File No. 861.00/2696
The Consul at Vladivostok ( Caldwell ) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 14, 2.10 a.m.]
135. Doctor Girsa of Czech National Council yesterday informed local consuls third Red Army and units from German Army are advancing against Czechs on Volga front necessitating return to that front of Czech forces which have fought their way through Siberia. This return movement began 9th under General Gaida who has been appointed commander of all Czech forces. General Dietrichs, who has been commanding Czechs this district and who is a Russian army officer, retains rank of Czech general but assumes command and organization of Russian forces which have been cooperating with Czechs including forces from central to western Siberia command of Semenov and Kalmykov, all of whom have agreed. Horvat is not included on account of his political activities but his forces have melted away to practically nothing.
Forces which were disarmed here, as reported in my telegram of August 24, 9 p.m.,2 were given arms again tentative [conditionally?] by conference of Allied military commanders [on assurances?] exchanged that will shortly leave for front. Am informed that they will leave to-day for Harbin, part intending to join Semenov.