engage in military operations, nor, without its express consent, to move up country';, pending clarification of British policy. Unless their mission were made clear, it might be necessary to withdraw the Canadians altogether.

Borden was justifiably exasperated at this vacillation. He explained to White that some few days earlier the British had practically understood that Canadians would be withdrawn, and then had come Council's decision to proceed. He went on to say that Council was armed with details of political and economic conditions. They were aware of the military situation. They, then, should judge, and with that he virtually washed his hands of the matter."' Meanwhile the War Office had lost patience and directed a forthright reply to the C.G.S., General Gwatkin. Because of the Canadian Government's latest restrictions the War Office felt obliged to recommend to the War Cabinet that the two British battalions should be withdrawn to Vladivostok and that the Canadians who had already sailed for the Far East should be returned to Canada. Those en route might be recalled by wireless, and no more should be sent."' Nevertheless, no immediate steps were taken by Ottawa to bring back the 1100 Canadians who had reached Siberia, nor were the ships carrying the 2700 men who formed the bulk ofthe force recalled."'

The restrictions imposed by Ottawa placed Major- General Elmsley in a most embarrassing position. He protested vigorously against any Canadian withdrawal.” Hamstrung as he was, there was little for him to do with his

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