File No. 861.00/3462
The Russian Chargé (Ughet) to the Acting Secretary of
State
Washington, December 14,
1918.
[Received December
16.]
My Dear Mr. Polk: I have the honor to transmit to you
herewith paraphrase of two cables received by the Russian Embassy
from Omsk, dated respectively December 8 and 10, the importance of
which you will appreciate by their contents.
Believe me [etc.]
[Enclosure 1—Telegram—Paraphrase]
Admiral Kolchak to the Russian Embassy at Washington
Since becoming supreme chief I have been shown disobedience by
former Ataman Semenov,
who continues his independent activities in the Trans-Baikal
region. Semenov has
destroyed railway transportation and interrupted telegraphic
messages. Communications between the front and the eastern
regions are threatened by his irresponsible activities, owing to
which the population is terrorized and the railway workmen flee.
By reason of such activities of Semenov, I have dismissed him from his offices
and have ordered that he be brought to subordination by force so
as to check his arbitrary actions and the ensuing anarchy. I
have, however, met opposition in this matter on behalf of Japan,
which is openly sympathizing with Semenov and am prevented from rendering the
necessary aid to the population. The Japanese General declared
that no troops could be dispatched for the suppressing of the
bands of Semenov.
Kindly bring to the knowledge of the United States Government
that such acts represent a direct interference into interior
affairs of Russia instead of assistance in establishing
necessary order.
[Enclosure 2—Telegram—Paraphrase]
The Ministry of Foreign
Affairs at Omsk to the Russian
Embassy at Washington
The Ataman Semenov has
refused to submit to the authority of Admiral Kolchak, supreme
chief, and relinquish the command of the Fifth Army corps. At
the same time Japanese representatives have categorically
declared that they would not permit any military action in the
region where Japanese troops are stationed and that they will,
therefore, take over protection and management of the telegraph
and railway lines of this region. General Janin communicated with Admiral Kolchak by direct wire
and transmitted that the Japanese General had informed him that
he would not allow the troops of General
Volkov, who was ordered to replace
Semenov, to penetrate
into the Trans-Baikal region. General Janin pointed out to the Japanese
General that such orders could be interpreted as a support of
Semenov by Japan, but
was told that there was no other way of protecting the rear of
the Czech troops. General
Janin transmitted his impression that such
measures had been premeditated by the Japanese Government. Such
interference by Japan into the
[Page 462]
Russian interior affairs is in
contradiction with her numerous official statements. Fear is
being entertained that Japan intends to take advantage of the
present situation and of the fact that the Allies are
concentrating all their forces in connection with the solutions
of European questions so as to pursue her personal aims in
Russia. Public opinion in Russia is very much disturbed by these
aggressive acts of Japan which are made to appear as if approved
by the Allies.
The Russian Government is anxiously awaiting the attitude of the
United States in this matter, on which it places the greatest
hope.
