861.00/4538 a: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Consul General at Irkutsk (Harris)
Please comment on following report made by General Graves to War Department May 10:
“General Romanovsky is now here having returned from Omsk and is most bitter against the United States. He says that either we do not understand the situation or that we are enemies of Omsk Government; that he is accused of being a reactionary and admits it. General Graves feels Romanovsky reflects the attitude of the Omsk Government as Romanovsky says he was offered position of Minister of War.
All of Kolchak’s adherents to whom Graves talks inquire why we are in Siberia if we do not intend to fight Bolsheviks. Graves is convinced, from a cable sent by Associated Press representative, Whiffen, who was on Romanovsky’s train, that Romanovsky has something to do with the propaganda against the United States. Graves believes Kolchak’s adherents will be disappointed and extremely antagonistic against the United States if we do not join immediately in active military operations against the Bolsheviks [Page 498] whenever we may decide to recognize Kolchak. Graves believes we can only expect bitter animosity from Kolchak so long as troops are in Eastern Siberia and not engaged in active operations against the Bolsheviks.”
To enable you to make reply with full knowledge of Department’s action, Ambassador Morris has been directed to repeat to you instructions dated May 6, 6 p.m.46