861.00/4828: Telegram
The Minister in China (Reinsch) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received July 10, 1919, 11:45 a.m.]
Following from [Harris at] Omsk.
“312, July 8, 5 p.m. Owing critical and uncertain military situation at front, as a precautionary measure I have advised American Red Cross to be prepared to evacuate hospitals at Cheliabinsk and Tiumen. A battle is now in progress at Zlatoust upon which depends the fate of Cheliabinsk. Similar fight is on at Kungur which will decide fate of Ekaterinburg. Vice Consul Glaman left Perm day before town occupied by Bolsheviki. He is now at Ekaterinburg. Vice Consul Palmer is leaving Ekaterinburg with wife and children. Glaman replaces him. Have sent Vice Consul Thomas to Cheliabinsk to assist American Red Cross in case of need. All Americans west of Omsk have been notified to be prepared to retire to Omsk if Bolsheviki advance. Situation at Ekaterinburg reported serious owing to discontent of certain elements in rear of front and near Ekaterinburg. Sir Charles Eliot9 has just returned from front and is pessimistic. Kolchak is still at front. Depression among all official circles Omsk. Doubtful if Bolsheviki succeed in advancing as far as Cheliabinsk and Ekaterinburg, but I feel precautions should be taken as above mentioned. Harris.”
- British High Commissioner in Siberia.↩