Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, 1919, Russia

861.00/4748: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Commission to Negotiate Peace

Washington, July 10, 1919, 7 p.m.

2542. For Whitehouse⁸⁹ from Miles.⁹⁰

Referring your 2744, June 24, 1 p.m. Consul General at Omsk states that the French General Janin, commander of the Czechs, refuses consent to permit Czech troops to fight way out as suggested. He states Czech troops must be evacuated by sea. Foreign Office at Omsk informs Harris that when the Czechs are removed the Omsk Government must look to America and Japan to supply troops to guard railways. It is understood Japan is favorable to this proposal.

Stevens cables he would like to be advised whether Czechs are to leave or not and states that unless they are replaced by Allied troops we will have to withdraw American Engineers to [from?] west of Lake Baikal.

Before referring this to the President I would be grateful to know if you have any further information or suggestion.

Polk

89. Sheldon Whitehouse, First Secretary of Embassy at Paris.
90. Basil Miles, in charge of Russian Affairs, Division of Near Eastern Affairs, Department of State.