861.00/5229: Telegram
The Commission to Negotiate Peace to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received September 18, 12:57 a.m.]
4253. American Mission’s 4204, September 13, 11 p.m. and Department’s 2776, August 9, 4 p.m. Beneš, Czecho-Slovak Minister of Foreign Affairs, had made urgent representations to American Mission on subject of Czecho-Slovak troops in Siberia, stating that the situation has now become exceedingly grave from two points of view:
- 1st.
- The condition of these 60,000 troops is pitiful as to morale as they look with despair on another possible winter in Siberia. Their retention might be an actual source of danger rather than protection.
- 2d.
- Return of these troops has become a burning political question. Beneš states that if he cannot give any hope to the hundreds of thousands of persons interested at home in the return of these troops [Page 297] an overthrow of the Government is possible if not probable. The Powers have every interest in preventing this.
Beneš points out that the important matter is that the movement should begin at once so that he can inform his people that it is proceeding under a definite promise of the Powers. American Mission is strongly of opinion that all possible effort should be made on our part to provide transportation and such financial assistance as may be practicable which Benes agrees reimburse in due time.
Please reply at earliest possible moment stating definitely what can be done on these two points. On receiving Department’s reply the matter will at once be brought up again before the Supreme Council.