File No. 861.00/1165
The Ambassador in Japan (Morris) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 27, 10.33 a.m.]
Ambassador Francis has telegraphed from Petrograd to Harbin, Peking and here advising us of reports of serious conditions at Irkutsk where it is alleged German prisoners are being armed by Bolsheviks to prevent the Allies’ opposing Germany. Francis joins with Japanese and Chinese representatives who are planning to leave on the Trans-Siberian Railway with him and asks us to assist the Japanese and Chinese authorities at Harbin in sending sufficient forces to meet them on arrival at Irkutsk. If the reports are confirmed or the safety of the party imperiled, the whole question of intervention in Siberia is raised, as well as plan of action to protect the party. Japan is prepared to act at once, and may at any moment inquire of me the attitude of our Government. I would greatly appreciate immediate advices for my guidance.
Admiral Knight expects to reach Vladivostok March 1. He has only a small landing party. Stevens’s men are without even side arms.