861.00/6147: Telegram
The Consul at Harbin ( Jenkins ) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 19—9:35 a.m.]
From Harris, Chita, as follows:
7. For the Department, January 17, 7 a.m., Ataman Semenoff and the Governor General of Trans-Baikal called upon me today and formally protesting against an order issued by Colonel Morrow that in the city of Verchniudinsk nobody would be allowed, except the American military militia, to make any arrests for any reason whatsoever, except in the case of officers who can arrest their subordinates for the purpose of upholding discipline among their troops. Any one arrested by their detachments would be freed and the commandant of the towns was so informed. Colonel Morrow issued this order and stated that it would be carried out by his troops with force. He would further watch irresponsible persons and the reorganization of troops in the city of Verchniudinsk. Ataman Semenoff considered this order as being an interference in the internal affairs of Russia.
I telegraph this to the Department for such consideration and attention as may be deemed advisable. Signed Harris.