861.00/6281: Telegram
The Consul at Vladivostok (Macgowan) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 31—5:50 p.m.]
39. Six oclock this morning Orel and small consort Yakut sailed with cadets and many officers. Seven o’clock machine guns in the apartment of General Oi over my own opened fire. I was awake and went to the window where one man, woman and dog were visible, bullets knocking dust beside them. Shortly afterwards military column from the direction of the American base halted at General Rozanoff’s residence and about 8 o’clock dropped shell in Rozanoff’s premises. Oi with platoon guard parleyed while Rozanoff and family escaped by back entrance and entered Oi’s residence under small Cossack escort. With some loss of dignity Oi withdrew platoon and column proceeded to railway station, disarming all officers found at public offices and placing them under guard without any violence.
[Page 535]Zemstvo proclaimed itself provisional government and summoned all officers, officials and citizens to maintain order and conserve public interests.
Marine corps from outside began arriving in the afternoon. Local insurgents numbered about 300 and were prudently led.
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