File No. 861.00/2782
The Chargé in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
[Received 3.54 p.m.]
Mr. Golovachev, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the so-called autonomous Siberian government, established at Omsk, called yesterday with the Russian Minister here. While presenting the claim of that organization to recognition by the Allies as a de facto government pending the constitution of a government of all Russia he did not press that point in reply to my intimation that, however much the Omsk organization had accomplished in restoring order [in] Siberia, it might be difficult for our Government to grant recognition to any separate governmental authority in Russia.
He thereupon urged that, while such political decisions might be postponed, there is an immediate and urgent necessity for decision by the Allies as to the military exigencies of the situation; that the sentiment of all Siberia is now favorable to the Allied cause and concretely to the proposal to restore Allied front in Russia; that the [Page 391] mobilization now being effected is making available unexpected man power but that the arms at their disposal are adequate for only a fortnight’s active fighting and that defeat resulting from shortage of such munitions would have psychological effect which would destroy favorable situation now existing. He therefore urged that, although reserving for further consideration all questions as to the recognition of Omsk government and as to its relationship towards any such national Russian government as may be [formed], the Allies should as a matter of urgent military necessity supply to the Siberian forces small arms and artillery and ammunition therefor.
He further expressed a hope that in order to strengthen to the utmost the feeling of mutual interest in the general Allied cause it might be possible to distribute at least as far westward as the Urals contingents of joint Allied forces.
In response to an intimation that the Omsk government had not adequately curtailed activities of Austro-German prisoners in Siberia he assured me that his organization was fully aware of the necessity of such action, had already taken steps to control them in most places, and was now putting into effect measures to confine all such prisoners. …