861.00/5647: Telegram
The Commanding General of the American Expeditionary Forces in Siberia (Graves) to The Adjutant General (Harris)92
548. Paragraph 1. Two prominent members of Social Revolutionist Party informed me last night that Rozanoff had sent emissary to them to tell them that the Cossacks would consider Kolchak government as ceasing to function when Kolchak had to leave Omsk. In view of this decision Rozanoff was considering two propositions. 1st. Declare himself dictator of country east of Baikal, in which case he would have support of Cossacks. 2d. Join with Social Revolutionists and establish a representative form of government, he to be in absolute control until election of assembly. In either case they would have to depend upon Japan for economic and financial assistance, [Page 544] which Japan would give in return for control of Souchan coal mines and Tethui iron mines. Rozanoff thought this could be granted. If the second proposition was accepted they would have to fight Semenoff. Rozanoff said he had an agreement with Japanese military, signed September 16th, which would give him support of Japanese troops in case any one used force against him, therefore he warned the Social Revolutionists not to try to overthrow him. The town is full of rumors mostly false but I put some reliance in this report.
Paragraph 2. The economic and financial machinery seems entirely broken down, and great suffering from lack of food and fuel will soon be witnessed.
Paragraph 3. General Haaken with whom I was directed to deal in matters relating to rifles informs me that he asked Omsk if the Government authorized the order to Semenoff to take the rifles from Americans and also asked to be informed if the rifles were sent from Irkutsk to Omsk or were given to Semenoff. This to enable him to answer my question and to know if his agreement with me has been carried out. Omsk had not replied on 6th. Consul General Harris has not stated whether Kolchak government gave Semenoff orders to take rifles. This is important point.
Paragraph 4. Reference to Harris 44593 to State Department as to cooperation of Japanese, I invite attention to fact that Lieutenant Ryan in charge of fifty men had his train held for 40 hours in the Japanese sector, at a Japanese Division Headquarters. Lieutenant Ryan received no word from Japanese for 30 hours, during which time Semenoff armored car fully manned by Cossacks was on track adjoining his train. During this time Ryan placed barricades on top and under his car so as to defend his train as best he could against a greatly superior force. I do not consider this cooperation with Americans. General Haaken has asked me to keep rest of rifles until he hears from Omsk.