William S. Graves to Peter C. Harris
Title
William S. Graves to Peter C. Harris
Creator
Graves, William Sidney, 1865-1940
Identifier
WWP25521
Date
1918 November 21
Description
Conditions in Siberia grow worse.
Source
Library of Congress, Woodrow Wilson Papers
Publisher
Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum
Subject
World War, 1914-1918--United States
World War, 1914-1918--Peace
Soviet Union--History--Revolution, 1917-1921
Horvath, Dmitri, 1859-1937
Contributor
Danna Faulds
Language
English
Provenance
Document scan was taken from Library of Congress microfilm reel of the Wilson Papers. WWPL volunteers transcribed the text.
Text
Fully copy of Cablegram received at the War Department, November 22, 1918, 5:47 A.M.
7 GB Vladivostok
The Adjutant General,
Washington.
Number 78. November 21st. Secret.
The situation here as I see it merits careful consideration. Conditions in Siberia are growing worse daily. General Horvat, a typical reactionary, supported by the Russian Army Officer class, has been appointed by the Omsk Government representative in eastern Siberia. This crowd if not in favor of a monarchy are certainly in favor of some form of autocratic government. This is well known to and opposed by the great majority of Russians. The opinion just now is that this crowd could not remain in power 24 hours in eastern Siberia after allied troops are removed. As I see the situation they know the poorer class will not attack them as long as allied troops are here and they are utilizing to the fullest extent this time to entrench themselves, get together a military force which they hope will be strong enough to hold them in power when allied troops are removed. I think some blood will be shed when troops move out but the longer we stay the greater will be the bloodshed when allied troops do go, as in effect each day we remain here, now that the war with Germany is over, we are by our mere presence helping establish a form of autocratic government which the people of Siberia will not stand for and our stay is creating some feeling against the allied governments because of the effect it has. The classes seem to be growing wider apart and the feeling between them more bitter daily.
Graves.
7 GB Vladivostok
The Adjutant General,
Washington.
Number 78. November 21st. Secret.
The situation here as I see it merits careful consideration. Conditions in Siberia are growing worse daily. General Horvat, a typical reactionary, supported by the Russian Army Officer class, has been appointed by the Omsk Government representative in eastern Siberia. This crowd if not in favor of a monarchy are certainly in favor of some form of autocratic government. This is well known to and opposed by the great majority of Russians. The opinion just now is that this crowd could not remain in power 24 hours in eastern Siberia after allied troops are removed. As I see the situation they know the poorer class will not attack them as long as allied troops are here and they are utilizing to the fullest extent this time to entrench themselves, get together a military force which they hope will be strong enough to hold them in power when allied troops are removed. I think some blood will be shed when troops move out but the longer we stay the greater will be the bloodshed when allied troops do go, as in effect each day we remain here, now that the war with Germany is over, we are by our mere presence helping establish a form of autocratic government which the people of Siberia will not stand for and our stay is creating some feeling against the allied governments because of the effect it has. The classes seem to be growing wider apart and the feeling between them more bitter daily.
Graves.
Original Format
Letter
To
Harris, P. C. (Peter Charles), 1865-1951
Files
Collection
Citation
Graves, William Sidney, 1865-1940, “William S. Graves to Peter C. Harris,” 1918 November 21, WWP25521, World War I Letters, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.