File No. 861.00/1455
The Counselor of Embassy in Russia (Wright) to the Secretary of State1
[Received April 7, 10.45 a.m.]
Your March 30, 5 p.m.,2 to Consul. I arrived here night of April 1 and have apprised Stevens of situation as quoted in my telegram of March 26,3 and of my conferences with Admiral Knight. I am [Page 103] gratified to find that our opinions concur regarding specific questions in your instructions. The express to which our cars were attached was delayed five times for periods of two to four hours each by demobilized soldiers who commandeered engine for their use notwithstanding the objections of the railroad officials. In three instances where we were forced to await arrival of troop trains of soldiers and sailors, the occupants hurled vilest and most obscene epithets at the express, spitting on the train and crying “down with the bourgeoisie!” Surly men in uniform boarded and traveled on the train without difficulty, but they respected the Embassy. Subsequent travelers report that such and worse incidents of violence frequently occur. Major David P. Barrows, of the Philippine Intelligence Service, is here preparing full report of credible witnesses of the Blagoveshchensk massacre and of situation, which I shall bring with me. I have previously reported individual position of railroad officials of all grades.
Later arrivals confirm report on the food conditions. In addition thereto Stevens informs me that a reliable French intelligence officer, Major Billet, who traveled through the Altai district, observed huge quantities of wheat stored by the peasants in that region which they will only barter for needed supplies and will not sell for depreciated unstable Russian currency or for any money. This confirms reports regarding attitude of peasants which we have received for over six months. Furthermore German commercial agents are covering the country promising early delivery of such supplies. This region is perilously near the Urals. He inquired what our railway commission could do in transportation of such food westward if procured and what Germans might be able to accomplish; Stevens replied that with coal, proper order, and a few weeks’ preparation, from four to five thousand tons daily could be moved by them. The movement of coal west, due to paralysis of the mines in the Urals and near Tomsk observed and reported by Stevens last summer, still continues. Practically no through westbound freight traffic exists. Hay and lumber were the only commodities noticed in any quantity although many cars were sealed; no movement of food supplies was observed.
Reports of activities of German-Austrian prisoners increase. German menace and endeavor is certainly and rapidly growing and I learn from reliable persons that technical Germans formerly employed in enterprises in eastern Siberia are reappearing and do not disguise that fact. Every effort is being made by German agents to secure metals of the Urals, principally gold and platinum, mines of the latter of which are open.
[Page 104]Stevens is still patiently working here on railway matters, but meeting with usual Russian delays and evasions and I fear almost at limit of his patience. Even if successful in some degree here he must explain that his work will prove worthless unless he can put men west of Manchuria, which can be done only if they may be assured proper military protection.
I am still of the opinion, formed long ago, that no further illusions should be entertained regarding Bolshevik policy. It is in no way a democratic movement even though we may desire so to construe it. Its basic element is force exerted by local Soviets whose officials are [intoxicated] by newly grasped authority which they abuse. It is not welcomed or respected in its statements or promises and the numerical majority now submit only through fear of terrorism. It strives to pull down society to its level and has in no instance accomplished anything constructive. If we accept hypothesis that its spokesmen are tools of Germany (regarding which the Embassy recently reported in detail) no link in the chain of the evidence seems to be lacking; if we do not, then fanaticism is the only explanation of the extremes to which they have gone. It is impossible to appraise or understand Siberia from the viewpoint of Petrograd and if it is to be saved from the crafty well-informed enemy, irrespective of what may eventually transpire in European Russia, maintenance and complete control of the railroad with ample military support and protection seem to be the only possible means to that end.