861.51/658: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul at Harbin (Jenkins)
You will please forward the following message to Harris without decoding it. It is confidential for Mr. Harris only, and is sent [Page 215] to you because Department does not know whether Mr. Harris has left Omsk and if so, at what point he may be reached. The message follows:
Your August 27, 6 p.m.15a
Adverting to the gold bullion under the control of Kolchak you will please advise Department first, whether in your opinion Kolchak would consider under certain circumstances its withdrawal from Siberia to the American Legation at Peking or to some other point under the assurance which will be authorized that the honor and faith of the United States Government will be pledged to preserve intact and to return it to such Russian authorities as may succeed hereafter in establishing a stable political organization over Russian territory. The disposition of this gold is a source of considerable concern to this Government because it is felt that with it will go a large part of the authority over matters in Russia, and that the United States Government will disinterestedly help the Russian people. Second, with Bolshevik aggression from the west and operations against the Railroad by bandits to the eastward, it would appear that transportation of the gold will be jeopardized. Will you report as to what forces are necessary and available to protect it to the Manchurian border and with what certainty of success it could be transported out of Siberia. Your confidential report at the earliest moment at whatever length may be necessary will be expectantly awaited.
This message has been sent to Harbin for transmission to you and with instructions that it is not to be deciphered except by you. In answering advise at what point you may be reached five days after your message is sent. Newspaper reports state Omsk already evacuated.
- Transmitted in undated telegram from the Minister in China received Aug. 29, 3:52 p.m., supra.↩