File No. 861.00/2181
The Consul at Vladivostok (Caldwell) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 2, 4.58 p.m.]
Supplementing my June 28, 10 p.m. Czechs presented ultimatum to Soviet at 10 this morning, demanding reply within thirty minutes, which not received. Czechs therefore occupied Soviet headquarters and began forcible disarmament [of] Red Guard, which was unopposed except by group gathered in and about fortress staff headquarters across street from the railway station and British Consulate. This group surrendered about 6 o’clock p.m. after two hours’ fighting with rifles, machine guns, and hand grenades. Building caught fire just before surrender but was saved. No accurate figures yet but killed probably not more than 15 and wounded 40.
Japanese and British landed large armed parties this morning but did not participate. Admiral Knight landed small detachment marines this evening to guard Consulate only. At Czechs’ request Japanese and British patrols are being withdrawn except at consulates, Czechs retreating to street.
Ultimatum was due to attempt made by Soviet to ship ammunition west where Czechs are certain it would be used against them and where reported arming of large numbers war prisoners at Nikolsk about 80 miles away, several hundred of these prisoners even being reported at station ten miles away.
I anticipate no further disturbance here as change welcomed by majority population. Officers and soldiers who have served at front are already collecting arms and organizing in order to make the return of Soviet impossible.