861.00/5597: Telegram

The Chargé in China (Tenney) to the Secretary of State

[From Harris at] Omsk:

460. November 6, 12 a.m. Military situation direction Petropavlovsk unchanged. In the direction of Ishim Bolsheviki have crossed River Ishim about forty versts.

Am leaving Omsk to-day as planned taking on my train in addition to all Americans some thirty Russian nurses connected with the American hospital. All American Red Cross trains and personnel evacuating in advance of me.

Please advise International Harvester Company, Chicago, that I am taking with me all important documents from their Omsk office. Please advise Singer Sewing Machine Company, New York, that I have with me all important documents and records of their Omsk office.

Ambassador Kato announces that he will remain a few days longer. I am leaving in Omsk Vice Consul Hansen who will keep me thoroughly informed from day to day by direct telegraphic wire the latest news concerning military and political conditions. Am leaving with Hansen a trusted Russian lieutenant. I anticipate no personal danger to Hansen and every preparation has been made for him to meet all contingencies and get out of Omsk in proper time.

I am proceeding Novo Nikolaievsk where the nurses and other Red Cross personnel will be transferred via Red Cross train arriving from the east. I shall be in a position to keep the Department [Page 224] thoroughly informed on the general situation as heretofore and the Department’s telegrams should be sent to Peking for transmission as usual. Harris.

Tenney