861.00/7724: Telegram
The High Commissioner at Constantinople (Bristol) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 21—6:50 a.m.]
595. From Admiral McCully.
“93. Your 89, November 16, 5 p.m.35 Primary cause of Wrangel defeat was failure of his Government to win active support of the people. Against thorough Bolshevik system of personal espionage and terror Wrangel had only the promise of decent government and the mass of Russians no longer believe in promises. Wrangel’s reform laws remained largely on paper only, their execution being [Page 631] blocked by lethargy and even active opposition of reactionary elements amongst subordinate officials. Direct cause from military point of view was the Polish peace36 which permitted Reds to concentrate heavy forces against Wrangel, this movement beginning early in October even before the armistice was signed. Wrangel forces in the middle of October were composed of 80 percent Red prisoners who were excellent forces in an advance but large proportion of which melted away during the retirement from Tauride. Contributory tactical cause was long continued strong northerly winds during the last week of October which drove water from northern portion of Crimean lagoons converting wide expanse of water 3 to 4 feet deep into practically dry land so exposing flank of fortified positions at Perekop. Across this area Communist detachments with machine guns drove heavy masses of mobilized peasants who overwhelmed the thinned regiments of Wrangel’s army which nevertheless made a glorious defense. Red strategy was of high order, all forces being directed rapidly into one objective ignoring minor issues. Red cavalry and Communist regiments fought bitterly. Red forces estimated at 75,000 bayonets, 25,000 cavalry, Wrangel forces defending Isthmuses at 25,000 bayonets and 10,000 cavalry.[”]