123 M 832/29a: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Japan ( Morris )
The following message has just been received from the President:
“In view of the fact that the joint action taken here by the Supreme Council with reference to Kolchak still leaves open the question of his formal [recognition?] and the extent and nature of support which should be given him, I believe it will be useful to have Ambassador Morris proceed to Omsk as had earlier been planned.16 I, therefore, request that you direct him to proceed to Omsk at the earliest practicable date.
The purposes which I desire to have accomplished by his visit, and which you may communicate to him, are in the first instance to secure such first-hand information and personal impressions as will aid us in the formulation of our Siberian policy. I also feel that the personal contact of Morris at this time with Kolchak and especially with those who surround him will afford an excellent opportunity to get a first-hand impression of their spirit and purposes and to impress these persons with the policy and view point of the Administration which I am confident Morris can admirably express.
I am also desirous that Ambassador Morris should so utilize his visit to Omsk as to impress upon the Japanese Government our great interest in the Siberian situation and our intention to adopt a definite policy which will include the ‘open door’ to Russia free from Japanese domination.
You will please instruct Morris in his dealings with the Omsk Government to be guided by the spirit of the communication of the Supreme Council to Kolchak.17 This, while not involving any present recognition of Kolchak, leaves us free to take a sympathetic interest in Kolchak’s organization and activities.”
I have telegraphed to Consul General Harris the general nature of your instructions and told him he will hear from you the date of your departure. The situation requires quick action. You may take with you such personnel as you deem necessary. Confidential. Would it assist you to have General Graves accompany you?