861.00/7645: Telegram
The High Commissioner at Constantinople (Bristol) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 7—4:34 a.m.]
557. From Admiral McCully [,Sevastopol?].
“86, November 4, 10 p.m. Red offensive began October 28th, main forces consisting of about 40,000 infantry and 15,000 cavalry moving from Kakhovka against Perekop and Sivash but not attaining either objective. Wrangel forces had already begun withdrawal from northern Tauride October 23rd, and completed it November 2nd, without serious losses. Troops holding together well. All Wrangel forces now concentrated in Crimea passage, strong detachments holding both Perekop and Sivash which are considered secure. So far public opinion is tranquil regarding retreat as inevitable under the circumstances.
Wrangel intends to fully secure position in Crimea, develop liberal government on lines already laid down, and await opportunity for further action. Red naval forces are again active in Azov Sea and control of this sea is undecided. The Azov is usually closed to navigation by ice from January until April. Naval forces now become important facilities in future operations and action of Wrangel [Page 623] naval vessels hampered on account of lack of fuel. Some uneasiness about grain supply for population of Crimea during the winter and no more grain will be exported. McCully. [”]