861.00/3699: Telegram
The Minister in China (Reinsch) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received January 24, 1919, 12:15 a.m.]
Following from [Harris at] Omsk.
“36, January 19th, 8 p.m. Vice Consul Palmer under instructions from me visited Perm and reports in substance:
[Page 197]The capture of Perm is of considerable importance, but since the fall of Ufa it is evident that the exchange was in favor of the Bolsheviks. Am informed that out of 260 railway engines only about 40 are available for use. Of the 5,000 cars captured at Perm undoubtedly the greater part are in good rolling condition. Judging from the goods seen at the station it would appear that the Bolsheviks had practically looted the city and packed their plunder in these 5,000 cars with the intention of evacuating, but plan was frustrated by rapid movement of Cossacks who took part to cut off retreat in the rear.
The Bolsheviks apparently were not guilty of wholesale murder in Perm, but it is certain that they had begun to operate a plan of systematic starvation at the time city was relieved. On a triumphant arch they had built were the words, ‘Only those who fight shall eat’.
General Pepelyaev has expressed himself as not being entirely satisfied with the military situation, deeming it necessary to have reenforcements if he is to make his position absolutely secure in the Perm section. Harris.”