Frank L. Polk to Woodrow Wilson
Title
Frank L. Polk to Woodrow Wilson
Creator
Polk, Frank L. (Frank Lyon), 1871-1943
Identifier
WWP25087
Date
1918 August 3
Description
Notification of a telegram describing troop conditions in Siberia.
Source
Library of Congress, Woodrow Wilson Papers
Publisher
Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum
Subject
Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924--Correspondence
Contributor
Morgan Willer
Relation
WWI1102A
Language
English
Provenance
Document scan was taken from Library of Congress microfilm reel of the Wilson Papers. WWPL volunteers transcribed the text.
Text
My dear Mr. President:
I am calling to your attention a telegram which the American Consul at Vladivostok has transmitted to be brought to the attention of the Red Cross. It describes the condition of the Czecho-Slovak troops; most of them are reported to be without under-clothing and their uniforms much worn. I have brought this matter to the attention of the Secretary of War but it seems to me that you will also want to consider whether we should not make some special effort to provide for the safety of these men. It is raw and cold in Siberia even in September, and in October cold weather sets in with temperatures ranging below zero. The transit time to Vladivostok is so long that I believe you will agree that if we are able to do anything at all, a decision should be made in a very short time.
I may add that the telegrams we have received from Admiral Knight and from the Consul, confirm the fact that the Czecho-Slavs are not provided with clothing to survive a Siberian winter.
Faithfully yours,
Frank L. Polk
Enclosure:
Tel. from Vladivostok.
The President,
The White House.
I am calling to your attention a telegram which the American Consul at Vladivostok has transmitted to be brought to the attention of the Red Cross. It describes the condition of the Czecho-Slovak troops; most of them are reported to be without under-clothing and their uniforms much worn. I have brought this matter to the attention of the Secretary of War but it seems to me that you will also want to consider whether we should not make some special effort to provide for the safety of these men. It is raw and cold in Siberia even in September, and in October cold weather sets in with temperatures ranging below zero. The transit time to Vladivostok is so long that I believe you will agree that if we are able to do anything at all, a decision should be made in a very short time.
I may add that the telegrams we have received from Admiral Knight and from the Consul, confirm the fact that the Czecho-Slavs are not provided with clothing to survive a Siberian winter.
Faithfully yours,
Frank L. Polk
Enclosure:
Tel. from Vladivostok.
The President,
The White House.
Original Format
Letter
To
Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924
Files
Collection
Citation
Polk, Frank L. (Frank Lyon), 1871-1943, “Frank L. Polk to Woodrow Wilson,” 1918 August 3, WWP25087, World War I Letters, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.