861.77/1613: Telegram
The Consul at Harbin (Jenkins) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 20—3:36 a.m.]
Referring to Department’s telegram of July 15, 4 p.m. When General Horvat was forced out by Chinese several months ago Russian Consul-General Popoff declared himself political head of the Russian colony in railway zone and as such has occasionally issued [governmental] administrative orders. Chinese have not recognized consul general’s claims to powers over and above those ordinary consul and many Russian factions not disposed to do so. … Several months ago he would work with Vladivostok government but soon changed there and now strong indications he is friendly with Semenoff. … He has no official connection with railway but as consul exercises some influence in its relations with foreigners.