File No. 861.00/788

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

[Telegram]

Brooklyn left to-day for Nagasaki and Manila. Is still quiet here but conditions are becoming worse. Soldiers’ and Workmen’s Committee ordering government bank and commercial port to turn over charge to them and railway men refusing to run trains because of interference of soldiers. Stevens2 and all consuls consider presence foreign force desirable until Allies’ attitude decided unanimously. American force is preferred but Japanese better than none despite hostility felt. Thomas reached by Brooklyn wireless last night, is due to-morrow or next day. Antagonists [anticipate?] fighting here. As to Maximalists, too feeble but see no prospect any improvement in the near future. I think it is impossible for Railway Service [Page 7] Corps to accomplish any good now and recommend that they wait on Thomas [in?] Japan. This is also Stevens’s opinion. After about December 25 all vessels will be at the mercy of the ice-breaker crews who are not dependable. Is report correct that all cargo specifications [specifically consigned this?] port stopped or recalled?

Caldwell
  1. John F. Stevens, chairman of the Advisory Commission of Railway Experts to Russia.