861.00/5644: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Tenney) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 14, 10 a.m.]
[From Harris:]
464. Arrived Novo Nikolaievsk today from Omsk after four days’ journey. Evacuation went forward without incident in spite of traffic congestion. This confirms my judgment that American nurses should have remained in Omsk until now thus giving Omsk hospital three months of their services.
Vice Consul Hansen reports from Omsk in substance as follows:
[“] Siberian Army still retreating and now 140 versts of (from?) Omsk.
It is probable that the Bolsheviki will approach Omsk within the next day. Weather has turned warm and Irtish River no longer frozen thus frustrating plans of General Roxaroff [Sakharoff?] for defending Omsk. It is feared that Siberian Army will lose most of their supplies when crossing Irtish River.
Local population in Omsk quiet and confident Omsk will not fall. All men in the city have been ordered to defend it.
Present conditions do not indicate fall of Kolchak and his government. To the contrary it seems he is gaining in support, neither is there indication that the army will totally collapse.
The whole Omsk Government, Council of Ministers including Vologodsky evacuating to Irkutsk. Kolchak remaining in Omsk until fate of city decided. Gold reserve is being sent east but have not yet learned to what point. Government expects to resume administrative work in Irkutsk on 16th.”
Notifying Hansen, Omsk, today. Remaining several days in Novo Nikolaievsk, I expect to proceed direct to Irkutsk. Harris.