861.00/5273: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Tenney) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received September 25, 5:30 p.m.]
From [Harris at] Omsk.
[“]398. Referring to my despatch. Text of Soukine’s reply to Graves as follows: [Page 518]
[‘]We deeply regret that General Graves has not taken into account that the Government is not free in dealing with the Far Eastern situation. It does not possess a sufficient and reliable military force west [east?] of the Baikal and does not dispose of an efficient administration to carry out its instructions. Strong orders have been repeatedly issued by the Government requiring a change of conduct by Ataman Semenoff and the suppression of the methods used by Kalmikoff. These instructions are not being carried out. The Government is more anxious than any one to find a solution of the Far Eastern problem and would be glad to consider any suggestion that may put an end to the present intolerable situation. For eight months Admiral Kolchak has asked the powers to help him to regulate the elements tending to disturb the political situation in the Far East. He received no assistance in that respect and was even advised by foreign representatives to accept a compromise of which the present situation is a direct result. The Government does not see any speedy solution of the Far Eastern problem but believing [believes] that moderation and patience only will bring a good real improvement of that intricate situation while radical measures have been taken contemplated by General Graves would lead to increased chaotic conditions under which the Far East would be ultimately committed by the elements that possess foreign support and represent the only actual military force in that region, such elements being exactly those against whom the General is so bitter. Russian Government cannot therefore understand why the General is pressing so urgently for measures that are beyond the power of the Government and why submitting to the Far Eastern local trouble a much more important [apparent omission] for the destiny of Russia, that of delivering rifles which are urgently needed for the front and which have been paid for by Russian Government who has deposited for that purpose a part of its gold reserve. This latter question seems to be of such an important nature and to affect such vast political problems that Russian Government would desire to receive from the Department of State through such channels as it may choose the expression of the views of the United States Government. Also the question of suppression of the paper Golos Rodini being non-military and involving a consideration of the usual procedure of international intercourse is expected to be dealt with by the State Department. The Government wishes to refrain in the present instance from any recriminations or further comments bearing in mind its profound desire not to impair by any word or action the sympathy which it believes has been awakened in the great mass of the American people for the Russian people in their struggle against Bolshevikism.[’]
Harris”