861.00/4694: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Commission to Negotiate Peace
2314. For the Secretary of State and McCormick:
Following just received from Stevens:
“June 13, 5 p.m. Just returned from Omsk, no change in the situation. Bolshevik activities Tomsk show that constant attacks on railway and trains continue to the very utmost, at times (murdering?). Situation regarding Czech troops 60,000 in number, extremely serious, they are thoroughly dissatisfied, want to go home and Commanding General tells me they cannot be held under discipline longer than three months. Four regiments have already refused duty, in other words, will fight Bolshevik no longer. There is very grave danger that they will defy their officers and by arrangements with Bolsheviki try to go home through Russia. This would mean war with Siberian Army with defeat of latter and overthrow of Government and consequent anarchy under Bolsheviki. Allies should quickly send force of 50,000 to 76,000 troops to relieve Czechs and send latter home. It will be fatal to ignore situation, it must be met or all Allied work here will go to naught and we may as well give up our efforts and leave Russians to whatever might come. I am not unduly alarmed but I tell you frankly that the situation is an impossible one and cannot continue and I have no hopes of ultimate success unless the Allies realize exactly what the situation is and take necessary steps without delay to remedy it. [Stevens.]”