861.00/3770: Telegram
The Minister in China (Reinsch) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received January 31, 2:23 p.m.]
Following from [Harris at] Omsk.
“69, January 30, 6 p.m. Concerning Perm front Vice Consul Palmer reports in substance.
Bolsheviks are within ten miles of Kungur. Seventh Czech regiment reported to have been badly entrapped. Soldiers suffering intensely from cold weather. Cause of reverse at Kungur attributed to refusal of both Czechs and [Siberian?] soldiers to obey orders. This especially true of twenty-seventh Slardinsk Regiment from Ekaterinburg. The military authorities took drastic action and shot ten officers and 250 soldiers. Five officers and 50 soldiers brought Ekaterinburg for trial and execution. Russians claim reverse caused by Czechs leaving front without giving notice, this opening way for Bolsheviks. Probable bad example for [of] Czechs not willing fight influenced Russians. Harris.”