861.00/5974: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Tenney) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 24, 1919, 7:34 a.m.]
[From Harris at] Irkutsk, December 23:
Following telegram sent to Vladivostok, Harbin and Tokio:
December 23, 3 a.m. Poles now fighting Bolsheviki at Taiga. Vice Consuls Hansen and Ray together with last American Red [Page 232] Cross trains safely past Taiga. I now have no further fear for their welfare.
Kolchak has left Krasnoyarsk and is slowly approaching Irkutsk. Owing to high-handed performances of Czechs, 120 trains have been caught by the Bolsheviki. General Kappel who is now in command of what is left of the Siberian forces has sent a challenge to Czech General Syrovy to fight a duel. This is mentioned only in order to show existing friction between Czechs and Siberians.
Social Revolutionary government has been formed at Cheremkhovo. Everything is quiet however in that region and coal miners continue work and railway traffic unimpeded. No disturbances reported east or west. Harris.