File No. 861.00/1583
The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 12, 11.11 p.m.]
78. French Ambassador has received telegram from the French Consul, Moscow, saying that Chicherin had asked what landing of [Page 106] Japanese and British troops at Vladivostok meant and if was approved by Allies. Robins1 wires Chicherin asked him same question and requests instructions. Summers here. Caldwell telegraphs Japanese Admiral landed troops and notified Soviet government. Did so to protect Japanese lives and property, but Caldwell says nothing about British troops landing. Is the policy unchanged concerning Japanese intervention? Robins reports Vladivostok Soviet issues following statement:
We have taken measures through the city militia and others to find the criminals who attacked and killed the Japanese storekeepers. The unusual circumstances of the murder without robbery make it evident that it was political. The [omission] of Japanese Admiral Kato is evident and shows that it was an excuse.
[Robins further reports] that Russian Central Soviet Committee has issued order to resist any invasion of Russian territory; that to-day’s official bulletin contains following:
Imperialists of Japan want to choke Russian revolution and cut off Russia from Pacific to grab rich territory of Siberia and enslave Siberian workmen, peasants. What do other Allied countries intend to do? Until now their policy was evidently uncertain. America has seemed against Japanese invasion but situation can not longer remain uncertain. British have landed descent [forces?] right after Japanese. Does this mean England intends to join hands with Japan in strangling Russia? This question must be put to British Government most categorically. Such questions must be put to diplomatic representative of America and also to other Allied Governments. One or another answer and mainly the action of Allies will have an important meaning for Near [Far] East international policy of Soviet government.
- Lieut. Col. Raymond Robins, in charge of the American Red Cross Commission to Russia.↩