While the Bolsheviks as a party have lost much of their place and sympathy here, and it is not believed that they will excite or be the cause of any immediate serious outbreak, nevertheless some of the soldiers continue to engage in public meetings where inflammatory speeches are indulged in. Also the sympathy of their leaders for the striking waiters and the demands of the shop sales people has led them to close the restaurants and the principal shops until the demands of the strikers are met, which means indefinitely. This causes considerable hardship to both Russian and foreign residents, but has not yet produced violence and is a condition which can only be ameliorated by local representations. I have [etc.] C. K. MOSER File No. 861.00/834 The Minister in China (Reinsch) to the Secretary of State No. 1729 PEKING, November 19, 1917. SIR: I have the honor to report that, due to the almost complete breakdown of the police system at Harbin, lawlessness and crime have increased to such an extent as to seriously threaten the lives and property of foreigners resident there. At one time the disorder was so great that my British colleague suggested that it might be considered as justifying the sending of an international police force for the protection of foreigners and their property. Although the Consul at Harbin does not consider the situation at present as grave enough to warrant the taking of such steps, copies of his reports of November 10 and 12,1 respectively, in regard thereto, are forwarded to the Department at this time in view of the possibility of its becoming necessary to request the Department's instructions by telegraph should it be necessary later to take steps to protect Americans living at Harbin. In speaking of this matter with me last week, the British Minister, having in mind international measures of protection, expressed the hope that a detachment of American troops could be sent to Harbin in case of need, stating that the British Indian troops now stationed in Tientsin are not suitable for service in Harbin. I have [etc.] 'Not printed. PAUL S. REINSCH File No. 861.00/769 The Minister in China (Reinsch) to the Secretary of State [Telegram] PEKING, December 6, 1917, 7 p. m. My November 28, 4 p. m.1 Situation Harbin serious. General Horvat ready to conduct joint administration with Bolsheviks. Consular body informed him it could not recognize such government dependent on Lenin. Allied Ministers to-day decided to call on Chinese Government to support with troops the authorities established under the treaties in Manchuria. This action was taken after a consultation with the Russian Minister who stated that he had advised Horvat that as Russia had no territorial possessions in Manchuria, the authority of Russian officials was dependent entirely upon treaties with China and Allies. The conclusion is that a hostile government or one not recognized could not exercise authority in north Manchuria. Should Bolsheviks resist Chinese troops a very serious situation might arise. I had no instructions as to how far you desire American participation to go in an eventual international administration and policing of the north Manchuria railway zone. The Consul at Harbin considers international control imperative should Russia make a separate peace. My opinion is that Chinese adjudicators with international support should be first tried but even so the question arises as to how much support the Allied powers could actually give to China should strong opposition be offered by Russia. REINSCH File No. 861.00/769 The Secretary of State to the Minister in China (Reinsch) [Telegram] WASHINGTON, December 8, 1917, 4 p. m. Your cipher telegram of December 6, 7 p. m. The American Government supports the view that China is entirely within her right in employing troops to protect her sovereignty and territorial integrity. This Government would not, however, be disposed to encourage an armed conflict. LANSING 'Not printed. File No. 763.72/8038 The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State [Telegram] PETROGRAD, December 8, 1917, 9 p. m. [Received December 11, 12.18 a. m.] 2073. Afternoon papers state thousand Japanese militia landed Vladivostok from transport convoyed by cruiser Okuma. Called Japanese Ambassador, read statement to him. He says had no advices and believed report untrue. FRANCIS File No. 861.00/804b The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Japan (Morris)1 [Telegram] WASHINGTON, December 11, 1917, 4 p. m. It is reported in the press that an announcement has been made by the Japanese Government that Japanese forces are protecting Vladivostok. Please make discreet but extensive inquiry and report by cable. LANSING File No. 861.00/788 The Consul at Vladivostok (Caldwell) to the Secretary of State [Telegram] VLADIVOSTOK, December 11, 1917, 6 p. m. 2 [Received 8.45 p. m.] Brooklyn left to-day for Nagasaki and Manila. Is still quiet here but conditions are becoming worse. Soldiers' and Workmen's Committee ordering government bank and commercial port to turn over charge to them and railway men refusing to run trains because of interference of soldiers. Stevens and all consuls consider presence foreign force desirable until Allies' attitude decided unanimously. American force is preferred but Japanese better than none despite hostility felt. Thomas reached by Brooklyn wireless last night, is due to-morrow or next day. Antagonists [anticipate?] fighting here. As to Maximalists, too feeble but see no prospect any improvement in the near future. I think it is impossible for Railway Service 'The same, on the same date, to the Minister in China. John F. Stevens, chairman of the Advisory Commission of Railway Experts to Russia. Corps to accomplish any good now and recommend that they wait on Thomas [in] Japan. This is also Stevens's opinion. After about December 25 all vessels will be at the mercy of the ice-breaker crews who are not dependable. Is report correct that all cargo specifications [specifically consigned this?] port stopped or recalled? CALDWELL File No. 861.00/804a The Secretary of State to the Consul at Vladivostok (Caldwell) [Telegram] WASHINGTON, December 12, 1917, 7 p. m. Press to-day reports dispatch of Japanese troops to Vladivostok, which have occupied the railroad works there. Department assumes there is no foundation to these reports. Cable immediate reply. LANSING File No. 861.00/788 The Secretary of State to the Consul at Vladivostok (Caldwell) [Telegram] WASHINGTON, December 13, 1917, 6 p. m. Your December 11, 6 p. m. In view of importance of avoiding hostility it would seem wise to refrain from discussing or considering in any way the question of the advisability of presence of foreign force in Vladivostok at the present time and you may so advise your colleagues if they bring up the matter again. LANSING File No. 861.00/811 The Ambassador in Japan (Morris) to the Secretary of State [Telegram] TOKYO, December 14, 1917, 4 p. m. Referring to the Department's telegram of December 11, 4 p. m. No announcement of any kind has been made by Japanese Government that Japanese forces are protecting Vladivostok. Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs to-day characterized all kinds press reports to that effect as "absurd and nonsensical." There are at the present moment no troops in Vladivostok and there were no Japanese war vessels in harbor up to December 14. Navy Department states officially that arrangements have been made to send men of war in case of emergency but none have been sent and no orders to that effect are anticipated for the present. Confidential advices would indicate that rations have been ordered and that three divisions of the army are ready to leave for Harbin and, if deemed necessary, Vladivostok immediately. MORRIS le No. 861.00/825 The Ambassador in Japan (Morris) to the Secretary of State [Telegram] TOKYO, December 15, 1917, 4 p. m. Colonel Ninamiya, secretary of the Minister of War, in his speech to-day with Captain Baldwin1 made following statement: Sending troops to Russia will depend upon circumstances entirely. We are making some preparations but troops if sent either Harbin or Vladivostok will be only sufficient number to protect Japanese interests and at present we do not expect to send them. MORRIS File No. 861.00/822 The Minister in China (Reinsch) to the Secretary of State [Telegram] PEKING, December 15, 1917, 8 p. m. [Received 11.30 p. m.] Your December 8, 4 p. m. Consul Harbin reports Bolshevik control of railway, dismissal General Horvat, abolition of Russian Consulates at Hailar and Kwanchengtze. Three thousand Chinese troops on the ground, the Russian Minister here is still encouraging Horvat to hold out with support of Chinese. Moser believes Horvat weakening. Please instruct concerning attitude of Consul in case revolutionists continue in control. Major Francis Peabody 2 just arrived from Petrograd reports quiet and order prevails all along railway, foreigners protected, food 2 Capt. Karl F. Baldwin, Military Attaché at Tokyo. Maj. Francis Peabody, member of the American Red Cross Commission to Rumania. |