861.00/4867: Telegram
The Commission to Negotiate Peace to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received July 19, 5:22 a.m.]
3222 [3212]. For transmission to the President and for your information.
Following is text of telegram in translation from French Diplomatic Agent at Omsk to French Foreign Office received July 14 in which is transmitted communication to M. Clemenceau from Admiral Koltchak relative to Czecho-Slovak troops in Siberia:
“Numbers 458 and 459. Admiral Koltchak asked me to transmit to M. Clemenceau the following telegram:
‘In answer to the message which you were kind enough to send me in the name of the Principal Allied and Associated Powers concerning the repatriation to [of] Czecho-Slovak troops in Siberia, I have the honor to inform you that the plan suggested by the powers is (in) full conformity with the views of the Russian Government.
However, its practical execution seems to be in opposition with a state of affairs which must be taken into consideration. The [Page 288] morale of the Czecho-Slovak troops unfortunately does not allow us to hope that there will be a sufficient number of men willing to make their way to Archangel even with the assurance of an immediate repatriation as the reward of their success. Such an appreciation of the Czech state of mind was not presented by General Janin because the Russian Government wished to abstain from any initiative and interference in this matter.
It feels, nevertheless, obliged to express its deep conviction that the Czech troops could not be maintained in Siberia for another winter without incurring grave danger for their morale as well as for the security of the Trans-Siberian along which they are now stationed.
Consequently, the Russian Government considers that their gradual evacuation by way of Vladivostok should be immediately begun. That is why I believe it my duty to ask the Allied and Associated Powers: (1) to furnish the necessary tonnage to enable a regular and urgent evacuation of the Czecho-Slovaks by Vladivostok in spite of all the difficulties and inconveniences of such a procedure; (2) to consider the eventuality of insuring the guard of the part of the Trans-Siberian which are [is] entrusted to the Czechs [by American] and Japanese troops.
In bringing the foregoing to Your Excellency’s attention I beg to state once more that the attitude of the Russian Government in the question of the evacuation of the Czecho-Slovak troops is determined only by sentiments of deep friendship and gratitude towards those who lent their help to the Russian national movement and by the conviction that their quick evacuation is imposed by circumstances. Signed Signed Koltchak.’ Maugras.”
The document quoted above is an illustration of countless others which are presented to the Peace Delegation seriously retarding work of completion of terms with enemy powers by imposing on us consideration of questions which concern heads of governments alone and in respect to which we have no power of intervention. Suggest your seeing General Bliss’ telegram to Secretary of War, number 341, July 14,94 relative to American troops relieving Czecho-Slovaks.