Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, 1919, Russia

861.77/1150: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Consul at Harbin (Jenkins)

Washington, October 22, 1919, 6 p.m.

For Stevens.

Your October 20, 10 p.m.

I do not under-rate the difficulties with which you and the members of the Railway Service Corps have had to contend, but I am sure that in view of my telegram of yesterday you will be able to hold the men to their task until the situation clarifies.

I would regard it as a tragic mistake to terminate the work at this time when we are on the very threshold, perhaps, of a period of real constructive accomplishment.

Consider especially Smith’s 556, October 18, 7 p.m.⁸³ which will be repeated to you and Harris’s 426, October 18, 6 p.m.⁸⁴ which you have already received.

Lansing

83. Not printed.
84. Transmitted by the Chargé in China in undated telegram received Oct. 20, p. 533.