File No. 861.00/2841

The Consul at Irkutsk (Thomson) to the Secretary of State1

[Telegram]

134. Vice Consul at Samara reports military situation around Samara critical. Czechs and Russians tired from weeks constant fighting five times superior numerically. No new forces to relieve them at time when German officers are making new army out of enemy. Enemy advancing and has crossed the Volga at Simbirsk and below Syzran; enemy now only thirty versts from latter city and threatening it from three sides. Eight hundred Serbians have no guns. Can arm no more Russian recruits so further mobilization impossible. Need rifles and ammunition at Simbirsk at once, also Allied officers for consultation. The Allies only can save situation. Even a few hundred fresh Allies would bring sufficient encouragement. Cannot Allies send quickly a few thousand troops, account serious danger which threatens to turn over Samara with large quantities of valuable supplies to Germany giving German control whole Volga Valley and practically all Russia. Such catastrophe would crush hopes of Russian people now fighting with Czechs against German domination of whole country and relying on Allied help.

Please advise what can be done for immediate help on Volga front.

[
Thomson
]
  1. Sent via the Legation in China.