861.24/181 B: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to President Wilson at Sam, Diego
Referring to the exchange of notes between yourself and the other heads of governments at Paris and Admiral Kolchak at Omsk, the British are reported to be supplying all clothing and equipment necessary for Denikin, the French for Czechs and anti-Bolshevik forces in Western border countries, while Kolchak relies for similar equipment upon the United States. Latest reports show that unless Kolchak’s forces are provided with clothing at an early date they will face the rigors of a Siberian winter unequipped and will scarcely survive the ordeal.
As the United States has joined in undertaking to do its share in supplying Kolchak and his associates with munitions, food and supplies to the best of its ability, I urgently recommend that you authorize the Secretary of War to sell to the Russian Ambassador or other Russian representative in this country for shipment to Kolchak, on a credit basis, shoes, under-clothing, cloth, surplus over coats, especially such materials as may not find an advantageous or ready market in this country. I would not urge this upon your attention at such a time did I not believe it one of pressing importance. I am much impressed with the fact that our failure to render this assistance will not be understood in Russia and will not only weaken Kolchak but also affect unfavorably our own position, to the immediate and, possibly permanent, advantage of Japan.
The latest reports we have from Siberia, dated September 11, indicate Kolchak’s forces have resumed the offensive and are driving the Bolsheviki back towards the Urals.