File No. 861.85/26
The Consul at Vladivostok (Caldwell) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 11, 1.37 p.m.]
42. Fishermen’s association urgently requests release Russian Volunteer Fleet steamers, Nijni Novgorod, Toula, Kishinev, seized in America, to prevent ruin Russian Pacific fishing industry. Unless released for duration fishing season or replaced by other steamers they claim two-thirds season’s catch, amounting to 36,000 tons, and several thousand fishermen can not be brought down before winter and will add to sufferings of local population dependent for necessary supplies on above ships. Efforts secure ships Japan fruitless and I earnestly recommend release of above ships till October or substitution of others.