and the eastern regions are threatened by his irresponsible activities, owing to which the population is terrorized and the railway workmen flee. By reason of such activities of Semenov, I have dismissed him from his offices and have ordered that he be brought to subordination by force so as to check his arbitrary actions and the ensuing anarchy. I have, however, met opposition in this matter on behalf of Japan, which is openly sympathizing with Semenov and am prevented from rendering the necessary aid to the population. The Japanese General declared that no troops could be dispatched for the suppressing of the bands of Semenov. Kindly bring to the knowledge of the United States Government that such acts represent a direct interference into interior affairs of Russia instead of assistance in establishing necessary order. [Enclosure 2-Telegram-Paraphrase] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs at Omsk to the Russian Embassy at Washington ОмSк, December 10, 1918. The Ataman Semenov has refused to submit to the authority of Admiral Kolchak, supreme chief, and relinquish the command of the Fifth Army corps. At the same time Japanese representatives have categorically declared that they would not permit any military action in the region where Japanese troops are stationed and that they will, therefore, take over protection and management of the telegraph and railway lines of this region. General Janin communicated with Admiral Kolchak by direct wire and transmitted that the Japanese General had informed him that he would not allow the troops of General Volkov, who was ordered to replace Semenov, to penetrate into the Trans-Baikal region. General Janin pointed out to the Japanese General that such orders could be interpreted as a support of Semenov by Japan, but was told that there was no other way of protecting the rear of the Czech troops. General Janin transmitted his impression that such measures had been premeditated by the Japanese Government. Such interference by Japan into the Russian interior affairs is in contradiction with her numerous official statements. Fear is being entertained that Japan intends to take advantage of the present situation and of the fact that the Allies are concentrating all their forces in connection with the solutions of European questions so as to pursue her personal aims in Russia. Public opinion in Russia is very much disturbed by these aggressive acts of Japan which are made to appear as if approved by the Allies. The Russian Government is anxiously awaiting the attitude of the United States in this matter, on which it places the greatest hope. Representations of the American Government against Japanese Support of Semenov, December 16, 1918-Continuance of the Conflict-Reduction of the Japanese Forces File No. 861.00/3430 The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Japan (Morris) [Telegram] WASHINGTON, December 16, 1918, 6 p. m. Referring to Department's telegram December 11,1 regarding suspicion towards the United States, and to Department's November 15 [16], 1918, regarding railway situation and excessive Japanese forces in Siberia, please confer frankly with the Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs regarding Japanese political policy in eastern Siberia. Reports from many different sources in Siberia show that Japan has not only supported General Semenov in the past, but is now backing him against Admiral Kolchak; has also encouraged General Kalmykov near Khabarovsk and seems generally to be pursuing a policy to prevent the establishment of a united orderly government in Siberia. Department has evidence that command of Amur detachment was transferred from adherent of Kolchak to the followers of Semenov upon demand of the Japanese; also that General Kuroki has advised Semenov not to cooperate with Kolchak because Kolchak is not regarded favorably by Japan. You are already aware that General Graves reports all barracks and troop accommodations east of Irkutsk occupied by Japanese, rendering it impossible for him to winter at Harbin or anywhere in eastern Siberia save on the line between Vladivostok and Khabarovsk. Further reports not quite so circumstantial indicate that the Japanese are using monopoly of Chinese Eastern not only for troop movements, but for transporting merchandise for Japanese merchants to the exclusion of others. Also that exclusive military control is being taken advantage of to enable Japanese merchants and Japanese capital to be established to the exclusion of other 1 Vol. I, p. 293. 'Ante, p. 433. foreign merchants and capital. The evidence regarding the support of Semenov appears conclusive and you may say that this Government is surprised that Japan should support any one group of loyal Russians against another. The Government of the United States believes that the present policy of Japan is fraught with possibility of dangerous consequences for Russia and desires you to discuss the question in the most free and frank manner pointing to our mutual understanding to join in rendering assistance to Russia and our desire that all of the Associated Governments should take part whereever it proves necessary or practical. This Government expects that the Government of Japan is prepared to discuss this matter with you frankly and in that spirit of friendship which is the basis of our present cordial relations. It is not to be understood that this Government desires to support Admiral Kolchak as against General Semenov, but merely its purpose to see that loyal Russians be allowed to manage their own affairs. Is there any foundation for report that Japan contemplated withdrawing all its forces from Siberia relinquishing further support of Semenov? File No. 861.00/3430 POLK The Acting Secretary of State to the Chargé in Great Britain (Laughlin) [Telegram] WASHINGTON, December 17, 1918, 7 p. m. 3471. As this Government desires to keep the Government to which you are accredited fully and frankly informed of all its actions in regard to Russia, please read, without leaving copy, the Minister of Foreign Affairs the following instruction sent December 16 to the American Ambassador at Tokyo. Repeat to Paris and Rome for similar action and to Archangel for confidential information and no action. Paris to inform American mission. [Here follows the instruction, ante, p. 462.] POLK File No. 861.00/3529 The Consul General at Irkutsk (Harris) to the Secretary of State1 [Telegram] ОмSK, December 24, 1918. [Received December 26, 12.22 p. m.] 253. Situation Omsk to-day's date. Small Bolshevik uprising in village near Omsk (?) was supported [sic] by Czech and Cossack troops. Attempt on Semenov's life in Chita with hand grenade. |