861.00/5975: Telegram
The President of the Technical Board (Stevens) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 25, 12:25 a.m.]
Following reported to me by Czechs although not officially confirmed. Kolchak telegraphed to Seminoff asking him to stop Czechs from coming out even if he had blow up tunnels. In return he will be appointed Commander all forces east of Irkutsk. Kolchak telegraphed to General Oi28 asking if he would support Seminoff and Oi replied that he would. Seminoff has telegraphed Czech Commanders that he will force them to support Kolchak and conflict is probable if he undertakes to carry out threat. I am just advised that Seminoff has been appointed as above. Bolshevik have all territory west of Achinsk including coal mines. I expect any moment to hear they have Krasnoyarsk.
- Gen. Narimoto Oi, commander of the Japanese expeditionary forces in Siberia.↩