861.00/5373
The Russian Embassy to the Department of State
A cable from Omsk received at the Embassy on September 24 indicates that the military successes which are assuming decisive character are contributing to the consolidation of the interior political situation. The cable further refers to certain elements of pessimism and confusion which naturally were gaining ground due to military reverses and which were tried to be made use of by certain revolutionary groups as well as individual political intriguers, which happily did not find serious support and ground with the population.
The situation remains complicated only in the Far East where the political atmosphere has always been rather confused and where a certain group has been formed which is endeavoring to influence the foreign representatives and get them to believe that the Government of Admiral Kolchak is doomed to failure and will be [Page 520] replaced by a more radical organization reposing on public representation. A certain Czecho-Slovak doctor, Giersa, is connected with this movement and has expressed to the foreign representatives that the Czecho-Slovak Army will support such a movement. The Government at Omsk has received an official statement from General Janin that the activities of Doctor Giersa are entirely irresponsible and in no way represent the opinion of the Czech Command.
The Government at Omsk does not attach much importance to these movements which, in the opinion of the authorities, are not representative of the country. The Government however has been very much aggravated by information which alleges Ambassador Morris’ having been influenced by these currents. Reports have reached Omsk that Mr. Morris, who, during his stay in Omsk, has shown so much sympathy and consideration to the Government, is now returning to his previous state of mind.
Responsiveness of certain Americans to the anti-Governmental movement in the Far East and sympathies towards some of the leaders of the Social Revolutionary group around Vladivostok have created a most undesirable impression in Omsk and are contributing again to anti-American propaganda. On the other hand France and England have made at Omsk categoric declarations that both of the Powers support Admiral Kolchak and will not encourage any movements tending to undermine or change the present authorities. These declarations have been widely published. Following the declarations of France and England, Japan has assured the Government at Omsk of its friendly and favorable attitude. The newly appointed diplomatic representative of Japan, Mr. Kato, is leaving Japan for Omsk. He is not supposed to make any stay in Vladivostok; such disposition having been taken to show the attitude of Japan towards the Central Government at Omsk and its disapproval of local Far Eastern intrigues.
The Government at Omsk is extremely embarrassed by talk circulated in this City with regard to the attitude of the Americans in the Far East. The Government has communicated with the Russian Ambassador at Washington requesting him to bring the situation to the attention of the United States Government so that necessary measures be taken which would remove all doubts as to the real attitude of the United States Government towards the situation in the Far East and thwart anti-American propaganda. Similar recommendations have been received from Mr. Sazonoff from Paris.
It is most important that the American representatives in Vladivostok be directed to make declarations which once for all would [Page 521] eliminate misunderstanding as to the real attitude of the United States and that Mr. Harris be directed to inform the Omsk authorities that such action has been taken.