861.77/1162: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Consul General at Irkutsk (Harris), temporarily at Omsk
Following message from Stevens repeated for your information in connection with Department’s October 25, 6 p.m.90
“October 24, 6 p.m. Your cable October 9, 3 p.m.91 Department may not fully understand the situation of affairs. It is not a question of participation of Russians in the management of the railways but their assumption of entire management regardless of suggestions or all instructions. Allied inspectors laughed at, being ignored by them, and, possibly to their advantage, their presence and assistance are not wanted. In many instances Minister of Works issues orders ostensibly to carry into effect inspector’s instructions but officials totally ignore them. My belief is that officials secretly advised to ignore orders of all kinds under any circumstances issued. For political reasons government has abandoned instead of enforcing agreement. Technical Board or I can do nothing of value improving railways in the present situation of affairs and decline all responsibility for results and have so advised Allied Committee.”