1. The situation with reference to guarding the railroad has not
materially improved since my last report. During the last ten days we
have had more or less trouble in the sector between Spasskoe and Ussuri.
I have issued a proclamation (copy hereto attached, marked “A”) with
reference to our object and duty connected with guarding the railway,
and have sent sufficient copies to all commanding officers so that
people in the neighboring villages and all anti-Koltchak people have complete
information as to our intentions regarding the use of American troops
…
. . . . . . .
[Enclosure A]
Proclamation by the Commanding General of the
American Expeditionary Forces in Siberia (Graves)
To the Russian People:
Whereas, under existing disturbed and
distressed conditions in Russia, it appears of general benefit and
to the equal advantage of the Russian people, irrespective of
political connections or belief, to insure the safe, prompt, and
regular movement of freight and passengers over the railroads in
Siberia; and
Whereas, for such desired accomplishment,
agreement has been made between the Allied Powers having military
forces in Siberia, including Russia, for the safe-guarding of the
operation of the railroads
[Page 508]
by means of troops within the territory in which Allied Military
Forces are now at work; and
Whereas, pursuant to such agreement, the
railway from Vladivostok, inclusive, to Nikolsk, exclusive, and
including the branch line from Ugolnia to and including Souchian
Mines; from Spasskoe, exclusive, to Ussuri, inclusive, and from
Verkhnie Udinsk to Baikal City, both inclusive, has been placed
under the protection of the troops of the United States of
America;
Now, Therefore, the Russian people are
notified and advised, that in the performance of such duty, the sole
object and purpose of the armed forces of the United States of
America, on guard between the railroad points above stated, is to
protect the railroad and railway property and insure the operation
of passenger and freight trains through such sector without
obstruction or interruption. Our aim is to be of real assistance to
all Russia in protecting necessary traffic movements within the
sectors on the railroads in Siberia assigned to us to safeguard. All
will be equally benefited, and all shall be treated alike by our
forces irrespective of persons, nationality, religion or politics.
Cooperation is requested and warning given to all persons
whomsoever, that interference with traffic will not be
tolerated.
Wm. S.
Graves
Headquarters A.E.F., Siberia,
April 21, 1919.
