861.00/6774: Telegram

The Consul at Vladivostok ( Caldwell ) to the Secretary of State

111. [From Smith:]

Arrived here 14th with Czech General Syrovy. Am informed last Allied train is now in Manchuria. Regarding Czech evacuation, I desire to state that this has been accomplished by the Czechs themselves and the Reds who aided in every way possible. In a telegram I sent you through General Graves, I stated that Reds promised not to provoke an attack on Japanese until Allied evacuation completed. This has been carried out to the letter. … Railway from here to Pogranichnaya is in bad shape now but Czechs, acting on our instructions, have taken charge of the stations the same as in Chita district. Between Pogranichnaya and Nikolsk Russian railway employees have consented to work for Czechs provided they are guarded by Czechs … Chinese also have strengthened their guard in this district and are very friendly with Partisans. Chinese officers also ride every train between here and Pogranichnaya, American inspectors do the same. …

Czechs are being forced east as fast as possible because no one can forecast future events. … Smith.

Repeated to Tokyo.

Caldwell