861.00/5556: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Commission to Negotiate Peace
3856. For Polk.
Your 5106, November 11, 11 [1] a.m. It is agreed that the homeward movement of the Czecho-Slovak troops must be begun at once and the Treasury has been asked accordingly to open a credit for moving one-half of the Czecho-Slovaks without awaiting the action of Great Britain and the other Allies. The Treasury has been very unwilling to do this. The telegram for Rathbone which is being sent through the Mission as No. R–70,29 represents the most for which it has been possible to obtain concurrence. Please discuss the message with Rathbone and make clear to him the urgent need of beginning the movement without further delay.
The Czecho-Slovak troops in Siberia are becoming more and more restless. They have recently published a proclamation attacking Kolchak’s régime and venting their disappointment with the treatment which they have received at the hands of the Allies. On the 15th General Gaida, a Czech, organized a revolt in Vladivostok which has been put down only after severe loss of life.30
[Page 315]The first and second sections of the telegram for Rathbone set forth fairly enough the attitude of this Department. The fifth paragraph deals with a matter which need not concern the Treasury especially, but in view of the great need for expedition in the matter it has not been thought expedient to insist upon this point of view. It is not considered, in fact, that a delicate situation will be created with respect to the other nationalities mentioned.
Please let me know at the earliest possible date the outcome of your conference with Rathbone, as there must be taken up at once the question of ships. It is possible that the movement can be handled with troop ships which are still under the direction of the Secretary of War.