File No. 861.00/2536
The British Chargé (Barclay) to the Secretary of State
Memorandum
His Majesty’s Chargé d’Affaires presents his compliments to the Secretary of State and has the honour to inform him, by instructions of His Majesty’s Principal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, that it seems to His Majesty’s Government essential to establish order in Vladivostok, and it is clear that this can only be done by definite action on the part of the Allies.
The Russians are too divided amongst themselves to do so effectively and impartially, even though the Allied troops may control Vladivostok. His Majesty’s Government have accordingly sent the following instructions to their Consul at Vladivostok:
The Allies would be greatly blamed if they fail in their self-imposed duty of maintaining order, for which purpose they have taken the responsibility of landing troops in Vladivostok. Soldiers are the only persons who can at present be trusted with the maintenance of order, and they should be organized in sufficient numbers to enable them to perform the task of protecting life and property.
You might suggest to the Czech commander that he might perhaps take the necessary action, and you might also offer him British support, if you consider that it would ease matters.
In informing the United States Government of the above, His Majesty’s Chargé d’Affaires was directed to request them, if they concur, to send similar instructions to their representatives at Vladivostok.