File No. 861.00/2269
The Consul at Vladivostok (Caldwell) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 16, 9.56 a.m.]
45. Local Chamber of Commerce favorably disposed toward Horvat but working classes and peasants hostile.
Siberian government has reasonably good claim to authority but its representatives appear mediocre and are not popular here. If their claims to success in establishing themselves in western and central Siberia are correct, they have good chance of becoming actual provisional government of Siberia, especially if they receive guidance and support from Allies. They do not now ask official recognition as a government but beg for support of all kinds. They can be guided to a great extent by Allied advice if Allies decide to work with them.
Referring to Harbin telegram July 6, 10 p.m.,1 stating Nikolsk taken by combination Czechs and Kalmykov’s [Cossacks]. This is incorrect. Czechs so far have declined accepting [omission] assistance from any party in Russia.
I consider entrance into Siberia of Harbin armed forces should be prevented because it would rouse populace against Czechs and produce civil war. Populace would believe Czechs had acted in complicity with Harbin in counter-revolutionary effort.
If satisfactory to the Department I shall make no reports on Czech military affairs, but deliver any such information I may obtain to Admiral Knight, who is reporting regularly and fully to Navy Department.
Tokyo and Peking informed.