861.00/5887: Telegram
The High Commissioner at Constantinople (Bristol) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 13, 9:35 a.m.]
108. Position of Denikin both military and political increasingly precarious. Present Bolshevik drive against Kharkoff likely succeed. Denikin has on south Russian front of 2,000 kilometres 200,000 men against approximately 500,000 Reds. Peasant menace in rear serious and increases with Bolshevik successes.
Apparent crux of situation is in Denikin’s relations with Poles, and that his sole chance to recover lies in receiving aid of well-equipped Polish Army against Bolshevik right flank and rear. [Poland?] Offers this aid provided Denikin will promise her eastern Galicia which he refuses to do. That country not part of former Russia though population predominantly literally [sic] Russian with only 15 per cent Poles. Characteristic of Denikin and is weakness that he will come to no decision in this as in other matters, and takes no full responsibility for future of people. Patience of his army declining through discordance and weariness so that British aid in material is largely wasted.
British are increasing force of their High Commissioner War commanding in Trans-Caucasus.
[For the appointment of Admiral N. A. McCully as special agent in south Russia and his instructions, see telegram to the Ambassador in France, no. 9370, December 18, 1919, 6 p.m., Foreign Relations, 1920, volume III, page 571.]