861.77/862: Telegram
The American member of the Inter-Allied Railway Committee (Smith) to the Acting Secretary of State, transmitted by the Consul at Vladivostok (Caldwell)
[Received May 21, 9:45 a.m.]
312. [From Smith:]
General Graves has paid October freight bills incurred by the United States. English will pay immediately. Japanese promised action very soon. Kindly urge them if necessary.
Inter-Allied representatives China, Czecho-Slovakia, England, France, Italy, Japan and the United States unanimously passed the following resolution:
“Ataman Semenoff has no right to examine trains or baggage or collect dues on any part Siberian Railway and that instructions be given to Allied troops guarding the line to prevent him from doing so.”
Committee unanimously passed following a few days ago:
“Any infractions of the rules regarding special trains as passed by the committee shall at once be reported by local railway officials to commander of troops guarding that particular section of line and he shall at once act to prevent same.”
Both resolutions result actions of Semenoff whom Japanese have been supporting. General Inagaki representing Matsudaira suggested latter resolution. Inagaki also has asked permission to use telegraph line, see my 273.51 Generally actions of Japanese military are much better past ten days but they still commit numerous petty annoyances which disturb. However, main issues have been squarely presented to them and they have voted to act according to our desires. Omsk Government has recalled General Ivanoff-Rinoff and eastern situation entirely in the hands of General Horvath who is very friendly to Stevens and Americans. Russian military still troublesome but believe with aid of Horvath we can soon adjust this. Military hate to give up opportunity for [getting rich] selling cars et cetera. Omsk Government has been very reluctant to delegate its imagined prerogatives but Committee is ready to handle same as soon as $20,000,000 is granted.52 Repeated to Tokyo. Smith.