File No. 861.00/1773
The Minister in China (Reinsch) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7.45 p.m.]
Major Barrows just returned from Siberia. Reports success of Semenov advance is surprising to everybody. Red Guards have been forced back to Karymskaya, 1,000 Onon Cossacks have already joined Semenov, local Cossacks generally expected to enlist. Forces [Page 159] are very mobile, are likely to cut main railway line at an early date controlling east and west communication. About 2,100 prisoners, mostly Hungarian, reported with Bolsheviks. Weakness of latter accounted for because returning troops originally favorable to them have now largely been absorbed by their native local population which is landholding and conservative. Conditions in Siberia essentially different from Russia. Farmers hold large tracts, city population well-to-do, subversive theories find unfavorable soil.
Semenov is somewhat at outs with Horvat and Pleshkov,1 not amenable to their control and [thinks] unnecessary close relations with Kalmykov2 in Amur Province.
Your May 6, 5 p.m.3 Horvat railway board has one Chinese member in addition to Konovalov, adviser to the Chinese Government. Board is to confine itself to its functions under the treaty with China. The Chinese Government objected to issuance of a proclamation by Horvat referring to special position in north Manchuria. Political aims of board are not put forward. Contemplated military action difficult to reconcile with supposed character of board but it is exhausting [represented] as designed to protect communication with connecting lines. Orlov4 force is not increasing, many have left to join Semenov. If the latter achieves continued military success will probably look to people of Siberia rather than Harbin for support.
Chinese Government has notified Russian Minister Boxer indemnity instalments will be retained until legitimate government constituted in Russia. The Russian Minister will protest and hopes for Allied support.
Recent developments in Siberia indicate desirability of treating Siberian situation as distinct from that in Russia. If it be made clear to the existing authorities in Russia that the interests of the Allies as well as Russia demand treating Siberia separately with a view to effecting organization there representative and satisfactory to local population but with no desire of reactionary movement against Russia itself but only for strengthening common defense against German dominion, the basis might be created for a policy under which United States and Allies could facilitate the solution of the Siberian problem in accordance with local conditions there and with excellent effect upon our interests in Europe and the continued independence of Russia. Siberians are particularly anxious for American support trusting America fully. Farming conditions not unlike America therefore we can be most helpful. It seems highly desirable immediately to constitute Allied commission. Advise us [Page 160] promptly. Siberian situation [omission] composed of commanding personalities to complete constructive political action. The entire far eastern situation requires immediate strengthening of international joint action factor in order to avoid many dangerous developments.