File No. 861.00/1900

The Minister in China (Reinsch) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

My telegrams of May 10, 5 p.m., May 16, 1 p.m.1 Reports received here from all sources indicate extreme need for Allied action Siberia. German influence extending eastward while armed prisoners, though strategically unimportant, facilitate pro-German organization. West Siberia, source of supplies, is at stake. Positive action is required also in order to prevent Russian moderate elements in despair accepting German influence. Bolsheviks waiting for social revolution in western Europe cannot resist nor effectually organize. Should Siberia fall under German control, junction of German and Japanese militarism threatens.

Immediate Allied action in Siberia to protect common interests and prevent spread of German control is likely to string their [strengthen] union between Japan and other Allies as well as antagonism toward Germany. Russia is craving order and will follow those who establish it. Only if established through Allied assistance will order be compatible with development of democracy. I cannot refrain from this urgent appeal, because all information indicates action is demanded and delay dangerous.

Reinsch
  1. Ante, pp. 158 and 161.