File No. 861.00/898

The Consul at Vladivostok (Caldwell) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

Referring to my December 27, 8 p.m., and December 30, noon. Visited with [omission] commander fortress regarding Irkutsk but he is powerless as resignations [sic] all troops here [omission] still continues and no Cossacks from this district can be spared.

Soldiers’ council proposes to support Zemstvo Committee to which general commissioner delegated his powers if that committee admits soldiers. Representatives local zemstvo agree but Amur zemstvo may refuse; if so fighting certain unless show of force made by Allies here. Red Guard has been formed and armed for looting and rioting. I am receiving numerous requests from better-class Russians for foreign intervention and protection to enable them to organize. Consular Corps agrees foreign warships necessary to preserve any order although mere presence may suffice. Japanese Consul is requesting ships; most desirable they be joined by ships of one or more of the Allies.

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Ice breaker working but immediately on arrival ships should arrange to have ice breaker placed their disposal. Ships should have as much as possible, provisions, coal, water. Ships should arrive unannounced entering at dawn because reign of terror is threatened if intervention announced.

Prisoners-of-war menace increasing. German officers were reported attending as guests soldiers’ council criticizing seizure political control. They may even attempt to seize munitions of war here for shipment to Germany.

Shall I be authorized to recognize transfer of power from commissioner of Provisional Government to Zemstvo Committee if other consuls similarly authorized?

Caldwell