861.00/5207: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Consul General at Irkutsk (Harris), temporarily at Omsk
Your 383, September 12, noon.56 Rifles and ammunition are being shipped to Kolchak representatives, also clothing and so forth to Cooperatives and railway materials to Stevens. Note to Japan written only because action of Japanese commanders have been making effective shipments westwards quite impossible and thus making failure of this Government to assist Kolchak absolutely certain, if persisted in by Japan.
Only statement of Ambassador Morris noted by Department is press report from Vladivostok crediting him with urging all help to Kolchak. Department believes contrary report must be ascribed to hostile propaganda. In this connection this Government must point out regrettable attitude of Kalmikoff and Semenoff which, regardless of question whether such attitude may properly be [Page 425] ascribed in part to Japanese, is nevertheless apparently beyond control of Omsk authorities. You may assure Soukine, that this Government appreciates the situation which confronts Kolchak and within the limits of its legal powers to do so hopes to continue its assistance. Negotiations for sale of clothing hampered by existing legislation but have nevertheless been re-opened with Russian Embassy here. General Hermonius representing Russian Conference at Paris has just arrived to take part in such negotiations.
- Transmitted in undated telegram from the Chargé in China, received Sept. 15, 12:30 p.m., supra.↩