861a.01/407: Telegram
The Vice Consul at Vladivostok (Winslow) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 21—7:40 a.m.]
37. Embassy informed.
Yesterday British and American consular and naval officers crossed lines for conference with Chita’s commander-in-chief. Japanese consul at Nikolsk was supposed to accompany to investigate welfare of Japanese in Nikolsk. When the conference was convened there were two Japanese naval officers, one Japanese army officer and two Japanese civilians. This being contrary to our understanding I withdrew Americans from conference immediately and asked separate conference with commander-in-chief which was granted. Commander-in-chief stated he would protect the lives and property of Americans on entry to Vladivostok; then he requested, as state of anarchy exists in Vladivostok, to do all I could to protect all foreigners and Russians by allowing entry of his organized forces as soon as possible.
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Chita army now negotiating with the Japanese for entrance to Vladivostok. Only fear now is from lawless bands of Whites …