861.77/875: Telegram
The Consul at Vladivostok (Caldwell) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received May 29, 1919, 8:27 a.m.]
328. Copy of telegram to Harris May 28, 4 p.m.
Your May 23, 5 p.m.55 From May 17th to 21[st] trains on railway to Suchan mines were fired upon several times, one Russian officer being killed and several persons wounded. Twenty-one Americans pursued band just after it fired and had three Americans wounded. Bolshevik leaders demand same right to transportation on railway as Kolchak troops stating that if this is not granted within week railway will be destroyed. Bolsheviki have already persuaded Suchan coal miners and railway employees to strike demanding that all Kolchak and foreign troops leave the district.
I visited Suchan mines with General Graves just before Americans fired upon Bolsheviki and a number of the workmen told me they are Bolsheviki. Many of those armed are young boys and none appear to be well armed or to have much ammunition. Nevertheless they can interfere with the railway, by destroying it at various points, for a long time to come.
Recall of Ivanoff-Rinoff has had good effect on general situation.
- Copy has not been found in the Department files.↩