Office of the Historian

861.77/750: Telegram

The American member of the Inter-Allied Railway Committee (Smith) to the Acting Secretary of State, transmitted by the Consul at Vladivostok (Caldwell)

Vladivostok, March 17, 1919, 4 p.m.
[Received March 18, 5:46 a.m.]

148. [From Smith.] Résumé of Inter-Allied Committee.

English official language. March 7th, passed resolution to frame declaration to Russian people and before publication to permit Oustrakjha [Ustrugov?] to send text to Khorvat and Omsk Government so that they can issue their own statement. Committee granted this courtesy but made it plain that Committee declaration was in no way connected with other declarations. Declaration and letter to Khorvat accepted by Stevens, passed by Committee and transmitted to Omsk 10th. Omsk reply received 14th, stating their declaration based on inter-Allied and ready to publish same. Committee ordered immediate publication of declaration dated 14th. Document handed Vladivostok papers too late for publication morning 15th and appeared 16th. Declaration, strictly following sense of agreement, states desire to help Russian people, decision to rehabilitate and to reestablish efficient transport and asks them to cooperate with Allied Powers. Copy mailed Department.62 General principle adopted that no discrimination in favor of any nation shall be made in forwarding of freight and passenger traffic. Financial requirements discussed by Technical Board ordinary budget. This requires time and nation[s] will be asked to advance initial sum, probably $20,000,000. Question who shall apportion railway to the different nationalities for guarding under discussion. Matsudaira claims that the military commanders only have the right to decide as this is strategic question. Consensus of opinion seems to be to ask commands for decision but that Inter-Allied Committee, after consulting Technical Board, shall decide finally. China especially holds this view. British indifferent. On all other questions there has been complete accord. Military board organizes 18th. Repeated to Tokio. Smith.

Caldwell
  1. Not printed (file no. 861.77/3304).↩