861.00/5222: Telegram
The Vice Consul at Viborg (Imbrie) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received September 16, 10:47 a.m.]
101. Present line of Russian Whites opposed to Bolsheviks in Narva–Pskoff district extends from a point on the Finnish Gulf 45 versts southwest of Krasnaya Gorka southward along the lakes to the city of Yamburg. From Yamburg the line follows the Luga River cutting the Petrograd–Warsaw railroad 60 versts northeast of Pskoff thence southwest along railroad joining Esthonian line 25 versts west of Pskoff.
While [White?] forces now in field do not exceed 25,000 men; available recruits may reach 10,000 additional. In event of advance these will doubtless [be] augmented by desertions from Bolsheviks voluntarily. Discipline and morale of troops appeared good, equipment insufficient but with prospects of improvement as British are now landing munitions at Reval. Feeling between Russians and Esthonians seems good.
White leaders seem optimistic regarding capture of Petrograd this autumn. While at present the aggression is with Whites, my opinion Petrograd will not be taken before next spring.
Yamburg has just been retaken.