File No. 861.00/1684
The Consul at Harbin (Moser) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 28, 1.50 a.m.]
Mr. Lavrov, former commissary Irkutsk government, as authorized representative presents address of provisional Siberian government to United States. Address represents party as provisional only and ready to work as best classes is with me our answer opinion [sic]. Satisfactory evidence furnished of there existing secret paid armed military organization embracing probably ten thousand officers in centers from Vladivostok to Chelyabinsk. Their object is to organize a battle front after [against] the Central powers at the Ural Mountains. Are prepared to take Vladivostok and Nikolsk at once but first desire America’s counsel whether action against Bolsheviks of eastern Siberia should be undertaken and whether American help in troops, arms and funds can be counted upon. Desire that Siberian railways be operated by United States under Siberian minister of communications. They believe themselves strong enough to overcome Bolsheviks but too weak to hold Siberia against all opposition without Allied support. Whatever your decision they earnestly request answer to this petition through the Consulate, the United States Consul General.