File No. 861.00/1579
The Ambassador in Japan (Morris) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 13, 1.40 a.m.]
Professor Masaryk,1 traveling with British passport under the name of Marsden, reached Tokyo on April 8. Will leave on the Empress of Asia, April 20, going direct to Washington. Advocates: (1) closer relations with Bolshevik government, even to point of recognition de facto government; fears otherwise that Germans may acquire dominant influence; (2) unity of action by Allies toward Russia; (3) immediate organization of [corporation] to purchase with commodities and distribute grain and thus prevent it falling into hands of Germans; (4) extensive propaganda under American supervision throughout eastern Siberia.
Believes that Bolshevik government will survive some time longer. Likely to be succeeded by a coalition of Bolsheviks, Socialists and Liberals. Sees no hope whatever in Cadets or other moderate elements. Increased reaction unlikely for the present. Is convinced that as yet there is no organized German influence in eastern Siberia. Saw no evidence anywhere of organization of German or Austrian prisoners. Thinks it possible that Bolsheviks, with aid and sympathy Allies, could organize within year a substantial army to oppose German aggression. Fears that Japanese intervention would result in conflict with Bolshevik movement and permanently estrange Russia from all the Allies.
- Thomas G. Masaryk, president of the Czecho-Slovak National Council.↩