861.00/5063 a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Commission to Negotiate Peace
2829. Referring to telegram from Ambassador Morris13 repeated to you today, following No. 417, August 10, from Vladivostok to War Department.
“August 7. General Graves [at Omsk] reports the Kolchak forces are still retreating and it looks as if the demoralization is such that the hope of reforming the line and renewing the offensive must be based upon the weakness of the Bolshevists and lack of their desire to come to Omsk, which I cannot assume to be the case. Well authenticated reports justify the statement that officers are leaving the troops and fleeing to the rear, staff officers preceding line officers in this flight, enlisted men are throwing away their arms and ammunition and in some cases their heavy clothing so as to enable them to move more rapidly to the rear. Many men when fighting on the front shot themselves in the left hand or foot so as to be evacuated to the rear. This became so common that hospitals refuse to take such cases in hospitals. I have been unable to discover any enthusiasm for the Kolchak Government and therefore believe that it will not be possible to reorganize this completely demoralized army so as to hold the Bolshevists if they have any strength, which I believe [Page 213] they have. I am unable to get any reliable information as to the Bolshevists, except their treatment of inhabitants of towns taken is not as bad as expected, judging from reports as to conduct in European Russia. Admiral Kolchak has now gone to the front with the object of settling differences between commanders and probably making some changes in higher commanders. I believe this is a faint hope he has that this course might stem the tide which is now running so strong against him. There is undoubtedly intrigue in some government officials, and lack of harmony and cooperation between the line and staff at the front and staff at Omsk. Present contemplates reforming line on Tobol river and starting offensive from there. Tiumen is evacuated today and it seems likely the Bolshevists are pressing too closely to permit reorganization of forces contemplated, so probably an effort will be made hold on Ishim. First army commanded by General Pepelaieff, consisting of 1st, 2d and 3d Siberian Divisions and one storming brigade, is on line from 20 miles south of Tiumen–Ekaterinburg railroad to north, headquarters at Yalutorovsk on Tobol river. Second army, commanded by General Lochvitsky recently arrived from Paris, consists of 15th, 16th and 17th and 18th Divisions, 4th storming division and 57th, 58th and 59th regiments, total 31,000 men, extending from first army left to include Shadrinsk headquarters at Petropavlovsk. Third army, commanded by General Sakharoff, consisting of General Valiofrs independent cavalry division, 6,000 men, General Vaitsnovsky group consisting of 11th, 12th and 13th Siberian divisions and the Ural Mountains and Ufimsk divisions, and General Pel’s group consisting of two Volga divisions, Red Guard deserters, total of Sakharoff’s command 51,000 whose line extends from Shadrinsk to Troitsk exclusive. Headquarters on train. General Bieloff commands section from Troitsk inclusive to include Orenburg district west of Orenburg 100 miles, this command consists of former 5th Siberian Corps approximately 20,000 men and Orenburg Cossacks, number unknown. West of Bieloff’s command are groups operating independently.”
[“]Paragraph 2. General Gaida arrived in Vladivostok from Omsk August 8th. In an interview he stated substantially as follows:
“[‘]Kolchak Government cannot possibly stand and if Allies support him they will make greatest mistake in history. Government divided two distinct parts, one issues proclamations and propaganda foreign consumption stating that the Government favors and would introduce constituent assemblies, other part secretly plan and plot restoration of Monarchy. This is perceptible only to those who are part of the Government. It is hypocritical Government which attempts to convince peasants their cause being fostered and yet looks for the psychological moment to restore a Monarchy. The people once blinded by this hypocritical work are awakened. They are using protective measures against Government which is attempting to give them that which they have fought against many years.
Kolchak has surrounded himself with old régime officers whose only salvation future existence depends upon restoration of Monarchy. Government must fall and be replaced. All hope restore law and order Russia and Siberia is lost.[’] Sargent.”