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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Secretary of Navy Josephus Daniels to Rear Admiral Austin M. Knight, Commander, United States Asiatic Fleet

[Washington] July 6, 1918.

     23002 This government desires Vladivostok kept available as a base for the safety of CZECHS comma and as a means of egress for them should the necessity arise period. In order to accomplish this and to indicate our sympathy and support you are authorized to utilize the force at your disposal and to request similar action by allied naval forces in holding the city period. Avoid any action tending to offend Russian sentiment or to become involved in any political question period. Keep in close touch with leader of CZECH-SLOVAKS and inform Department daily of progress of events comma development of any new situations and sentiments of various parties.1 16006

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Source Note: Wilson Papers, 48: 543.

Footnote 1: For background on this order, see: Diary of Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels, 6 July 1918.