File No. 861.00/2241
The Acting Secretary of State to the Chargé in China (MacMurray)
Yours July 9, 4 p.m.3 If proposed movement of Czecho-Slovak troops takes place their starting point and destination will both be in Russian territory. They will pass through the railway zone of the Chinese Eastern Railway which is a Russian railway. Their sole purpose is to rescue their comrades from the menace of armed German and Austrian prisoners now bringing the war into Siberia. The Czecho-Slovaks were organized to fight the Central powers. [Page 284] This Government believes that no exception can be taken to assisting them and accordingly desires that the acquiescence and approval of the Chinese Government be sought so that they can pass over the Chinese Eastern Railway if such a movement becomes necessary.