861.00/4899: Telegram

The Ambassador in Japan (Morris), temporarily at Omsk, to the Acting Secretary of State

I find the situation here extremely critical. Complete demoralization of Kolchack’s Siberian Army. It is estimated that there are 35,000 cars filled with refugees proceeding east from Ekaterinburg, Cheliabinsk and the surrounding country. Railway east of Omsk already badly congested and any additional burden may tie up the entire system. After conferring with Colonel Emerson, Major Slaughter, Harris and Doctor Manget of the Red Cross I have directed that the fifty or more American nurses in this district be sent east as soon as cars can be obtained for them. It is possible that the Siberian Army may be reorganized on a line running through Kurgan and Tiumen but while I regret the abandonment of the Red Cross work here I thought it unwise to run the risk of having all these American women stranded in western Siberia.

I had a brief and purely formal interview with Kolchack yesterday but have arranged for a more extended conversation tomorrow. I have also consented to attend a conference of the foreign representatives which Kolchack has requested.

Morris