861.00/5235: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Commission to Negotiate Peace
3228. For Polk. Following telegram from Am[erican] mission, Belgrade:
“107, September 16, 9 a.m. Note from Minister of Foreign Affairs states Supreme Council has requested American and Japanese Governments to take measures for repatriation Yugo-Slav and Czech forces in Siberia. Note requests assistance of the Government of the United States in order that the Yugo-Slav soldiers to be repatriated may be assured of necessary ships.”
Department’s recent telegram gave proposed plan for repatriation Czech troops from Siberia. Suggest you ascertain whether Yugo-Slav and Polish governments have necessary funds to defray expenses repatriation of their troops from Siberia, having in mind that, if satisfactory financial arrangements can be completed, we might be able to get necessary tonnage for repatriation of these men in conjunction with that of the Czechs. Department has no accurate nor adequate data regarding numbers or condition of Poles and Yugo-Slavs in Siberia.