New-York tribune., 1918-07-11
Czecho Slovaks' Success
Holds Up Military Cam
paign Plans
Supplies To Be Sent
By America, However
Dispatch Says Austrian and
Hungarian Prisoners
Are Armed

WASHINGTON, July 1O.-The re-
markablc success of the Czecho-S -Slovak
leglons in rcestablishing law and or
der in Siberia, and in overcoming
armed opposition from former pro-
German and Austrian prisoners of war
has had the effect of suspending the
preparation Of plans by the Entente
Powers and the United States for the
organization of an international mill
tary force to campaign in Siberia.
1t was stated authoritatively to-
day, however, that none of the plans
considered had met the objection of
the United States government that
they involved a weakening of the
western front in Europe. Besides this
objection there has been a reluctance
on the part of the administration to
depart from its policy of non nterfer-
ence in the affairs of a friendly coun-
try, although it was admitted an ex-
ception might be justified in the case
of Siberia, if it were clearly estab-
lished that the native population was
forcibly dominated .ss:lustro German
soldiers and influence.
American Plan Considered
1t is understood that an agreement
to try the American proposal to assist
the Russians economically to rehabi!i-
tate them selves WAS about as far as
the negotiations between the Entente
and the Washington authorities had
progressed when news of the rapid
Czccho-Slovak campaign in Siberia
demonstrated the necessary for revis-
ion of any plans for military cam
paign in that country.
1t was said that the developments
were SO sudden and unexpected that
it was not now possible to decide
just how and when military aid should
be extended.
There is no intention, however, Of
abandoning the plan for the introduce
tion into Siberia of supplies from
America needed by the people Of that
country. The personnel of the COM
mission to take charge of this work
is now being selected.
Recognizing the great value Of the
work being done by the Czecho-Slovaks
in counteracting German activities in
Siberia without entry into the political
Quarrels cf the Siberians, the Entente
powers will give the legons sympa-
thetic and material support, if need
be, as they hold this would be entirely
consistent with an attitude of neutral
ity, in view of the fact that the Czecho-
Slovacks are their allies and are
pledged to refrain from asserting con-
troll over the country through which
they are passing, once they have put
it in order.
Not Internal Faction
In discussing the Czecho- -Slovak sue
cesses to-day. the Czecho- -Slovak Ma
tional Council here declared that the
forces are fighting in Siberia with the
sole idea of battling as one of the Al
lied forces against the Germans, and
that their movement would be gov
erned by orders transmitted them
through Professor T. G.. Masaryk,
their leader, who now is in this coun
try.
1t was explained that while indif-
ferent as to whether they fight on the
Western front, or on an Eastern front,
the Czecho- -Slovaks feel they must not
be involved in the internal affairs of
any country. When they started from
Russia 10 France. the Czecho- -Slovaks
some 10000, but these have
been augmented by escaped prisoners
both from the Austrian and Rumanian
armies and the force now is said to
number more than 100000 trained and
disciplined men under skilful military
leaders.
The first definite news on an armed
body of German and Hungarian pris-
oners in Siberia, was contained in
report received to-day at the State De-
partment from the United States con-
sui at Vladivostok, telling of the capture
by Czecho- Slovak forces of 600 prison
ars and the town of Nikolsk, about
eighty miles northwest of Vladivostok,
The Czecho- -Slovaks lost forty killed
and 200 wounded. They were opposed
by large force of Bolshevik Red
Guards and armed German and Hun
garian prisoners. The defeated Red
Guards and prisoners, took armored
rains end retreated toward Haborzsk,
On the Amur River, filing eight trains.
they took all the rolling stock at Nj
kolsk, and did some damage to the
roadbed.
Population Friendly
The population of Nikolsk were re-
ported very friendly to the Czecho-
Slovaks, and aided in repairing the
road. The prisoners taken are being
leld and examined in an effort to learn
where they got their arms.
The consul reported THAT the Boil
heviki hanged several members Of the
Nikolsk city administration and num-
Der of railway employees.
Madame Marie Botchkarova, colonel
n the Russian army and former COM
nander of the famous woman Battalion
IF Death, discussed Russian questions
With President Wilson to-day at the
White House. The conference was car
Fied on through an interpreter.