File No. 861.00/1729
The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 7, 12.27 a.m.]
128. Referring to the Embassy’s No. 127, April 26, 7 p.m. The following is a summary of documents mentioned therein, documents themselves not altogether clear because they do not show by whom or to whom sent, nor when. Horvat mentioned is the manager of the Chinese Eastern Railway, a man of strong personality who is consistently opposed to Bolshevik influence.
The People’s Commissariat for Foreign Affairs received to-day, by direct wire, the following communications from the Commissaire for Foreign Affairs of eastern Siberia, Comrade Yanson, who reports from Vladivostok:
On the 21st April in the flat of the citizen Kolobov a search was made by the members of the Executive Committee. As result of the search it was ascertained that Kolobov is a member of the government of independent Siberia. From the papers found it was evident that the Siberian government is taking steps to realize its adventure with the help of the Allies. We quote the documents in full. (Summary of documents now follows. Document 1 does not state by whom sent nor to whom addressed though presumably Kolobov in whose apartment found.)
- Document 1 advises that in conversation with British Consul latter should be informed preparatory measures taken regarding movement troops to Vladivostok. Put following questions to Consul: Can Allied military support be expected to prevent Bolshevik movement on Nikolsk from Khabarovsk thus permitting Siberian government hold railway Harbin, Vladivostok, and intervening towns? Would Allied military assistance be forthcoming to sustain Siberian government’s occupation Vladivostok? The Consul should first be informed regarding western situation, arms being importable from Japan only; suggest consultation with Japanese and French, also other consuls. Regarding conversation with Knight, being interested our affairs, situation western Siberia should first be explained to him. Show that continued uncertainty situation benefits Japanese at expense other Allies. Attitude taken by Japanese representative regarding recognition Siberian government implies Japan reserves right individual action but on definite terms, among them non-arming Vladivostok. Siberian government worried by Japanese influence and disposal many groups to accept her separate assistance. Japan desires economic control including Kamchatka fisheries. Continued non-recognition Siberian government renders difficult sustained opposition to growing Japanese influence, ultimately giving [Page 143] Japanese complete ascendancy with possibility of separate agreement between Siberian government and Japan. America should therefore define her attitude towards Siberian government.
- Document 2. (1) Owing complexity international situation and difficult relations refer all matters of importance to us. Consider Derber should remain Harbin until final formation government in spite of fact that agreement not yet reached with Allied ministers Peking. (2) Members Siberian government Vladivostok must sit quietly. (3) Telegraph Vladivostok prohibiting publication decree regarding volunteer army. Pending official representation by Japan, correspondence with the Allied powers in Peking will be carried on through the mediation of members of the Siberian government in Vladivostok and Admiral Knight or the American Consul; while should Allied powers desire communicate with Siberian government at Vladivostok we shall send message in your cipher through American Minister, Peking, addressed to American Consul.
- Document 3. Ustrugov and Stal to-day visited French Minister who expresses opinion immediate recognition Siberian government can not be expected. For present no action by government advisable only organization military forces; however, if latter has least [succeeds], he foresees no rival to this government based as it is on popular representation. We differed this opinion, believing pride makes difficult for creators Manchurian detachments to accede our point of view. Gradual action therefore necessary. If Horvat approves organization scheme and agrees to cooperate as is probable tell him cable Shanghai through Consul. Notify Kolchak regarding departure Derber.
- Document 4. Complying your cable April 8, Ustrugov and Stal conferred with American and French Ministers who consider as premature declaration and decree regarding volunteer army and appeal to Allies making their position difficult. Legations’ reports to their respective governments still en route but later important information concerning organization Harbin and support various groups must also be reported Allied Governments. Am advised to propose to government, in order to avoid misunderstanding with Ministers, Peking, and unfavorable reply from their governments or in case request unanswered, send Allied Governments additional cable pointing out that two representatives now in Peking authorized by you explain to Allied powers program Siberian government. If Allies prefer, negotiations can be transferred Japan. If so you should request Allied Governments so instruct Ministers Peking. After negotiations between French Minister and Piehon, latter finds that an agreement concluded between Horvat and bourgeois groups would disprove argument that Allies supporting government that represents one group only.
(Transmitting message continues:) We are only transmitting a part of the documents; as the investigation proceeds the documents will be transmitted by telegraph. Assistant chairman of the Vladivostok Soviet, Nikiforov.