861.00/4322: Telegram
The Consul at Vladivostok (Caldwell) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received April 19, 6:36 a.m.]
230. Attempts of local military representatives of Omsk Government to draft peasants continue to cause armed resistance which is undoubtedly instigated in many or all cases by actual Bolsheviki. [Page 489] Recently such a condition occurred at Shkotovo, about 40 miles from Vladivostok, on railway to Suchan mines where American troops are stationed, which did not interrupt railway communication. Although General Graves had been informed recently by the Japanese Staff that they now saw wisdom of American policy and would not participate in these fights, uprisings, [unless?] railway interference, or themselves attacked or threatened, which General Graves does not consider to have been the case at Shkotovo, nevertheless General Otani on 13th ordered Allied forces to Shkotovo to support Omsk Government troops and all Allies sent small detachments except American, General Graves not admitting authority General Otani to order movements of American troops and considering] purpose in this case inconsistent with policy of the United States War Department. On April 14th Commodore Edwards commanding British cruiser Kent notified me in writing and asked me to notify General Graves and Captain Watts that he had been authorized British Admiralty to give active support to the forces of the Kolchak government in case of necessity. The next day the Kent sailed for America Bay to protect landing of Omsk troops going to rescue of similar troops surrounded by so-called Bolsheviki at the village Vladimir Alexandrovka near Suchan mines. Commodore Edwards informed Captain Watts verbally that his orders do not permit his landing his forces without communicating with British Admiralty.
Difference between policy of the United States and Allies is misinterpreted and made use of in anti-American propaganda and these disorders as [this difference is?] shown by fact that delegates of peasants come to this consulate every few days stating that they intend to resist draft and ask what protection we will give; they are of course informed that we have no concern with such matters, but this shows attitude.