861.51/664: Telegram
The Consul General at Irkutsk (Harris), temporarily at Omsk, to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received September 9, 3:43 a.m.]
377. Referring to Department’s September 3, 6 p.m.
Kolchak now at front. It is my personal opinion, arrived at from former interview with Kolchak in this subject, that he will refuse to transfer gold to any Allied power. He has stated that he will keep gold, if necessary, to pay soldiers to fight Bolsheviki until the last moment. He believes, however, that he will be able to protect gold. [Page 216] I believe Kolchak is guided in his attitude by personal possible suspicion of the ultimate use Allies might make of the money. If pushed to the extreme, Kolchak might possibly be induced to transfer gold to American protection under guarantees stated by Department. Should gold be removed it can, in my judgment, only be done if convoyed by strong Czech detachments, as it is probable that Semenoff and his bands would attempt possess themselves of same.
Present military operations west of Omsk not unfavorable to Siberia forces. Eastward along Siberian Railway to Irkutsk spasmodic raids are being made at various places of railway, but there is apparently no organized force and vice consuls at Novo Nikolaievsk, Tomsk, and Irkutsk report quiet. I apprehend no revived disturbances from this source. Bolsheviki operating in Altai, south of Novo Nikolaievsk, apparently being dispersed by Czech troops.
I expect to remain in Omsk indefinitely as situation at present moment is better than it has been at any time during the past three months. Reports that Omsk has fallen are untrue. Please communicate with me as heretofore through the Legation at Peking. Please acknowledge receipt.