861.00/4170: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Commission to Negotiate Peace

1367. Referring Department’s 1346, March 28, 6 p.m.5 Department fully endorses views expressed in following from Consul General Harris now at Vladivostok:

“201. March 26, 11 A.M. Since coming to Vladivostok, I have gone over the situation thoroughly with Rodgers, Graves and Smith and also with Stevens at Harbin. Following is brief résumé of discussions.

As I fully expected, practically every one in Harbin and Vladivostok knows but little about the true state of affairs in Central and Western Siberia. They are continually misled by false rumors and misstatements in the press. I have attempted to explain exact condition of affairs. I have stated to them that I have never been enthusiastically optimistic or unduly pessimistic concerning affairs in Siberia. At present I view things brighter than ever before. The railway of future [is about] to be taken over by the Allies. The campaign of the Siberian army against the Bolsheviks is progressing favorably. Kolchak government is stronger than ever before and growing in power. This power is now practically absolute in Central and Western Siberia and that while Kolchak is not a strong man he is at least a good man and a Russian patriot of the best type. He is supported by the Zemstvo in Central and Western Siberia, and cities and villages are beginning to pay taxes regularly to Omsk Government. Kolchak is not surrounded by monarchists and reactionists as is generally supposed. His chief advisers in all civil matters are right Social Revolutionists. This is reassured by the fact that Vologodski is Chairman Council of Ministers, Michailof is Minister of Finance and Ustrougof is Minister of Wavs and Communications. Other ministers with important portfolios are of the same political creed. Only the treacherous Cossack Atamans now in [Page 201] Eastern Siberia have devised every possible difficulty by their intrigues with Japan and their treatment of Zemstvo members and people.

In June 1918 when the Czechs forced their way through Manchuria, the Allies had the option of either sending troops into Siberia or not at their discretion. Today they have no choice and no policy of independency can be followed. Kolchak today does not ask for foreign soldier to assist him in fighting Bolsheviks. He can do that himself and is doing it successfully. He does want clothes and munitions of war and Siberia needs economic assistance, but what he wants above all things is protection in his rear against Semenoff Iralgfy [Orlov?], Kalmikoff and Japanese intrigue. He can do nothing towards this of his own accord. He depends upon the Allies to do it. Japan must play fair with Allied and Omsk Governments. The disturbing influence of Cossack Atamans murderes [must?] be completely eliminated. Now is the time for plain talk, honest methods and firm decision. Russia is now in a fair way to master Bolshevism with her own resources, but at this moment success practically depends upon our decisive policy as adopted right here in Eastern Siberia. [Harris.]”

Phillips
  1. Not printed.