I could but recall the last time he visited me in those dark, doubtful days of November, when I, who had no thought or place in my make-up for the word “Dictator,” suddenly found myself in the presence of him who had that moment assumed such a position, and what was more serious for me, found myself forced on my own authority, unaided by one word of warning or counsel from others, instantly to decide not only my own attitude but also, to some extent, that of my country to this last act in the drama of a people grown desperate.  Once having given my promise to help, he never found that help withheld at critical moments later.  The British forces were few, but they were disciplined and knew their own mind, and this was what every other party, both Russian and Allied, lacked.  Every Allied force had its “Politicals” at hand, and therefore were powerless for any purpose.  The Fates had sent ours to Vladivostok, 5,000 versts east, at the very moment when their presence and general political policy would have paralysed correct military action.  The month which intervened before they could exert direct influence upon the situation enabled us to consolidate the new orientation.  The greater part of this time we were “in the air,” having cut our own communications, and no countermanding orders could interrupt or confuse the nerve centre.  At first the “Politicals” were inclined to be angry, but with such a tower of strength as General Knox in support they soon came to look upon the proceedings as a fait accompli.  Later they confessed that their absence at the supreme moment was the act of a wise Providence.  The very nature of their business (had they been present) would have created delays and difficulties that might have proved fatal to success.

Except for some quaint fetish about the necessity for maintaining the usual diplomatic forms, there is no necessity for delay in emergencies of this description.  If an ordinarily intelligent Englishman, with a fair knowledge of English history and a grasp of the traditions and mentality of his countrymen, cannot carry on, how are people miles away, with no opportunity to visualise the actual situation, to instruct him?  Diplomatic methods and forms are all right for leisurely negotiations, but are useless in urgent and dangerous occasions.  If my work fails, as even now it may, I shall be subject to severe criticism; but I shall get that even if it succeeds, so what does it matter so long as in my own mind I did the best in the circumstances?

My journey east was broken at Krasnoyarsk to enable me to interview the new commander, General Rosanoff, who had taken in hand the suppression of the revolt of the Lettish peasants north of the railway.  South of the line all hostile elements had been dispersed.  The line cut through the centre of the Bolshevik field of operations.  The Czechs guarded the actual railway, and while they prevented large forces from moving across it, they took but little trouble to