861a.01/396: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Warren) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 17—9:06 a.m.]
171. Following from Vladivostok:
“October 16, 8 p.m. Please repeat to Department. General Dietrichs personally appealed for protection and assistance for 6,000 women and children, families of his army, who would be held hostages by the Red Army entering here. Their present means will last only three weeks. Dietrichs says that decisive battle fought at Vladimirovka 11th–14th, only 670 out of 3,000 of his men returning alive, Reds taking no prisoners.
Remainder Dietrichs army 4,000 marching from Razdolnoe to Hunchun near Possiet where he will join them, leaving by sea 20th. He will turn over authority in Vladivostok to town council; he says he was not being pressed by the Reds but was obliged to retreat owing to lack of cartridges and financial and moral support locally.
[Page 864]Vladivostok quiet but threatening; Bolshevik propaganda already being published against all White adherents and supporters.
I have approached the Japanese with the request not to release their guard over the dangerous war materials until a Red guard may relieve them. General Tachibana has told me he will not admit any armed forces in Vladivostok until Japanese evacuation completed. This seriously endangers many lives during the period between withdrawal Japanese guards and entry Red guards. Meeting will be held tonight and tomorrow morning between American, British, and Japanese naval and consular officers for safeguard measures. British Consul and I propose to approach Reds with request to safeguard lives of women and children and foreigners tomorrow”.