File No. 861.00/2629
The Consul at Vladivostok (Caldwell) to the Secretary of State
[Received 4.52 p.m.]
124. Opposition which Czechs feared would prevent their reaching comrades in Irkutsk before winter has suddenly collapsed under pressure from both sides, and railway should soon be open from here to near Perm.
It is evident Czechs have been greatly assisted by Russian forces in western Siberia which appear to be under Siberian government and this should relieve difficult political situation in eastern Siberia. General Horvat suddenly left here night before last; is ready to confer with Czechs at Irkutsk. Military forces against Czechs and all other Allies in this district will also probably collapse within a very short time.
This makes imperative immediate assistance in transportation, economic and money matters if we are [to] alleviate to any degree suffering which appears certain this winter. If it is intended to send here engines, cars which were ordered for Russian railways and some of which have been stopped en route, information should be sent at once to prevent building intended for their erection being so altered by army for military purposes as to prevent or delay erection.
The addition of Allied military and associated organizations to an already overcrowded city have made the securing of any living or office accommodations so extremely difficult that I would request that I be notified as far in advance as possible of the arrival of any commission for which my assistance in securing quarters would be required.