861.00/5261: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Tenney) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received September 23, 1919, 10:20 a.m.]
From [Harris at] Omsk:
“396. September 22, 4 p.m. Referring to my September 21, 4 p.m. Soukine has taken umbrage at what he considers offensive tone of Graves’ note and is replying in sense that he wishes Secretary of State to make decision in the matter. Soukine asks Secretary of State in this connection to again consider statement issued by Omsk Government which I telegraphed, number 200, March 15, [25], 5 p.m.68
Usually General Graves instructs Major Shulz to hand his notes to me for transmission to Foreign Office, but in this instance I was not consulted. Had the note been handed to me I would have cabled Secretary of State for instructions upon transmitting same.
I understand British military authorities are protesting against action Graves in withholding rifles already paid for by Omsk Government. General Knox has received instructions from the British Government in effect that the English mission here should not encourage factions in the Far East opposed to Kolchak and no government which might succeed Kolchak will receive British support.
Understand Japanese have made similar statement and Ambassador Kato is hastening to Omsk.
Situation at front continues favorable to Siberian forces. Cossack General Ivanoff-Rinoff has been relieved of his command. Harris.”