861.00/6276: Telegram
The Consul at Vladivostok (Macgowan) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 31—4:04 a.m.]
35. Continuing January 30th, 11 a.m. While Japanese diplomatic representatives acquiesce in this resolution, General Oi57 la>st night assured General Rozanoff58 that the Japanese would allow no insurgents to enter Vladivostok.
[Page 533]Following organization at Nikolsk of temporary government, insurgent army of upwards 7,000 men, four commissioners were sent to negotiate with Rozanoff. Although 100 Russian officers at Nikolsk were declared hostages for their safety, Rozanoff stopped train of the commissioners 15 miles from here and they believed he intended to have them shot. On American representations Fortress Commandant Verigo secured safe arrival under American protection of the commissioners yesterday morning but they saw nobody officially except General Oi who was non-committal. In conversation with Allied officers they declared themselves National Democrats and stated their purpose was to organize temporary government under Zemstvo leadership, liquidate Koichak regime, restore peace and bring to an end foreign intervention. They stated only two deaths resulted from taking over Nikolsk and assured callers there would be no excesses or reprisals here. While they are in communication with Moscow they stated government of this territory would not be Bolshevik. This remains to be seen. Delegates departed last night declaring their forces would be here within a few days.
Delegates grateful’ for protection offered by Americans. Insurgents generally have no hostility to Americans. Nevertheless, every precaution is being taken to assure safety of all Americans. Women of all missions have been ordered into American Red Cross compound or army base by to-night and only army medical corps of male personnel will be left at detached offices. American civilians will be advised to go to American Red Cross to-night until further notice. All American residences and institutions are in district assigned to American military and naval patrols. Marine and military cadets have gone aboard Russian steamship Orel in order to escape further police duty desiring to remain aboard until order restored and they can continue studies.
Rozanoff tried to organize military officers here, who have been overestimated at 2,000, into patrols but few responded.
Contrary to the spirit of his armistice Rozanoff Wednesday arrested several local Zemstvo leaders because they directed state bank guards not to allow anything to be taken from the bank without authority of the president of the Zemstvo. I have confidential information bank officials have lately feared Rozanoff more than insurgents or robbers.
Newspapers are under rigid censorship, meetings including dances, concerts, theatricals, require Rozanoff’s authority, Zemstvo municipal council and all other organizations must report program of discussion before meeting. These measures aim to check general slump to the insurgents.
Without more than 300 trustworthy armed supporters Rozanoff can hardly maintain his position even with Japanese support and [Page 534] he has been reported as desirous of departing with the cadets but they oppose taking him.
Crimes have become somewhat more frequent here; 5,000,000 rubles were taken Wednesday from a government officer.
Repeated to Tokyo [and] Harris.