File No. 861.00/1664
The Minister in China (Reinsch) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5.56 p.m.]
My telegrams April 8, 6 p.m.,2 and April 10, 5 p.m.3 Russians here are organizing governing board for the Chinese Eastern Railway [Page 138] composed of Horvat and two other Russian bankers, Admiral Kolchak, Ustrugov, and two Chinese. While they are avowedly merely an administrative board, I am informed that they are planning military action against the Bolsheviks, and count on raising contingent of 14,000 Russians to be backed by Japanese forces. They state that constitutional or administrative matters should be postponed until military effort successful. Japanese financial and military support has been promised upon acceptance of conditions which are described as harsh.
It is feared that this attempt of the reactionaries will create a situation unfavorable to the general interest of Allies. It is believed force of 14,000 can not be raised. Semenov supplied with Japanese artillery but has inadequate forces. If his advance continues it will mean the destruction of important bridges and the organization of all Siberia for defense. In that case reactionary forces helpless without Japanese military assistance. Semenov movement therefore considered dangerous, unadvisable to support.
I beg to request information about any change in relations of Allies to Soviet in Russia. The protection of the general interest of Allies requires immediate action towards helping Siberian population organize a representative government. If United States and Allies are attempting to influence the situation in Russia important support is possible from the Siberian end. Allied commission sent for organization purposes should have power to command supplies. John Stevens, here at present, concurs in above and believes essential to avoid commitment Semenov and organize Allied action. British Minister of the same opinion expresses the hope United States would take the lead.