File No. 861.00/2135
The Minister in China (Reinsch) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 26, 9.41 a.m.]
The Chinese Government confronted by dilemma requiring immediate decision. Part of Semenov forces crossed Chinese boundary. [Page 232] Attempt to disarm has been resisted by Cossacks with encouragement of Japanese officers attached to Cossack forces; failure to disarm will be synonymous with taking sides with Semenov. General Saito, Japanese adviser, [urges] Premier to support Semenov. It would seem Japanese, relying on new [military?] treaty, are attempting to commit Chinese by their sole initiative. Russian conference at Harbin strongly pleading for intervention with the use of Japanese army.
Above information given me by the Minister of Foreign Affairs with the request to obtain from the American Government an expression of its attitude toward Siberian situation and towards the advisability of taking definite action or necessity of disarming refugee troops. The question is reported as requested; the Chinese seek guidance in difficult situation.