File No. 861.00/2548
The British Chargé (Barclay) to the Acting Secretary of State
Memorandum
The British Chargé d’Affaires has received instructions to inform the Acting Secretary of State that His Majesty’s Government have [Page 340] decided to appoint a High Commissioner in Siberia, in connection with the measures to be taken by the Allies in that region. The post has been offered to Sir Charles Eliot, who has accepted the offer. Sir Charles will represent His Majesty’s Government in all political questions which come before the Allies, and will be in control of all British agents in Siberia, other than military or naval commands. An important part of his duties will be to promote the closest possible cooperation amongst the Allied forces and their leaders.
In informing the United States Government of this appointment the British Chargé d’Affaires is instructed to add that His Majesty’s Government attach the very greatest importance to the question of facilitating combined action by the Allies in Siberia; and it is hoped that the United States Government will cooperate to this end, either by themselves appointing a High Commissioner in Siberia or in whatever other way they may consider most advisable in the circumstances.
[Received August 12.]