861.00/5009: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Morris), temporarily at Omsk, to the Secretary of State
[Received August 9, 6 p.m.]
Supplementing my August 4, 12 p.m.12 I submit the following report.
1st. Military: I estimate the Siberian Army consists of not more than 100,000 men divided into three armies. The first consisting of [Page 211] about 20,000 men is under the command of General Pepelaieff, the second of about 30,000 under General Lokhvitsky, the third of about 50,000 under General Sakharoff, and General Dietrichs nominally in command of all three armies has established headquarters at Ishim and has announced his intention to reform his lines east of the Tobol River and attempt to hold the Red Army at that point. The first army is probably now evacuating Tiumen, the second has been driven out of Shadrinsk and is now retreating to Kurgan, the third is retreating east from Cheliabinsk, which is evacuated as a result of a popular revolution in support of the approaching Bolsheviks.
It is almost impossible to obtain any accurate estimate of the size of the Red Army on the Siberian front but it probably does not exceed 80,000. All reports indicate that the Siberian Army is completely disorganized, demoralized and in panic. There is jealousy and intrigue among the commanding officers. I am reliably informed that a large number of the line officers are abandoning their units and fleeing to the rear, that a great many have been shot by their men and that no less than 4,000 officers have taken their refuge in Omsk.
Last night Admiral Kolchak left for Ishim. He and Sukine dined with General Graves and me before he left. The Admiral, who sees few people and seldom leaves his residence, does not fully realize how much he has lost in public estimation and confidence but does however appreciate the necessity of drastic changes among the officers. He has decided, perhaps too late, to punish the more flagrant cases of cowardice, dismiss some of the line officers and select substitutions from among the private soldiers. It is the opinion of all the military representatives here that it will be impossible for General Dietrichs to reorganize his armies east of the Tobol River if the Bolsheviks continue their advance. It is contended the advance of Denekin is giving great concern to the Bolshevik authorities and that already they are prepared to withdraw from the Siberian front to reenforce their southern army. On the other hand, it is pointed out that Denekin in no way seriously threatens the Bolshevik power and that the Red Army will continue its advance to Omsk in an effort to deal a final blow to the Kolchak government. All the evidence indicates that in discipline, morale, leadership and equipment the Red Army is superior to the Siberian Army. I can get no satisfactory information as to conditions behind the Bolshevik lines. I have personally confirmed the fact that captured Bolshevik soldiers are well fed and on the whole well clothed; they are arrogant in their confidence and profess their communistic faith with almost religious zeal.
It is reported that the Bolshevik authorities are exhibiting in the territory recently taken a more tolerant spirit. By contrast, reliable [Page 212] reports indicate that the Kolchak soldiers, freed from all restraint, are looting the district through which they are retreating.
2d. Political: with each advance of the Red Army the Bolshevik sentiment in Siberia is more openly expressed. This was to be expected. Discontent with the inactivity of the Government is increasing; but it is an apathetic discontent which finds no hope elsewhere. Such intrigues as exist lack vigor and enthusiasm. It is alleged by other foreign representatives that there is actual treachery in Government circles. Personally, I have seen nothing to confirm this allegation.
In conclusion, I hazard the opinion that unless there is some serious weakness not yet revealed in the Bolshevik ranks repulsing their continued advance, Kolchak and his colleagues will be compelled to leave Omsk in the near future.
I will remain here, if possible, until Admiral Kolchak returns from the front next week. Should he and his generals fail in their last attempt to reform and reorganize the Army, General Graves and I will assist in the evacuation of the remaining Americans and follow out, making our way eastward as best we can under the conditions of panic which are likely to prevail.