File No. 861.00/1229
The Chargé in China (Spencer) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7.40 p.m.]
Consul at Harbin telegraphs in the following sense:
Railway Manchouli to Chita destroyed. This is officially confirmed. Ambassador Francis is expected arrive Vladivostok 14th via Amur. It is rumored that Bolsheviks are detaining them. Semenov retreated to Manchouli before superior well-organized Bolshevik advance bringing in dead and wounded. Bolshevik accurate fire indicates German prisoners’ assistance at the field guns. Semenov’s money and munitions exhausted and he must fail unless given immediate support.
Allied officials Harbin agree Siberian situation is growing worse. Russians hopeless. All proposed plans met with opposition or apathy. Fifty per cent railway workmen Manchuria are now Bolshevik, whereas a month ago obeyed chief engineer. Yesterday workmen refused to move gun trains for Semenov and attempted to destroy them but loyal Cossacks prevented. Widespread German Bolshevik propaganda responsible. Reliable observers report constant speeches favoring Germany. Fifteen thousand copies of the President’s speech have been distributed in the Russian language but more direct presentation of Allied cause is essential. Political attitude is due to fear of Japanese and belief Allies will not assist Siberia except for selfish purposes. Statements constantly heard from every class that the Germans are preferable to the Japanese. The idea that the Bolsheviks will oppose the Germans is pure illusion.