861.00/4027: Telegram
The Consul at Vladivostok (Caldwell) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received March 7, 2 a.m.]
106. Referring General Graves’ telegraphic reports of mistreatment of peasants this district by soldiers of Horvath and Ivanoff-Rinoff, who partly support Kolchak, in effort to prevent by force any agitation against themselves. February 27th, I have received telegram from such a band of insurrectionists stating they could not longer endure treatment accorded by the dark forces supporting Kolchak and had therefore revolted. They asked that no punitive expedition be allowed to pass without cooperation of American command who they believe would prevent violence to their wives and children and to peaceful population. I have not replied but gave copy of telegram to General Graves. The telegram was sent to three addresses: consulate, local and district Zemstvo.
March 1st, General Knox, commanding British troops in Siberia, called on me regarding this telegram which he said had been brought to his attention by Colonel Butenko commander Russian troops here. General Knox pointed out bad effect of such telegram on efforts of Kolchak government to maintain control and on work General Knox is doing in giving military support to Kolchak. He asked that I send reply indicating plainly that America has no sympathy with these insurrectionists, which I shall not do unless Department so instructs. General Knox criticised Ambassador Morris, General Graves and Admiral Rodgers as being ignorant of real situation outside this district, unsympathetic with all efforts of Kolchak Government and of British Government (as conducted by General Knox). He attempted to minimize importance of cases of mistreatment of peasants investigated and reported by General Graves stating peasants deserved some punishment and that General Graves is “hypnotized” by cases brought to his immediate attention into sympathy with them forgetting what Bolsheviks are doing in the west. General Knox emphasized unfortunate effect of divergence of views of British and American military authorities, Siberia, stating that this is giving the [Page 474] Japanese a free hand to do as they please; upon this he remarked that he had advised the Russians (and I think also the Japanese) to make an agreement with the Japanese by which the latter would furnish the troops to clear Siberia of Bolsheviks as far as the Urals, the Japanese to receive commercial advantages in return, saying the Japanese are the only people who can and will do this if given the chance and that the Japanese know that the United States would object to this but believe that the United States would not fight on account of it. He spoke with much feeling and somewhat irrationally.
This shows attitude of British military in Siberia as long as General Knox is in command. General Graves states that Canadian commander does not share views and attitudes of General Knox.
Owing to poor code in use Consul General Harris, I shall not send him copy of this telegram unless Department specially instructs.