We found the MANILA PROJECT dossier in the National Archives and ordered a copy on 2/28/2006.
The summary below was published soon after, and later was provided to the Seagraves as
background material for Red Sky. This is an HTML version edited for readability, and includes
minor corrections. Still, it is only a light analysis. This summary should not be considered
exhaustive, nor authoritative. -Scott Dawes
The summary below is in regard to:
NARA IWG Declassified Records, Army Staff (Group 319)
Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM)
Investigative Records Repository
IRR Personnel Name Files, FILE NO. H8009931
SUMMARY
Date/Pages Item/Comments
01/08/46 (1) MEMO to AC of S, G-2 from Angel Okal, Major, AGS RE: Communist Activities. Names mentioned, MR. BORIS OLEINIKOFF, MISS ARACELI DAVID.
06/11/46 (3) Philippine Bureau of Immigration. V.N. Chirskoff Immigration statement upon arrival in Manila.
08/??/46 (3) MEMO for Officer in Charge from Biery RE: Oleinikoff et al. Declaration of Oleinikoff stating $50,000 assets in U.S. (date unspecified--positioned by location in file).
08/02/46 (6) Alien Certificate of Registration, V.N. Chirskoff.
08/03/46 (3) 1135th CIC MEMO, S.A. 9981 RE: MANILA PROJECT–CHIRSKOFF, V., From "reliable informant", a Russian, V. Chirskoff in room 210, Manila Hotel at 15.00 peso/per diem as of 6/10. Residence of subject’s two assistants, Peterson and Mehan (fnu) yet been determined. 1st mention of names: MRS. R. KUEHNE, MR. WINKLEMAN, Dr. A. SAMET, V. SEROUSSI. Chirskoff paying 15 peso/hr to rent a car to drive to Cavite.
08/05/46 (2) Copies of Manila Hotel registration information cards, Mehan and Peterson, Rm. 210. Mehan withdrew 4,000 pesos from Manila Hotel cashier.
08/06/46 (1) MEMO to AC of S, G-2 from Agent 180 Confidential MEMO re: Chirskoff et al. Chirskoff in lucrative business. Agent believes Chirskoff buying and selling ships. Chirskoff is in the money--seen with a wad of dollars showing in his hip pocket and per roomboys is frequently seen counting his money in his room. Mehan and Peterson living with Chirskoff at Hotel on Chirskoff's account, go to Cavite and other points with him. Peterson claims they are engaged in deep sea diving. Transportation available includes 2-motorcycles, Java-China Jeep. Agent has seen Mehan and Peterson deposit plenty of money with the Hotel cashier (apparently all three already under surveillance). Agent has solicited help of Mr. Shaw of CIC, Shaw working with Capt. Lorens of AFWESPAC, office of U.S. Embassy. By questioning hotel roomboy they determined Chirskoff’s mother was an American and his father a Russian.
08/06/46 (1) MEMO from [Agent] 9981 RE: Oleinikoff arrested at Nichols Field for smuggling nylons, etc. (see also info 09/17/46 re F-122)
08/10/46 (1) RE: Chirskoff V.N. Supplement by Agent 9981 to 08/03/46 MEMO by same agent. Corrects name as "Java, China, Japan Lines" [sic]. Chirskoff told customs he was in the fishing business, and gave address as c/o Java-China-Japan Lines, Marsman building, Manila. Chirskoff ONLY Russian in country registered since liberation with Russian passport. Mehan observed leaving for Cavite daily with Chirskoff, Peterson travels alone.
08/??/46 (1) ILLEGIBLE DOCUMENT (date unreadable--positioned by location in file).
08/16/46 (1) CIC MEMO, TUPAS. Subject Chirskoff, alias Olenikoff [sic]. Confidential informant s “A” (owner of restaurant downtown), Confidential informant “B” (employee of Manila Hotel). “A” noticed Chirskoff a month earlier in Shanghai talking to Russian businessmen about buying ships in Manila. Was introduced to informant as Olenikoff. “B” stated person answering to Oleinikoff's description was registered as Chirskoff in room with Peterson and Mehan. Chirskoff described as Russian, about 5’ 8” tall, robust build, handsome and prosperous in appearance.
08/19/46 (1) Supplemental report (unsigned) RE: V.N. Chirskoff. Date, time and flight number of first arrival in P.I. (10 June). Foreign address as Java China Trading Co., LTD. 12 Canton Road, Shanghai, China. Chirskoff making trips to Cavite to purchase F boat from FLC (hand note references report of 26 Aug). Info RE: 17 Sep Peterson MEMO (TUPAS). Ref. to Bureau of Immigration report 4 Oct RE: Mrs. Chirskoff and Child's arrival in Manila.
08/19/46 (1) BORIS OLEINIKOFF Bureau of Immigration entry form. Arrived on ATC plane, and named 7 Juan Luna, El Hogar Filipino Bldg, Java China Trading Co. LTD as his Philippine address.
08/20/46 (1) To The Surveyor of the Port from Benedicto Tonson, Clipper Officer in Charge. Letter describing "dutiable goods" confiscated from B.N. Oleinikoff. Goods were intended for Mr. Ni Hong Fu, c/o Chinese Consulate, Manila. Oleinikoff went to "headquarters", paid the duty and was allowed to keep the items.
08/21/46 (2) MEMO to Officer in Charge from Agent 6807 attached to copy of Oleinikoff's calling card.
08/22/46 (1) Boris Oleinikoff Immigration Passenger Manifest. References listed: Theodore Blendo, Mr. Abdirkin.
08/23/46 (2) 1135th CIC MEMO, S.A. 6807 RE: Manila Project-progress report, info provided by informant "B". Chirskoff purchased Cadillac for 11,000 pesos. Ship wrecked near Paranaque, Rizal. Cheez was enraged that the locals had completely looted the vessel after it went aground. Makes two-day trips to Cavite with Mehan and Peterson, rents car for 300.00 pesos/trip from Robles Transportation Company.
08/23/46 (1) Joint Affidavit of Rodrigo Genio (Office Assistant) and Araceli (Secretary Treasurer) Affidavit taken by Manuel Cappio Cruz RE: affiliation with Oleinikoff. Acquired from Immigration Bureau by Agent 0190.
08/26/46 (1) Daily MEMO by 9981 RE: Chirskoff. Female informant of Agent provided details of Chirskoff's spelling of his name, (C-H-I-R-S-K-K-O-F-F [sic]), or just "Cheese". Cheese made 100,000 peso deal made while in Huk country. (bottom of note copy of 4 September MEMO RE: Peterson).
08/26/46(1) 1135th CIC MEMO, S.A. 9981 RE: Manila Project, boat purchasing transactions. On 7/12 Oleinikoff purchased two LCTs as agent for China Coastal Lines, purchased four more LCTs for the Simon Leon Co. plus one more for the Chung Hwa Co. of Shanghai. Also mentions transaction of Chirskoff, Peterson and Mehan, including F boats 77, 79, 92, 93, 96, 119 and 122. [Mehan: Other than possibly mixing our names with Boris Oleinikoff, who had nothing to do with our transaction, this was the first accurate report that I have read.] [Dawes annotation: It is plausible Chirskoff was actually using Oleinikoff's name to conduct business.]
08/27/46 (1) Republic of the Philippines MEMO to The Officer in Charge from Agent 180 RE: (1) Purchase of Cadillac. (2) Chirskoff starting company with 2,000,000.00 assets, 60% belonging to Chirskoff. (3) [Info] from letters received from Captain J.L. Hall, Navy 3930, San Francisco. Note at bottom states, "Navy FPO number 3930 is Shanghai, China".
09/03/46 (1) Letter to The Chief G-2, MPC from Oleinikoff's Attorney, SGD. MANUEL CARPIO CRUZ. Obtained from Immigration Bureau by Agent 0190.
09/04/46 (1) Daily MEMO by Agent 9981 RE: Message from Peterson to Chirskoff, routed through Mr. Nelson of Navy RE: Need 15,000 pesos to pay customs fine.
09/04/46 (1) HQ, 1135th CIC, AFWESPAC daily MEMO by Agent 9981 RE: Chirskoff. Agent called to FLC to identify Oleinikoff while he was completing boat purchase deal. [Dawes: The identity is confusing but 9981 would presumably have known Chirskoff by this time and this person was identified as Oleinikoff (who was 2" taller than Chirskoff).]
09/08/46 (1) Bureau of Immigration Manifest RE: Adolf Samet. Contact address in PI listed as "Java China Japan Lijn, Manila". [Dawes: Did Java-China use multiple variants of their name, or is this more confusoin on the part of the agents?]
09/15/46 (1) 1135th CIC MEMO, S.A. 5804 RE: Info from confidential informant “R” in Manila Hotel. Peterson left for the Visayan Islands, Chirskoff to join him. Samet arrived, staying Chirskoff's room (210). Annotation by S.A. 9981 RE: Monitoring of Samet internationals calls.
09/16/46 (1) 1135th CIC MEMO, S.A. 5804 RE: Oleinikoff. Oleinikoff identified as General Manager of Java China Japan Line[s] enterprises and Trading Companies.
09/17/46 (1) MEMO, Tupas RE: Peterson on F-122 sends message to Chirskoff at Tacloban "Engine will not run...need about 1,000.00 pesos". (This from bottom of 08/06/46 MEMO re: Oleinikoff)
09/17/46 (2) Manila Project Report, S.A. 9981 RE: Boats purchased from FLC by Java China..., Chirskoff, Oleinikoff, et al. 5-LCM's, 1-LCPL, 1-Rescue Patrol Boat, 7 F boats (Army). Deposit of $259,000.00 to acct of WILLIAM GAPINSKI. Misc. info re: Oleinikoff history, Boris N. Oleinikoff, Inc, etc. TUPAS MEMO for Mr. Taylor re: above attached.
09/20/46 (1) MEMO from Dept of Interior, S.A. 471 RE: ZASLAVSKY [sic], Oleinikoff. Zaslavsky arrived with 5-kilos of raw opium which he is now selling. [Dawes: There is no recognizable relevance to this memo other than, presumably the agents considered these men to be associates of Chirskoff.]
10/10/46 (1) S.A. 3387 reports arrival of Nina Chirskoff and son, staying in room 210, will be investigated further.
10/11/46 (1) 1135th CIC MEMO S.A. 5804 RE: Manila Project, Chirskoff has no callers lately but family and stays in close contact with Mr. Robert Buda. 10/17 annotation by S.A. 9981 RE: CHARLES V. MAXWELL who was offered a job as a skipper with Java-China. Maxwell was acquainted with Chirskoff, Peterson and Mehan.
10/15/46 (2) MEMO to Intelligence Officer from G. TRIAS [spelling uncertain] Commander Naval Forces Philippines RE: Two P.T. Boats stranded on beached at Barrio Dipaculao, Baler [Dawes: Dipaculao was a barrio of Baler in those days] during Sept typhoon. Boats were initially believed to be Navy landing barges but were later identified as PT boats and were claimed by Chirskoff. Attached report from municipal Baler officials state the boats belonged to a Mr. T.Y. Fong, Asiatic Development Company, Shanghai who purchased them from the Veteran's Syndicate who purchased them from the FLC. Java-China was acting in an intermediate position between the Veteran's and Fong.
10/16/46 (1) Unidentified note regarding US Army together with Chinese Customs Authorities investigating Philip A. Mehan's arrival in Shanghai on Lien Mau [formerly F-92], 9 October. Mehan departed by plane "this morning". Ship cargo being examined. Authorities there will follow up to see who Mehan's contacts are without arousing suspicion. [Mehan annotation: This explains why were intercepted in the Yangtze Estuary and our hold searched prior to entering the Whangpoo River.]
10/16/46 (1) 1135th CIC MEMO, S.A. 3387 RE: Cavite F boat. FLC records reveal F-94 sold to CHARLES ENGLISH HENDERSON for $42,000.00. It appears to be a matter of common gossip in the FLC office that this F boat left Cavite for Shanghai carrying a load of firearms. [Mehan: The F-94 was not a part of our fleet.]
10/17/46 (1) 1135th CIC MEMO, S.A. 3387 RE: Mehan returned to Manila and is living in the "Oak Room" dormitory. Peterson left a week ago for Shanghai. [Mehan: When U.S. Senators or Congressman visited Manila, we had to give up our rooms until their departure.]
10/21/46 (3) Interrogation of V.N. Chirskoff taken by Capt. C.V. Lucero. Answers questions regarding purchase and delivery of F boats and PT boats.
10/21/46 (?) Interrogation of M. Zalevsky taken by Capt. C.V. Lucero. Answers questions regarding the origin of purchase of 5 PT boats to be turned over to Chirskoff.
10/21/462 (1) 135th CIC MEMO RE: Vital statistics and business card of Harold L. Appleton. [Dawes: The only evident connection is Mr. Appleton was presumably staying at the Manila Hotel.]
10/21/46 (1) 1135th CIC MEMO from S.A. 3387 RE: Samet, Oleinikoff, Chirskoff and Java China Trading Co. No further info on Mehan and Peterson received by N.I. [Dawes: "N.I." presumably indicates Naval Intel.]. Investigation on all subjects is being continued.
10/23/46 (1) MEMO for MR. TARVO DE TAVERA from S.A. 3387 RE: GEORGE CALAFATIS, associate of Chirskoff and Zelusky [sic].
10/26/46 (1) 1135th CIC MEMO from S.A. 3387 RE: Information received in interview of Chirskoff by Lucero. 23 Apr FLC contract for F-55-77-79-92-93-96-119-122. F-92-93 arrived in Shanghai; F-119 "from Salomague where" F-92-96-119 were beached after losing its leadership. The crew and captains deserted. F-79 still has not delivered by the FLC. F-77 wrecked in typhoon 10 Sept. F-122 in Manila harbor under repair. F-55 towed damaged F-96 into Subic for repairs and then left on approx. 15 Oct. Chirskoff has received approx. 180,000.00 pesos from Java-China. Phil Mehan arrived in Manila on Tuesday night, 22 Oct.
10/30/46 (2) Interrogation of Hal W.W. Huffman, Chief Engineer, Java-China Trading Co, LTD, taken by Capt. C.V. Lucero. Huffman answers questions regarding the F-94 and employment with Java-China. While Mr. Henderson was removing oil, a Mr. Parcher noticed fifty caliber machine guns and ammunition in the cargo hold. The F-94 sailed 20 Sept. with the guns and ammunition on board. To Huffman's knowledge, the F-94 belongs to Henderson. [Mehan: This man, who claimed in sworn deposition to work for Java-China and Chirskoff, was unknown to Peterson and I. As far as we know, company officials were also unaware of the liaison between Chirskoff and Huffman. In his deposition, Huffman claimed the F-94 which he worked on for Chirskoff left Manila for Shanghai with a cargo full of 50 caliber machine guns and ammunition.]
11/12/46 (2) 1135th CIC MEMO from S.A. 3387 RE: Chirskoff and Charles English Henderson. Chirskoff denies knowledge of the F-94 or arms and ammunition on the F-94 and PT boat moored near the Manila Hotel. Chirskoff said he was acquainted with Byron Price. During the interview, Felix Hertzka entered the room. Chirskoff suggested agent contact Hal W. Huffman in his employ for more info on the F-94. Accordingly, a trip was made to the F-122 moored at the foot of Jones Bridge. Agent met Philip Mehan but Huffman was not aboard. Another U.S. Navy boy, "Red", was in charge of the F-122 in Huffman's absence. Chirskoff informed agent, his Cadillac had developed mechanical problems and was in the garage. Chirskoff appears anxious to become very friendly with this agent and has invited him to a "purely social" dinner party, Thursday 24 Nov.
11/12/46 (2) 1135th CIC MEMO from S.A. 3387 RE: Chirskoff—Henderson and Huffman. Agent contacted Huffman aboard the "TZUSING (former F-122)" moored at foot of Jones Bridge. Huffman now working on F-122. Huffman is short of funds as Chirskoff is presently financially embarrassed. Huffman had quarreled with Henderson over Henderson's reports to OIC that Huffman was stalling work on F-94, Chirskoff paying bribes, etc. Byron Price attempted to sell carbines to Chirskoff and Huffman. Chirskoff and Huffman regard Price as a blowhard and nothing more than a beachcomber. Agent states ill will between the parties might be useful in securing future information as they are variously "more than willing" to injure one another. [Mehan: Byron Price turned out to have gone to the same high school I attended, Gardena High. Price ended up in a cell with me at Bilibid Prison. Though I didn't know it at the time, his incarceration presumably had something to do with arms discovered aboard the P.T. Boat.]
11/13/46 (3) Interrogation of Albert Baldwin: Worked as engineer for Huffman/Henderson on F-94. Interrogation focused on cargo of F-94, Byron Price, etc. Baldwin stayed a few days on PT boat Byron Price had guarded.
11/13/46 (3) Interrogation of William A. Nunn, formerly of the Royal Australian Airforce. Later worked on the F-94. Questioned regarding gun smuggling operations of which Mr. Nunn disavowed any knowledge.
11/13/46 (1) 8-item report (author unknown*) RE: V.N. Chirskoff. (1-3) Chirskoff's 11 Jun arrival in Manila and a brief life's history from birth to present time. Chirskoff has hired Army and Navy men like Hal Huffman and Mr. Mehan. Mehan now going back and forth to Shanghai. Felix [Hertzka], who is also a Java-China associate, recently arrived in Manila with his wife Mary. According to Mary, Hertzkas are going to San Francisco to open an export/import business. Agent theorizes Java-China may be "actually" owned by Russians rather than Dutch. (4) Chirskoff plans to establish a fishing business on behalf of his company. They will use their own refrigeration equipment. The Agent draws an analogy to Chirskoff's interest in the fishing business and spy activities before the war, and then notes that Chirskoff is very intelligent with a quick and ready answer to every question. He surmises Chirskoff is "an engineer of the first class" even though he claims to only to have finished high school. (5) Provides Java-China, FLC contract information including a list of all 8 F boats. F-93 and F-93 have arrived in Shanghai. F-77 wrecked in 10 Sep typhoon, etc. Chirskoff went to Baler where he donated a 6,000.00-peso diesel engine to the Municipal Mayor for services rendered, providing food, etc. Chirskoff has twice invited agent to go hunting, but he always "reasons out that he is busy in the office. (6) Chirskoff has an Ex-Army pilot friend, Taylor, who will fly him anywhere. Subject has all the means available to go anywhere; by land, he has one Cadillac and 5 Jeeps, by water, he has boats, by air, he has Taylor of FEATI. Agent states Chirskoff can "draw money through his Company or personally to Nederland", etc. (7) With all the means available to Chirskoff, with his intelligence, in the Agent's opinion should always be observed. He is very careful about his letters and messages. "Even his wife told me [Agent] that she is not allowed to read or handle his papers". [Mehan: Taylor was a good friend who often did fly Chirskoff wherever he wanted to go. In this report, the Agent seems to have been completely taken in by Chirskoff's charisma and blarney.]
11/14/46 (2) 4-item report received through P.A. CIC "Pencil Note" Ref: Capt. Jose Tinio 3387 RE: Chirskoff "Alias Olenikoff": Claims Chirskoff operated as Olenikoff while working for Java China Japan Lines in Shanghai. States Chirskoff established "his own" firm, Java China Trading, which supposedly did not recall exist and was operating temporarily from his hotel room. Agent cited "reliable sources" as reporting Chirskoff operating 18-vessels in a smuggling operation. Mentions affiliation with M/M Robert Buda, M/M Hertzka (arrived 10/29 with Mrs. Redbrook from Shanghai). Names Mehan as "Secretary to Chirskoff". States Chirskoff, hard up for cash, was selling his Cadillac. Report ends with mention of a disabled Russian ship with no explanation of relevance of this item to Chirskoff, et al. [Dawes: It's hard to imagine how agent Tinio could have gotten this so wrong. J.C. Japan Lines was a separate Dutch company, while Chirskoff worked in Shanghai for J.C. Trading Company, LTD. Manila operations of JCTC were ongoing under management of Mehan and Peterson long before Chirskoff arrived from Shanghai. At this time, Chirskoff's role was only that of an "expediter" for the company. Agents probably mistook Mehan for Chirskoff's secretary due to Chirskoff being a big talker who was short on substance. This put Chirskoff in the limelight but required Mehan to constantly clean up after Chirskoff and to attend to virtually all business details such as paying fees, filing forms, etc. Though intelligent, Chirskoff was a PR man and a small time con artist who fancied himself a playboy, while Peterson and Mehan actually ran the business.]
11/14/46 (1) 1135th CIC MEMO from S.A. 3387 RE: The F-96 presently in port at Subic Bay with 4 large cases labeled "water heaters" which may contain illegal arms and ammunition. Ship is scheduled to leave Subic Bay within the next week. Hand written not at bottom of report states the crates were checked by Customs Secret Service Agent James Keefe and were "marked correctly".
11/15/46 (2) 1135th CIC MEMO from S.A. 3387 RE: Chirskoff. Agent has initiated close social connection with subject per "instruction of OIC" and spent the evening of 14 Nov with subject at Manila Hotel. Mehan dating "one Dorothy Goebel". Agent describes Nina Chirskoff as 25 years old, blonde, fair complexion, heavily freckled, blue eyes, 105-10 lbs, 5’2’, etc. Agent also described Felix Hertzka's wife, Mary, from Washington DC. The Chirskoff's acquired Russian citizenship only to get a passport... now feel it was a mistake. Nina's mother (deceased) and stepfather were Canadian citizens. Her father spent 30-years in China representing various motion picture companies. Nina has a sister in the U.S. who is an American citizen. Chirskoff and Hertzka expressed disappointment in U.S. and British leniency of Japanese collaborators. Shanghai has become a poor place for people of the white race; if trends continue, whites will be forcibly expelled from China which is why Nina's father left the country for Canada after living thirty years in China.
11/15/46 (1) Unidentified report with hand written annotation by S.A. 3387 RE: Information from Mr. Moody. Chirskoff closely associated with Captain Plotkin who works with Mrs. Osmena and has acted as her public relations counsel. Chirskoff is under suspicion in Shanghai and elsewhere in the Orient as a confirmed violator of FLC regulations and a possible Russian agent.
11/16/46 (1) 1135th CIC MEMO from S.A. 1002 RE: Confidential informant info on "suspicious characters" Chirskoff, Mehan, Peterson and Gardinn.
11/18/46 (1) 1135th CIC MEMO from S.A. 3387 RE: Chirskoff et al. Acting on instructions from officer in charge, agent pays visit on Saturday 16 Nov to subjects in their hotel room. Agent met close friends of Chirskoff's, Bert and Bea Tonks. Bert is local manager for Universal Pictures Corp. Tonks living in room 213 two doors down from Chirskoffs. Mehan appeared briefly during the evening in company with miss Goebel and remarked that he been up to see about the F-96 in Subic Bay. Henderson's watchman asked Chirskoff to guarantee his bill so he could move into the Manila Hotel; Chirskoff refused, Chirskoff experiencing considerable difficulty in effecting the necessary repairs to the Cadillac.
11/26/46 (1) Memo for Mr. Pardo De Tavera RE: Rundown on George Calafatis and MM Speilman who came under suspicion by association with Chirskoff, Zalevsky. [Dawes: Though not specified, it seems likely Pardo De Tavera was the director (1946-1950) of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). This was the premier Philippine investigative agency in the Department of Justice, equivalent to the FBI in the U.S.]
11/26/46 (1) Duplicate of above memo signed by (SGD.) SAINTS-GROSS_RAY.
11/26/46 (2) Memo from Saints-Cross-Ray for Ricardo De Leon, Personal Secretary to the Philippine President, RE: Chirskoff. Agent acting on instructions from CIC has determined Chirskoff is running short of funds and is indebted to several people in the Manila Hotel. Chirskoff's wife, Nina has been going with another Russian by the name of Felix. Attached duplicate with note from S.A. 3387 states, "direct report to U.S. CIC".
11/26/46 (1) 1135th CIC MEMO from S.A. 3387 RE: Chirskoff. Subject short on cash. Chirskoff spent the day at Subic Bay attempting to secure a refund on surplus goods purchased by Appleton. Chirskoff still trying to sell the Cadillac as Hertzka is anxious to raise money to get the F-122 on its way to Shanghai. The Hertzkas may leave for U.S. soon. Mrs. Hertzka is enciente [sic] and wishes her child to be born in America. Felix also wants to become an American citizen. Nina's father, Norman, to arrive in Manila and informed Nina her gold coins and jewelry were lost. Chirskoffs and Mehan to rent a house in Pasay and move out of the Manila Hotel. Nina taking lessons in Spanish from Maria Luiz Kretschmar, former secretary of Robert Buda. [Dawes: Felix Hertzka apparently made it to the U.S. He lived at least for a time in Amherst, NH and eventually died in an automobile accident on May 22, 2002.]
11/29/46 (3) 1135th CIC MEMO from unidentified writer RE: Chirskoff. Acting on instructions from CIC, agent spent the evening of 28 Nov in the company of Chirskoff. Chirskoff was successful securing substantial refund (37,000.00) from the FLC for the F boat wrecked in the typhoon prior to delivery. Chirskoff happy to be "in funds again". According to Chirskoff, the reason for earlier shortages was that F boat repairing and outfitting costs were double original estimate of $15,000.00 per boat. Chirskoffs are definitely moving out of hotel to a house on F.B. Harrison St. Mehan quarreled with Dorothy Goebel and is currently dating a Filipino named Nevy. Various notes on Marie Luiz Kretschmar accepting job as private secretary with Universal [Studios], mentions Hal Huffman, Ray Auburn, etc. Agents note indicates Chirskoff claims a bad relationship with the Russian Consulate and seems "over-anxious" in downplaying his association with Oleinikoff considering they were seen together frequently, etc. Supplemental report on Oleinikoff attached, based upon above report/Chirskoff's comments. [Dawes: amounts above are presumably in pesos.]
11/29/46 (1) 1135th CIC MEMO from S.A. 3387 RE: Obscure report about a money transfer, Joaquin [unreadable], Joseph [unreadable], Lee Ying How, etc. and Chinese Communist connection.
12/6/46 (1) 1135th CIC MEMO from unidentified writer RE: Myron Levine, V.N. Chirskoff, and Louis Jedeikin. Chirskoff has already moved most of his personal effects to house located on corner of Roberts and F.B. Harrison Streets. Agent visited Levine at room 134 [Manila Hotel] but Levine took him to the hotel bar saying a friend was sleeping inside. Agent impressed that Levine was very cagey evading questions about various "hotel character". Agent noted it was his belief "Jedeikin himself" was the person Levine concealed in room 134.
12/19/46 (1) 1135th CIC MEMO from S.A. 3387 RE: Chirskoff. Chirskoff has moved to Roberts Road with his wife, child, Mehan and an ex-US Navy boy named Red. Chirskoff told the agent he was short on funds again due to costs incurred getting the F-122 ready for departure. Chirskoff told the agent he was a "an independent operator allied with Java-China; Java-China provided 60% of capital and Chirskoff 40%; and Hertzka was not a partner but a representative of Java-China. According to Chirskoff, after a fired Second Mate reported the F-122 as carrying contraband, Chirskoff went to J.H. Keefe, chief, Customs Secret Service and requested another complete search and clearance of the vessel. Chirskoff appealed to agent for help getting Nina's trouble with immigration resolved. Chirskoff provided agent with information about corruption at the FLC, particularly regarding a Commander Bean who has caused Chirskoff trouble. Nina's stepfather, Norman, stopped in Manila for one hour while on his way to the U.S. The Chirskoffs met him at the airport. [Dawes: Contrary to his statements, Chirskoff was in fact an employee of Java-China and Hertzka as company business manager, was over Mehan, Peterson, and Chirskoff, et al.]
12/26/46 (2) Interrogation of Vadim Chirskoff by C. Carlos Transcript is mostly unreadable.
12/26/46 (2) 1135th CIC MEMO from unidentified writer RE: Chirskoff. Agent attended a Christmas party at 320 Roberts Rd. Agent reports Red is identified as Harold Cecil Jacobson, from Watertown, New York. The Mayor and Secretary of "Baler (formerly Tayabas)" were at the party. The Mayor brought Chirskoff one of three cases containing items intended for Mrs. Chirskoff while she was still in Shanghai and left in Baler by Chirskoff. At the time, Chirskoff also gave the Mayor a small generator for the town and an outboard motor for his fishing boat. Captain Lucero had been invited to the party but failed to show. A Filipino named Gus [Vallejo] was present. According to Mehan, the slightly "gun happy" Peterson is now in Shanghai. Chirskoff again asked the Agent to help with Mrs. Chirskoff's immigration "difficulties". Agent notes that Jacobson claims to be 21 but looks too young to have served 4-years. According to Agent, Jacobson is an employee of "C." and is not a suspect. [Mehan: Jacobson was a man that lived with us for a short while period.]
12/26/46 (1) 1135th CIC MEMO from S.A. 3387 RE: "Chirskoff and his friends". Chirskoff seems to be on "very good terms" with Captain Lucero of the MPC. Lucero frequently visits the house on Roberts, sometimes brings his wife and child and once brought Chirskoff a box of .45 cartridges. According to an informant, Lucero accepted a bribe from Chirskoff. Agent notes he doubts Lucero accepted a bribe but believes Lucero could inadvertently give Chirskoff information and advises future caution where Lucero is concerned. Maness of the American Embassy staff is friendly with the Chirskoffs. Maness has been seen with a young Russian named Levansky (agent notes phonetic spelling). Albert Craft is a friend of the Chirskoff's. Craft represents an American insurance company. Craft once "wrote some insurance" on Java-China. [Dawes: In spite of the suspicion noted in this report, on April 10, 1953 Lucero became Manila's youngest police chief.]
12/27/46 (2) 1135th CIC MEMO from S.A. 7013 RE: Chirskoff with excerpts from transcript. Two detectives visited Chirskoff at his home at "320 F.B. Harrison ST." on 26 December. One detective was "C. Carlo", the name of the other "was not learned". Per the detective's request, Chirskoff and Mehan visited the Bilibid police station at 1600 hours. They were escorted to the "Intelligence Unit" where they were interviewed. A transcript of their "testimony" was taken by a stenographer but Chirskoff and Mehan were not provided a copy. In the interview, they were shown a letter dated 3 Oct addressed to the Provost Marshal, MPC, headed, "Communist Activities". The letter states Chirskoff, Mehan and Peterson rented taxis at a "high rate", and purchased a Cadillac. "From these facts the conclusion was drawn that C., M., and P., must be communists..." [Excerpts from transcript] Carlos told Chirskoff he was under suspicion for a long time; there was a sheaf of reports 6" tick on Chirskoff; Carlos once lived in the Manila Hotel for two weeks just to keep the closest possible check on Chirskoff's activities, etc. "The whole deal appears to this agent [7013] to be a colossal piece of stupidity." "Carlos revealed information..." "...this matter would normally be of no concern to the MPD...so" the agent asks, "what is the reason for their activity in the investigation." [Mehan: By the end of 1947, The Manila Police Dept presumably decided to take action independent of CIC. It was of particular interest to me that, the matter was one which, "normally would not concern the Manila Police". This begs the question; what was the reason for their involvement?] [Dawes: It is notable the agent took the time to record the fact Chirskoff and Mehan were not provided copies of the transcript. It is amusing that the agent documents specious logic used to determine Chirskoff, et al. were communists and goes on later to criticize and question the Manila police involvement.]
12/31/46 (1) 1135th CIC MEMO from S.A. 7013 RE: Manila Police Dept. Chirskoff has lately been "a subject for investigation" by the Intelligence Unit of MPD. Accordingly, on 30 Sep Chirskoff was visited by two detectives under the guise of interest in purchasing his crash boat. One of the detectives being "L. Sioco", the other unnamed. S.A. 7013 visited the Intelligence Unit on 31 Dec and interviewed two detectives, Leonard Sioco and Emiliano Ramos. Crispiano Carlos was not available. Sioco stated his unit had only scratched the surface in their investigation of Chirskoff. S.A. 7013 suggested any information uncovered be forwarded to the 1135th CIC. S.A. 7013 also suggested there are more effective methods than calling Chirskoff in and asking him whether he was a communist agent. Greater cooperation was agreed upon between the agents. Sioco stated they were also interest in George Calafatis and that whereabouts of Boris Oleinikoff are unknown. Agent's note at bottom of report by S.A. 3387 states, though they may be a source of information, "greatest discretion" should be used in sharing information with the MPD intelligence unit.
01/07/47 (1) 1135th CIC MEMO from S.A. 3387 RE: Chirskoff, Calafatis, Zalevsky, George Feldman. Calafatis is missing. Chirskoff claims not to know Calafatis bit Maximilian "Disia" Zalevsky might. Feldman is friend of Chirskoff and they have been observed in Russian language conversation.
01/10/47 (3) Interrogation of Arceli David taken by Capt. C.V. Lucero. 20-year old Filipina, secretary to Oleinikoff.
01/16/47 (1) 1135th CIC MEMO by unknown RE: George Levansky. Soviet citizen, former Shanghai wine merchant, frequent visitor to Chirskoff's residence.
01/22/47 (2) 1135th CIC MEMO by S.A. 3387 RE: Maximilian Zalevsky, V.N. Chirskoff, G. Calafatis. Zalevsky interviewed in the offices of the Woodcraft Corp. Zalevsky is 6'-2", a snappy dresser, speaks three languages including fluent English. The Woodcraft Corp. owns and runs a lumberyard at Pandacan. Zalevsky was a member of the Russian Aristocracy so he opposes the Soviet regime. According to Zalevsky, his father is a member of the Poo-Hsing Steamship Company. George Calafatis is Greek, and a sea captain working for the company. He came to Manila to take delivery and make repairs on the 4,000-ton Atlantic Trader purchased by Poo-Hsing. Zalevsky states, Chirskoff is a poor businessman; owes Zalevsky a considerable amount of money and; Chirskoff has "communist tendencies". Agent notes that although Zalevsky's statements about himself are likely false, the agent believes comments about Calafatis and Chirskoff. [Dawes: It seems the agent engages in picking and choosing to believe only evidence in support of the agency's hypothesis.]
01/23/47 (1) 1135th CIC MEMO from weekly summary by S.A. 4794 and/or S.A. 7013 RE: Chirskoff. Information received from interview with local Polish businessman and "play-boy" Maximilian Zalefsky [sic]. Chirskoff owes Zalevsky a large amount of cash, apparently borrowed during the months when Chirskoff was spending money freely in Manila night spots. Zalevsky considers Chirskoff to be a "Red Russian". Agents evaluatioh, C-3.
01/29/47 (1) 1135th CIC MEMO by S.A. 3387 RE: Chirskoff. Chirskoff had a falling-out with Harold Jacobson, alias "Red" and has left Chirskoffs house to find a new job. MEHAN remains. Chirskoff has discovered his erstwhile Shanghai partners have cheated him out of money invested with them. According to Mrs. Chirskoff, Samet is the "chief figure in this deal"... he and his associates formerly cheated her sister's husband out of a considerable amount [of money]. The sister is allegedly the widow of a former partner in Java-China. [Mehan: To my knowledge, other than employment, Cheese had no financial interest in the company, and was probably simply trying to account for his gambling losses.] Chirskoff has been attempting to secure backing in the amount of 600,000.00 peso for a copra operation. [Dawes: Phil Mehan's memoirs, Escape from Tyranny and subsequently, Escape: The Manila Project (working title of the derivative book copyrighted by Dawes and Mehan) have this amount at 400,000.00 pesos. However, the agents report is not surprising since according to conversations with Phil, Chirskoff was commonly given to exaggeration.] This week, he [Chirskoff] learned there was little hope of securing the money and lowered his sights to hauling lumber. Chirskoff estimates that he and MEHAN can haul enough lumber in the LCM to gross 2,000.00 pesos or more each month. They made a trial run, towing an empty LCM, on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week and received 650.00 pesos for the job. George Levansky is still living with Hubert Maness of the American Embassy. Agent is, as-yet unable to discover the exact nature of Levansky's business in Manila. Photographs of Levansky attached. [Photos are missing from the file.]
02/14/47 (1) MEMO by S.A. 7013 RE: Chirskoff. Agent feels [telephone] numbers 27041 and 26937 frequently called by Chirskoff should be checked out.
02/19/47 (2) 1135th CIC MEMO by S.A. 7013 RE: Chirskoff et al. Pursuant to OIC instructions, agent has maintained close contact with subject. Subject’s association with Nicanor Roxas, aid to Presidential Secretary Abelio, continues on a friendly basis, despite Roxas’ failure to secure the desired waiver on Mrs. Chirskoff’s visa. Chirskoff loaned Roxas a green and cream painted "Jeepney" as a "gesture of friendship". Chirskoff met with Commissioner Fabre resulting in a back dated letter stating Chirskoff's wife and child were returning to Shanghai voluntarily, for which passage was booked on the General Gordon, on 28 February. Winkleman, "nominal head" of Java-China is currently staying in the Oak room at Manila Hotel. Winkleman, who carries a Dutch passport, told the agent his recent travels included trips to the Netherlands, the U.S., the Dutch Indies, and China. Per Chirskoff, Winkleman's father is a general in the Dutch army and his wife is an American citizen. The agent notes Winkleman's interest in strength and intentions of the U.S. Army in the P.I. Again mentions Levansky and his friendship with Hubert Maness who is giving Mrs. Chirskoff a note to facilitate her return to the Philippines. Two Americans, Buddy Hall and his wife Katherine, were frequent visitors to Chirskoff's home on Roberts St. A check was to be made to determine if Buddy Hall is the same Commander Hall, who both Chirskoff and Oleinikoff corresponded with in Shanghai. Chirskoff now "desperately anxious" to sell his Cadillac. Chirskoff claims to have completed a deal to haul lumber in the LCM and is presently trying to convince Winkleman to go in on the copra-hauling corporation formerly abandoned when financial backing proved to be unobtainable.
2/21/47 (2) 1135th CIC MEMO by S.A. 7013 RE: Chirskoff, Winkleman, "Misc. Characters". Per OIC instructions, agent visited Chirskoff at 320 Roberts, Pasay. Agent collected information on Winkleman's history and family history; father, mother, etc. Winkleman leaving tomorrow from Nichols Field for Batavia. In Batavia, Winkleman hopes to realize assets in the amount of $200,000.00 with which he will free Java-China of its crippling debt, including 6,000.00 pesos agreed to be paid to PHIL MEHAN in "full settlement" of Mehan’s claims against his company; but no definite date has been set for this payment. Winkleman again appears unduly interested in U.S. Military matters in the Philippines. Two new friends, Nick and Vera Gero, appeared in the Chirskoff "circle". The Geros appear to be Russian. Nick was former owner and operator of the Renaissance Restaurant.
2/27/47 (1) MEMO by S.A. 7013 RE: Chirskoff, Oleinikff. Nina and George [sic] departed this afternoon on the General Gordon. Also on the boat was Nelson, of the American Embassy staff. Nelson is a friend of Hubert Maness who has agreed to do everything possible to help Nina with the U.S. Consular staff in Shanghai. Chirskoff sold the Cadillac at sacrifice price of 5,000.00 pesos to secure cash for Nina on this trip. Chirskoff's jitney driven by Mehan was stolen while bidding farewell to Nina. Chirskoff recently refused an offer of 1,500.00 pesos for the jitney. Mehan now plans to sell his motorcycle and buy a jeep or command car. Mehan is helping a purchasing agent in finding machinery for shipment to Palestine, getting 50.00 pesos a day. Chirskoff is definitely in debt and has been unable to commence his lumber hauling contract. Chirskoff has wired repeatedly for $2,000 promised by Winkleman but so far, the appeals have gone unanswered. Oleinikoff left Manila under pressure, leaving two LCT's anchored in the Pasig River. The crew removed the engines and everything portable and sold the parts to various bargain buyers. The crews are trying to sell the hulls but are running into problems since the boats are registered to China Coastal Lines. The captain of one of Oleinikoff's ships sold and pocketed the cash from 600 barrels of oil belong to Standard Oil. Due to losses, Chirskoff estimates it would take 200,000.00 pesos for Oleinikoff to return to Manila. [Dawes: It is notable the agents stood by and watched the debauchery of their countrymen, excusing the rude behavior by inferring the crimes were committed because they were "impatient" about their pay.]
03/01/47 (2) 1135th CIC Copy of 2-news articles. (1) The Manila Times "RUSSIAN HUKS ARE ARRESTED". According to the article, detained were Victor Borovsky, Charles Andreu and George Mejoff. Described as "repatriated last Thursday aboard the SS General Gordon" were Jacqueline Court, Nina and George Chirskoff, and Jack Markewicz. (2) The Manila Tribune "DEPORT 4 ALIENS, DETAIN 3 OTHERS". This story is a variant to the Times article above.
03/20/47 (1) 1135th CIC MEMO by S.A. 7013 RE: Chirskoff. Subject purchased from Material Distributors Co., a tractor [Cat], two trailers, and a crane and later purchased a second tractor. Equipment was purchased with only 6,000.00-pesos initial investment and balance due in 90 days. The equipment, according to Chirskoff, is for his lumber business with a Filipino doctor, or for transporting copra if, and when, plans for the water transport business develop. Chirskoff is still working on plans to carry copra from Baler and Polillo. Chirskoff has received several cables from his wife in Shanghai and is awaiting the return of Hubert Maness to Manila. When Maness returns, Chirskoff hopes to obtain a visa for his wife. Chirskoff has also been sending and receiving cables from Winkleman in Batavia regarding purchase of some tugs and barges from the FLC. Mehan has traded his motorcycle for a gray jeep from Navy surplus. Mehan was recently seen in frequent company of Deesha Zalevsky as they attempted the sale of several P.T. boats. Mehan is no operating Chirskoff’s LCM on short hauls from Bataan to Manila.
03/20/47 (1) 1135th CIC MEMO by S.A. 7013 RE: Lee and Maria Dutton. Subject is an American, a native of Louisiana and now employed by the ATC, formerly the ATS. Subject is assigned to a vessel in Manila harbor which is son to depart with a load of WDC personnel but he is trying to get his discharge so he can go to work for Chirskoff. Maria is a Filipina with a mestizo child, Chico, who is 2 to 2-1/2 years old. Dutton claims his father has money and is currently trying to get an $8,000.00 loan to invest with Chirskoff in the shipping enterprise. [Dawes: Mehan only discovered through these reports, just how conniving Chirskoff was. It is evident he was constantly hustling someone. Both Mehan and Bob Peterson were completely unaware of Chirskoff's extracurricular activities.]
03/23/47 (4) Memo (no heading and unsigned). Subject: Activities of V.N. Chirskoff. Complying with instructions, "this agent" conducted a confidential investigation regarding Chirskoff, who "resides at the Manila Hotel, room 210" [Mehan: Though a quarter of a year later, this Johnny-Come-Lately still has us living at the Manila Hotel.] Vadim Nicolaevitch Chirskoff married to Nina Nicolaevnam, with whom he has a son, George V. Chirskoff. In Shanghai, Chirskoff used the alias V.N. Olenikoff. Chirskoff has severed ties with JCJL sometime in August and has formed his own company, JCTC, which does not really exist. Chirskoff is operating 18 vessels, 4 of which are not under his name. Chirskoff is hard up for cash and is selling his Cadillac; claiming to have lost $35,000.00 gambling. Chirskoff sent a Mackay radiogram to Java-China (JACHITRADE) stating: HARD-UP WITH FUNDS SEND ME IF NOT PACKING FOR CANADA SIGNED CHIRSKOFF and NINA. Mr. and Mrs. Buda are engaged in the American Novelty trade. Mr. and Mrs. Hertzka arrived 29 OCT 1946. Boris N. Oleinikoff arrived AUG 1946. Oleinikoff's business address is an office room shared with Mr. Francisco Sycip, a Chinese communist. "His" secretary-treasurer is Miss Araceli David, a frequent caller of Mr. Typlycshy, a Russian at the Balalaika Restaurant. Irene Oleinikoff, wife of Boris is in Shanghai. Chirskoff used last name Olenikoff (without the "i") when in Shanghai. George Calafatis arrived 7 OCT 1946 by plane. He is skipper of the Hsin Fooshin [Hsin Foo Shin]. Calafatis stayed in room 509 of the Manila Hotel. Mr. Y. Zelevsky, Russian, is manager of the Findlay Lumber Co. H.A. Speilman, German, is working as a shipping agent for F.C. Sharp and Co. L.C. [sic] Hertzka received a radiogram which was opened by Chirskoff: "REFUND PROMISED THIS WEEK DEFINITELY ONLY SHANGHAI STOP AFTER RECEIPT WILL REMIT FIFTEEN THOUSAND HANDELSBANKFUNDS TO YOU STOP GYWONG AUTHORIZED SY TWO THOUSAND COLLECT WHICH SHOULD BRING ONE TWO TWO NINETY SIX ON WAY SHANGHAI STOP DOING UTMOST KEEPING SITUATION HERE PLEASE DO THE SAME OVER THERE – SOMET" Two F ships are the Tsuhsing Shanghai (F-122) under skipper Juan Gisbert and the Kuan Tao (F-96) under skipper D. M. Cowan, and [sic] Australian. Cowen [supposedly] has severed ties with Chirskoff over money and could be used to furnish information on Chirskoff. [Dawes: This report is full of erroneous and stale intelligence. The writer's syntax indicates he is likely less professional, and at the least is less proficient at English than the typical Filipino agent was.]
04/16/47 (2) Java-China Trading Co. financial statement regarding account of "Captain Ph. Mehan, Manila" (pg 1). Cable from Winkleman to Chirskoff (pg 2) stating a provisional list of Java-China/Manila outstanding accounts as of 21 Feb 1947. Winkleman states, "...we believe you have sold two PT boats..." [and] "...Cadillac car". Winkleman demands Chirskoff make the list a "definite list" and provide monthly statements henceforth.
04/18/47 (1) Report from Java-China to Chirskoff regarding each vessel delivered to them. F-55 got stranded in the month of Dec, somewhere near Tientsin, captured by the communists and paid for in full U.S. $120,000.00 by AAU [American Asiatic Underwriters?]. F-96 was stranded on a submerged reef in the Yangtze between Kiukiang and Nanking midnight April 15th. "We are dispatching Mr. Peterson per F-92 to the scene". The ship is insured for U.S. $80,000.00 with AAU. F-92 and F-119 both belong to Lien An Steamship Co., and have been trading regularly between Hankow and Shanghai. This trade, up to January, netted "us" a few thousand U.S. dollars per piece per month. Freight rates are not keeping pace with inflation rate, we are now lucky to break even. Regarding the F-77, the company has not received Lloyd's letter, will get in touch with Chirskoff as soon as insurance is settled. States Hertzka thought Mehan employment ended in December and asks for Chirskoff's views as to what is owing to Mehan. Received a dramatic letter from Mr. Bud, and asserts Chirskoff has received enough money from PT boats and Cadillac to pay a fair part of "this obligation". Expresses disappointment at hearing from Peterson of purchase of tractor and woodcutting equipment and demands an explanation from Chirskoff. [Dawes: From Winkleman's comments, it is evident at this point that Winkleman has not been apprised of the deal between Mehan and Dr. Samet]
04/24/47 (3) 1135th CIC MEMO by S.A. 4794 RE: Chirskoff. At approximately 2030 hours on 20 April, an agent contacted Chirskoff and Mehan at their home on Roberts St. Upon agent's arrival, Chirskoff had not yet returned home. Agent states Chirskoff had been looking for a boat suitable for transporting lumber from Mehan and Chirskoff's Bataan concession. Mehan just returned from a trip around the islands near Mindoro. Though unsuccessful, the object of the trip was to salvage an F boat and an LCM [PT boat] belonging to Java-China. The F boat and LCM are beached high and dry with the F boat unsalvageable and the LCM of little value. Mehan spoke of a rugged existence among the island where he lived solely on native food and with native people. During the trip Mehan carried a letter from Capt. Lucero, Chief Investigations Agent, G-2 MPC, which stated in substance that Lucero was aware of Mehan's mission and that he should be afforded all facilities available to the regional MPC. Mehan's story was convincing and he produced pictures of the boats and himself to substantiate his claim. Mehan also produced a picture of Col. Nieto's daughter whom he has been dating during the last month. Concerning the lumber concession on Bataan, Mehan had much to say. The partners in the venture are Mehan, Chirskoff, and an unidentified person referred to as Doc. Among them, they invested 50,000.00 Pesos. No lumber has been produced and funds are low. Their LCM has proven to be inadequate for hauling logs. Chirskoff has set up camp 75 kilometers from Baclaran and they have employed some 15 Filipinos. The first load of lumber, worth approximately 10,000 pesos, will be transported to Manila the week of 27 April to 3 May. A buyer has already contracted to accept the load. The venture is evidently handicapped by a lack of proper tools and equipment. In that regard, two bulldozers and a few hand tools seem to be all they have. They anticipate a profit of over 7,000 pesos per week, increasing as more tools and laborers become available. Chirskoff arrived at 2100 hours claiming to have arranged for a 177-foot F boat at a cost of 800 pesos per day to commence operation 30 April. Chirskoff discussed his and his wife's immigration problems and suggested the agent intercede in his behalf. Mehan departs to meet a friend at the Metro Grill. Chirskoff told the agent the lumber operation was not a Java-China venture and he further wishes to have little to do with Java-China since they have not met their financial obligations to Mehan or Chirskoff, owing each, 10,000 pesos. The agent brought a note, from another agent, to Chirskoff. Upon reading the note, Chirskoff seemed surprised and commented that the author must be familiar with the language in which it was written. Agent states Chirskoff seemed anxious to convince the agent he [Chirskoff] was not “Communicatally” inclined. However, Chirskoff admitted he considered the Truman Doctrine unworthy of the U.S. At approximately 2300 hours, Chirskoff and the agent proceeded to the Metro Grill where Chirskoff appeared to be well acquainted with several merchant seamen, especially two who were introduced as Dick and Snuffy, both with the ATS assigned at South Harbor. proceeded to the Metro Garden and Grill for a social evening. As Chirskoff and the agent were drinking at the bar, a white man, a lieutenant, approached who seemed intent on disclosing details concerning the Air Corp in Guam. Chirskoff told the agent in faltering Japanese, the man was Russian and, “you see I could be a big help to you boys if you keep me around”. The agent asked for an explanation and Chirskoff said he could always spot a Russian. Chirskoff and agent left the bar at 2430 hours and proceeded to the F-130, allegedly Dick and Snuffy’s ship, and attempted but was unsuccessful obtaining carbine ammunition. Chirskoff departed for his lumber camp at 0630 hours on the morning of 24 April. [Mehan: Plans to tow our logs from Morong, Bataan to Manila with our LCM had not worked out. Due mostly to the dishonesty of the Chinese mill owners, their LCT's also proved too costly to operate. We decided to hire an independent shipper and Chirskoff had been out searching for a shipper and had not yet returned home when the agent arrived at our house. I had just returned from being marooned on Jomalig Island. When I mentioned carrying a letter signed by Captain Lucero, Chief Investigations Agent with MPC G-2, the agent was aghast. The letter authorized me to use a Philippine Army LCM to go out to the wrecked ship. Though over a half century has elapsed, I’m still in awe that at no time did it seem we were less than one big happy family. On special occasions there was seldom a time we didn’t have an agent or two over to share in our festivities. Where in the world today would you find counter-intelligent agents welcomed in like part of the family while they detailed everything. In retrospect, they seemed to me more like gossips talking over the backyard fence than any real threat.]
05/29/47 (2) An intercepted Communication sent to Chirskoff, from Java-China, Winkleman. Java-China had a visit from Mr. Rinando, former chief engineer of the F-122. Mr. Rinando thought he had some money coming but after they talked about irregularities after repatriation of the crew, he changed his mind and further was willing to sign the enclosed affidavit which may be of value in dealing with Salazar and the Labour [sic] Department. Winkleman states he was surprised not have received a reply to numerous letters sent Chirskoff in April and May. “We” regrets having to inform there will be no subsistence allowance paid “Mr. Chirskoff Sr.” for the month of June. Second page is Rinando affidavit stating, while employed as engineer on the M/V Flushing (F-122?), an anchor, chain, and tools were removed from the vessel, all valued at $770.00 U.S. and above was not reported by Captain Allen.
06/07/47 (2) 1135th CIC MEMO by S.A. 7097 RE: Dr. Ricardo Q. Jimenez. By order of the CIC commanding officer, agent investigates Dr. Jimenez regarding his connection to M.R. Mateo Transportation, as well as “certain two Americans” [Presumably Mehan and Peterson as Chirskoff was not "American"]. The Subjects address is 20 J.P. Rizal St., Maypajo, Caloocan, Rizal. The Jimenez Clinic and Infirmary is located at the same address. Agent surveyed and found the area to be a “fair residential district” “full of doctors”. Agent questioned drivers of vihecles [sic] running from Quiapo and Maypajo route. Most drivers said subject is a popular young doctor. One driver said he knew the doctor to be related to Mrs. Lerma, owner of “all these transportation”. One driver states the M.R. Mateo buses have no connection with the Lerma vehicles. Equipment garaged at residence of Mrs. Pelar Lerma, 583 Antipolo St. Maypajo, Caloocan, Rizal listed as Two buses, four jepneys [sic], and one taxi. Agent stopped at Good Fellows Club near “Subject”. Miss Rebecca Flor Dee states “Subject” owns the hospital located at the same address. The Doctor is related to the Lerma family through his wife. He is a young doctor who just got his permit in 1945. Her [Lerma?] place frequented by American[s] from Cavite who come late at night. Due to the Agent’s lack of transportation it is difficult to follow the subject. No contact has been made with the two Americans. [Mehan: Dr. Jimenez was our partner in the Morong, Bataan logging concession when Chirskoff contracted a high fever, and had to leave the logging camp for medical aid. In Chirskoff’s absence, I took over operations at the concession and was up to my neck in problems. I believe Chirskoff was still inside the hospital recovering while the agent looked for him outside. This agent must have spent endless hours casing the place with no results when all he had to do was knock on the door to get all the answers he sought. The agent, presumably had no automobile and was therefore dependent upon the bus and taxi company he was investigating.]
06/16/47 (?) 1135th CIC MEMO by S.A. 7013 RE: Chirskoff/PT boat. One of the PT boats repaired in Manila Shipyard bore an original vendor’s Document in the name of Maximilian Deesha Zalevsky, however Chirskoff was to receive the bill for repairs. When Chirskoff was unable to pay the 400 peso repair bill, Mehan brought four Americans to inspect the boats and apparently arranged for payment of repair and sale of one boat. Another boat sold originally to Zalevsky remains at the shipyard. Chirskoff denies ownership of the boat but the shipyard owners are looking for Chirskoff to arrange for payment of repairs. [Mehan: Chirskoff made arrangements for four PT boats to be dry-docked, thus the boats immediately became a focal point of Manila Project agents. In reality, this was simply a business deal conducted on behalf of Java-China.
06/29/47 (1) Unidentified report marked “SECRET”. Writer unknown. Subject: Chirskoff. Subject returned this morning from his lumber concession, very anxious that something be done to help his friend Deesha Zalevsky. According to Chirskoff, Zalevsky checked and confirmed that no Philippine authorities could have objected to [Chirskoff’s] visa and that the American CIC must have “slipped him the knife”. Chirskoff and Mehan seem to be on bad terms. Mehan is attempting to raise “get-away money” to leave Manila on his LCM. Mehan intends to sell the LCM in Borneo at “high market prices” and has sold “a number of Chirskoff’s personal belongings”. Chirskoff stated that he only had to pay 1,000 pesos to Philippine authorities to secure permission for Nina and George [Chirskoff’s wife and son]to return to the islands. Chirskoff is optimistic but, Mehan tells the agent, “the situation here is hopeless”. [Mehan: It’s likely Zalevsky had covered all the bases with Philippine officials, meaning he made sure there wasn’t some illicit payoff due, so according to the way things worked in the Philippines, it could only be the American CIC preventing Cheese from receiving a visa for his wife and son. During this period I had heard that Circuit Judge Ohara, whom we brought in to adjudicate the theft and burning of our lumber camp, had been murdered. Without income and payoff money, I decided my “welcome mat” days in the Philippines were numbered. Apparently unaware I was speaking to an agent, I revealed my plans to leave the Philippines. It was not likely a coincidence that within a couple of weeks we were raided by the Manila Police.]
07/09/47 (1) EXTRACTS by S.A. 7013 FROM SAN FERNANDO FIELD OFFICE REPORT #82 covering period 22-29 June 1947 (S.A. 4130, S.A. 7117). On 26 June, 1947 these agents interviewed Lt Leonila Angara, PA, in Baler, Quezon Province. Lt Angara stated that in November of 1946, a transport [F-92] belonging to Java-China Trading Co., towing a number of smaller boats, anchored off Baler. Two “white men” Zhirskof and Patterson [Chirskoff and Peterson], visited the town of Baler. Zhirskof stated the reason the transport stopped in Baler was lack of the right kind of oil for her engines. Zhirskof chartered a plane from Manila to bring the oil and upon returning from Manila, hired a horse and went (presumably) on a sightseeing tour. Zhirskof also gave parties and dances while in Baler, spending money lavishly and giving presents of value to the ladies including gifts of 50 to 100 pesos to girls who attended his dance just for their presence. Zhirskof told Mayor Pedro Buerrero of Baler, that he planned to return and establish a power plant in Baler. Zhirskof gave a 55 h.p. “Evinrude” to the Baler municipality, which is still in the town hall. Zhirskof also left several boxes of personal items in the Mayors home saying he would return for them later. The two American PT boats were left in barrio Dipaculao, thirteen kilometers north of Baler, believed to be owned by Java-China. Zhirskof said he would return for them but the two boats are still there. Zhirskof hired a Filipino boy from Baler, named Sergio Quial, who left from Baler for Shanghai on the transport which was loaded with engines, boats and other equipment believed to be U.S. materials. In Shanghai, the transport was met by a fat “Chinaman” [Samet]who seemed to be the “boss” of Zhirskof. During their stay in Shanghai, Zhirskof got in a fight and, “killing Chinese”. American MP’s came looking for him but Patterson used some kind of influence over them. When Zhirskof asked Quial to go to Russia with him, Quial resfuesed saying he wanted to return to the Philippines. Quail was then returned to the islands via commercial plane with seven other Filipinos. Mallu, a Cuban Jai-Alai player, Miguel De La Riva, and Van Der Vee, a discharged serviceman, have a lumber conceesion in Quezon Province. These men are producing no lumber due to the fact they have no machinery. Van Der Vee had taken spare arts from the two PT boats. [Mehan: In his report, agent 7013 mangled their names, but obviously was describing Chirskoff and Peterson. This report covers activities when the F-92 was crippled near Baler, on the East coast of Luzon by the November typhoon, which was the same typhoon that drove the F-77 aground and broke loose all of our PT boats. True to his nature, Chirskoff played the role of a lavish spender while in the area. In reality, the only reason they were there was so Peterson could get the ship underway again for Shanghai. Peterson would probably have been better off without Cheese. Since Chirskoff was determined to be connected with the two PT boats, at barrio Dipaculao, authorities looked for more sinister reasons than just weather conditions to explain the beaching of the boats. Later, endless investigations were triggered as to who owned the boats, circumstances under which they ended up there, etc.
07/19/47 (1) 1135th CIC MEMO by S.A. 7013 RE: Edith Cole, Gerald Widrin. Information has been obtained during conversations with the subjects: Edith Cole is an American citizen born in the Philippines to American parents and educated in the U.S. Widren is an American of Russian descent. Widren came to the Philippines with the Far Eastern Air Force and stayed after receiving his discharge. Widren claims to have been in on a 5,000,000.00 peso deal for the purchase of goods on board ships in Manila harbor. Widrin us is now swearing revenge upon the person or persons who caused his recent arrest. Widren even-tempered, cool in judgment and usually well dressed. [Mehan: Edith was an acquaintance. Jerry was a friend and partner who replaced Chirskoff on the LCM deal. Ostensibly, both came under surveillance due only to their association with Cheese and I.]
07/19/47 (1) 1135th CIC MEMO by S.A. 7013 SUBJECT: V.N. CHIRSKOFF, PHILIP A. MEHAN, GERALD M. WIDRIN et al. Pursuant to the request of the CIC, an investigation into the recent activities of subjects has been made and the following information revealed: On 15 July, 1947, detectives of the Manila Secret Service (Formerly MPD) raided the LCM anchored in the Pasig River between the Jones and Santa Cruz bridges. This boat was purchased in 1946 from the FLC by the Java-China Trading Co. through its Manila agent V.N. Chirskoff and was registered in the name of PHILIP A. MEHAN, an American merchant mariner in the employ of Chirskoff and the Java-China Trading Co. Prior to the raid, Mehan had stated his intention of taking the boat to Borneo for sale at a higher price than offered in Manila and had arranged with American ex GI Gerald M. Widrin to purchase Chirskoff’s interest in the boat by the transfer of two six-by-six trucks. Because of the many debts owed by Mehan and Chirskoff the papers on the boat were transferred to the name of WIDRIN, thus effectively stopping any possible attachment proceedings on the part of creditors. The raiders, acting on a tip that Widrin and Mehan intended to smuggle firearms and ammunition to Borneo, arrested Widrin and confiscated the weapons found on board; one Thompson sub-machine gun, one Thompson clip with 19 rounds of .45 calibre ammunition, one Japanese rifle, and one U.S. Army carbine. Widrin was questioned by the detectives at length. On the first interrogation Widrin agreed to make a statement, but after signing it, changed his mind, wrested it away from the detectives and tore it up. While in custody Widrin contacted two Russians held for deportation since the middle of 1946, Victor Borovsky and Charles Andreu. Widren agreed to carry a note from these two to their mutual friend, Maximilian “Deesha” Zalevsky, asking Zalevsky to arrange Visas for the pair to Borneo or Java. On the 16th of July, bail in the amount of P5,000 was posted by Widrin, (thru a bonding company at a fee of p400, after Zalevsky had signed as co-guarantor with Widrin), and he was released from custody. On the 17th of July Widren was able to have all charges against him dismissed, although the weapons and ammunitions were confiscated. Meanwhile, on the 16th of July MEHAN had been arrested and had escaped from custody. On the 17th. MEHAN gave himself up to a friend on the detective force and was placed in Bilibid Prison, not on the charges used against Widrin, as was erroneously stated in Manila newspaper accounts, but on another warrant calling for the arrest of Mehan, Chirskoff and J.L. Winkleman(President of J.C. Co.) on charges of defrauding the seaman (Filipinos) who had brought the F boats of the J.C. Co. from Manila to Shanghai last fall and who are still awaiting payment of their wages. (Amounting to an aggregate of approximately p10,000) On the 18th of June Mehan was still in jail; Chirskoff was still at large; and Winkleman was safe in Shanghai. Chirskoff was last known to be hiding at the home of MPC Captain Lucero, and preparing to take out for some safer hiding place outside the Manila area to await the outcome of Mehan’s case. Mehan was confident that he could secure his release by talking to the Fiscal in charge of the case, and by persuading the seamen that their only hope of eventual payment lay in giving him some time in which to raise funds to pay their back wages. At this same time Widrin was seeking through his friend, Miss Edith Cole of the Campus Drug Store, to contact responsible Filipino officials who could lead him to the persons responsible for his arrest. Cole assured Widrin that her friend Colonel Marking Agustin of the Malacanan Secret Service was highly incensed over his case (as she had related it to him) and would gladly cooperate. Widren was last known to be seeking an appointment with Colonel Marking.
07/23/47 (1) 1135th CIC MEMO by S.A. 7013, S.A. 4794, SUBJECT: M.N. ZALEVSKY, V.N. CHIRSKOFF, PHILIP MEHAN, ANDREW SABO. Pursuant to the request of the CIC the above named subjects have been kept under lose surveillance during the past week, and the following information was obtained. Zelevsky, who recently secured a bail bond for Widren, yesterday refused to loan Chirskoff 360 pesos when Chirskoff wanted to surrender himself to Manila “Secret Service” Police in the Estafa case against Java-China et al. According to Zalevsky, Chirskoff is a poor risk and Zalevsky’s partner, Ezra Toeg, will not approve the loan. Chirskoff still owes Zalevsky 2,500 pesos from 1946. While Chirskoff has been trying to raise money, Mehan is using all his connections (according to Mehan: Colonel Nieto, Philip Buencamino, Arsenio Lacson and other influential men in Manila), in an attempt to have the warrant for Chirskoff’s arrest withdrawn and an extension granted by the disgruntled ex-employees. Chirskoff has been hiding at the home of Captain Caesar Lucero; his present location is not definitely known. Zalevsky claims his wife will not divorce him, and his “fiancé” will arrive in Manila on or about the 28th of the month. Agents noted they have been invited to a party where they will meet the “bride to be”. Andrew Sabo appeared last night at the “Riviera” with a company of six men and one attractive, blonde, American female. The blonde has been seen frequently at the Traders Café and probably can be identified by agent 5084. Agents describe familiar conversation in the room to make the point of the cordiality among almost any Russians from the Riviera crowd.
08/11/47 (1) 1135th CIC MEMO by S.A. 7575, SUBJECT: Chirskoff. Chirskoff is missing, and believed by “MIS HAP”, which has been looking for him for questioning, to have skipped the Country. Intensive investigation in Bataan has failed to produce any information as to his whereabouts. B-2.
12/19/47 (1) 1135th CIC MEMO by S.A. 7100, SUBJECT: Chirskoff. Agent interviewed FI [Field Informant] 2006 on 19 Dec 47 and the following information was obtained: Subject has returned to Manila; was seen on Rizal Avenue, Manila on 18 Dec 47. Subject appeared very slovenly and unkempt, in direct contrast to his appearance in 1946 when he was well known as a local play-boy.
01/02/48 (1) 1135th CIC MEMO by S.A. 4794, SUBJECT: Gerald Widren. Widrin, erstwhile companion and associate of Chirskoff, Mehan, and Zalevsky, was engaged in conversation on the evening of 16 December 1947 at the Manila Hotel Bar. Widrin states that Mehan is now in Shanghai and supposedly working for Julius Winkleman of the Java-China Trading Company and that animosity between Winkleman and Mehan has apparently been settled. Chirskoff is still on Bataan, though no one has heard from him for some time. Widrin added that Mrs. Chirskoff, who is still in Shanghai, has become somewhat anxious in regard to her husband’s safety, as even she has been without word from him for some time. AGENTS NOTES: Prior to Mehan’s departure it was his announced intentions to see Winkleman and if necessary, forcefully extract from him pay and allowance due to himself and Chirskoff amounting to several thousand pesos. If Widrin’s information is correct, it would it would indicate that Mehan has been willing to settle for his portion of the allowance and seemingly has forgotten his former partner. Widrin himself is allegedly engaged in the buy and sell of Navy surplus boats acquired at Subic Bay, though this allegation may be viewed with skepticism, as Widrin in the past, as at present, appears to be singularly impecunious [broke]. [Mehan: At this point, it sounds like the agents are getting better educated.]
01/02/48 (1) 1135th CIC MEMO by S.A. 4794, SUBJECT: Zalevsky, Maximilian Nicolas Victor Disia. On 27 December 1947, Zalevsky was encountered at the Manila Hotel Bar accompanied by his wife and Mr. and Mrs. [Fran and John] Weigitz. Zalevsky stated he had not seen nor heard from Chirskoff for some months and that Chirskoff is no longer in his employ. Zalevsky stated that Nihan [Mehan] is now in Shanghai as is Mrs. Chirskoff, although the later is without finances and is under pressure to return to Russia. Zalevsky states he has ended his nocturnal perambulations, is enjoying his newly wedded bliss, they are expecting a child, and he has become a successful [Dawes: If not legitimate] business man. Zalevsky inquired as to the agent’s present position, and when informed this agent’s occupation is with the G-2 Section, PHILRYCOM, seemed particularly curious as to this agent’s occupation. Zalevsky inquired whether U.S. Army authorities were still interested in communists. Zelevsky blames the CIC for his being so closely watched by Philippine authorities.
01/13/48 (1) PHILIPPINE RYUKU COMMAND MEMO by S.A. 7575, SUBJECT: Vadim Chirskoff. Subject was a visitor about two weeks ago at the home of Captain and Mrs. Lucero, G-2, PC. At that time subject had obviously been sick, and seemed in very bad condition in general, as well as broke. According to subject, he has been sick for a long time, and while sick the remnants of his property were stolen from him, so he no longer even has his tractors or motorcycle. Letters received from his wife in Shanghai seen by informant were pathetic, consisting of pleas for money and description of their sufferings there. Subject borrowed twenty pesos from informant, and stated that he was returning to Bataan. Agents notes the above information was received from the usual informant. Tactical reasons prevented him from pressing informant as to subjects exact address. Informant believes subject was sent here [to the Philippines] as an espionage agent by the USSR, but was cut off the payroll. So far, informant alleges he has been unable to obtain information about USSR espionage from subject. Agent suggests that if informant were contacted by American agents whom he knows, they might be able to extract a good deal of information in exchange for getting subject returned to Shanghai. [Mehan: Chirskoff actually owed more against his assets that they were worth, so they probably were repossessed. I believe the informant in this report was none other than Captain Lucero who was known by intelligence to be sympathetic to Cheese. With outranking the agent, he would have been in a position to press for Chirskoff’s address.]
02/09/48 (1) File MEMO, author unknown, SUBJECT: Chirskoff. Nina Chirskoff at one time a resident of 40 Route Grouchy. [Mehan: I believe this was a Shanghai address.]
03/01/48 (1) Letter from Chirskoff to Esperanza. LETTER: Dear Esperanza, I received your letter but did not write until now as I expected to be in Manila before the end of Feb. However, since I’ll not have the time to see you before the 7/8 of the month I am writing this. If you will write to me do not address your letter to the P.S.M. or Mr. Jasper anymore, but use the following address: V.N. Cheese (And not Chirskoff) c/o S. DIZON, Florida Blanca, Pampanga. Do not give my address to anybody at all. If there is any mail for me send it down. If you have some of my clothes at your place send the same by Parcel Post or something like that. Do not come yourself. I want to see you pretty badly myself and sometimes I miss your company very badly. Take care of yourself---- see you soon. Your friend, V. N. C. [Mehan: Agents apparently intercepted a letter Cheese sent to our former housekeeper, Esperanza, who had originally been hired to take care of Georgi Chirskoff. Cheese was arrested within a week of this letter for “allegedly” supplying food and lodging to the HUKS operating in Pampanga.]
03/03/48 (1) Manila Bulletin article March 3, 1948, HEADLINE: Agents Hound Russian Huk. [Image]
03/09/48 (1) Manila Bulletin article March 9, 1948, HEADLINE: FABRE ORDERS DEPORTATION OF RUSSIAN FOUND AIDING HUKS. [Image]
03/09/48 (1) The Manila Chronicle article 9 March, 1948, HEADLINE: PC AGENTS NAB RUSS SUSPECT. [Image]
03/09/48 (1) The Manila Times article 10 March, 1948, HEADLINE: RUSSIAN ARRESTED, FACES DEPORTATION. [Image]
03/10/48 (1) MEMO by S.A. 0190 RE: CHIRSKOFF, Vadim N. (Russian). Confidential informant CF-30 reported to this agent that the above Subject is a Russian national who has been charged with subversive activities with the Huks, and therefore, ordered to be deported as an undesirable alien. Informant stated that Commissioner Fabre’s secrete informant on subject’s activities is one (FNU) Dr. Jimenez from Caloocan. CF-30 further stated that Dr. Jimenez and subject were formerly partners in a lumber-mill business located in Bulacan. This lumber-mill business was eventually dissolved due to loss of about p8,000 which, Dr. Jimenez claimed, Subject disposed of, without the former’s knowledge and consent. After said partnership was dissolved, Dr. Jimenez has been observed to be in constant contact with Commissioner Fabre of Imigration to report on subject’s subversive activities with the dissident elements in the province of Bulacan and Nueva Ecija. This was corroborated by confidential informant CF-9 of the Bureau of Immigration. Confidential informant CF-9 added that G-2, Philippine Army, has requested Commissioner Fabre to withhold deportation of subject. It is the opinion of CF-29 that this request is being made for the purpose of using subject as stool-pigeon to gather more information on subversive activities of some individuals. [Mehan: This document finally reveals probably the most damaging confidential informant that has created much of Chirskoffs continuing woes to be none other than, our business partner in Bataan logging operation, Dr. Jimenez. Dr. Jimenez owned the Concession where we operated under terms of a partnership. It is my opinion that after I left the Country, Cheese, in taking our remaining tractors to another concession, must have rubbed our former partner the wrong way, so the Doctor in revenge, threw fuel on the fire by claiming Cheese was collaborating with the Huks, which was all just malarkey.] [Dawes: The Dossier contained a second copy of this document signed by one Fred F. Ganillas.]
03/12/48 (3) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, GENERAL HEADQUARTERS PHILIPPINE CONSTABULARY, Camp Quezon City (Copy of Heliograph Statement by Vadim Nicolarvitch Chirskoff): When I was 10 years old I was living in Yokohama, Japan attending the St. Joseph’s College, the 4th. Year elementary school. I stayed in that school until graduating in 24, after which I was able to get a temporary job in a lawyer’s office for a couple of months. Then I worked for the United Artists (Movie Co.) for a year or a little more and transferred to a Swiss firm by the name of Lichman Co. where I also worked for a year or more, after this I worked on several Scandinavian boats with the purpose of traveling and upon my return to Japan in early 1930 since I could not obtain a suitable job, and business was very promising in Shanghai. I left Japan in the middle part of 1939 for Shanghai and worked as salesman and agent for construction work for barges, ships, tug boats, etc. until the outbreak of the war. I was married to Nina Deniseva on November 11, 1940 and have a son George from this union. During the war we existed on money I made from odd jobs or occasional sales of black market articles among the other foreign traders dealing in needles, and milk, U.S. dollars etc. After the termination of the war I was able to secure U.S. food contracts and armed with these, worked with the Java China Trading Co Ltd. of 17 Canton Rd. supplying the Transportation Corps with meat, vegetables, eggs, etc. The Co. was interested at that time in Surplus ships having owned and operated 3 large (8,000 ton) vessels pre-war which were sunk by the Japanese. As their money was tied up in Java they could not afford to buy ships of the same size as they had before and decided with some Chinese friends to engage in Coastal Shipping, and purchased through the Surplus Commission in Shanghai 7 F-type boats for this purpose as well as 6-7 motor boats. I was sent down here to see after the repair work and to take delivery of same from the Surplus Commission. I arrived in Manila on the 11th of June 1946, and stayed at Manila Hotel going to work every day to Cavite Army base the location of the purchased F boats. During my stay at the Manila Hotel I was constantly under surveillance of different agents of the Philippine govt. who even went so far as to inform all the guests in the Manila Hotel that I was a Russian agent. I was awfully mad about this and visited several agencies like the MPC, Philippine Army, US Army, etc, and offered to answer any questions they cared to ask and requested that the men concerned should not be so insulting in their manner of searching my wastepaper basket etc, etc. My wife arrived in the Philippines in the late part of 1946 and due to a visa error despite my pleas and begging at very high officials regarding her stay was sent back to Shanghai on Feb. 28th, 1947. Ever since I delivered the last ship out of the Philippines the Java China Trading Co. Ltd. stopped all financial help and I was forced with my friends Mr. Mehan also an associate of the Co. that had also not been... [PAGE-2] ...paid to look to some business as a form of livelihood. We had at that time an LCM and thru this boat with D. Jimenez who wanted logs towed from Bataan to Manila. We agreed to tow his lumber but he delayed and delayed us until we discovered that he did not have any money to continue his lumber business. We suggested to him that we work with his concession on the following terms—50% for R. Jimenez, 25% Mr. Mehan, 25% Mr. Chirskoff and that we would furnish tractors, etc. We were able to secure tractors, mostly on credit and started operations. Not knowing the business we were cheated right and left, finally just before rainy season 1946 we were the victims of an armed robbery and most of our equipment was lost. On top of this the price of lumber dropped and we were not able to keep going. So we parted with Dr. Jimenez and then Mr. Mehan left as he was tired of the lumber business and wanted to go to Borneo with some friends of his. I tried working in an adjoining concession of Thomas Bubain of Bagao with the Wooderaft Works, Inc. as the buyer but the rain season plus the impossible terrain made it very difficult and on top of all this Wooderaft did not even send anybody down to look at the logs brought our of the forest. We met a Chinese lumber dealer by the name of Siha from Baceler, Pampanga and he was interested to have our tractor work down near Florida Blanca, Pampanga. We inspected the place and found it much better than Bataan as far as terrain was concerned and moved there to pull logs from the forest to loading point for 2 ½ c per B.F. Everything went along fine until we started asking this Chinaman for money and found out he was operating on a shoestring and had no money at all. Finally about one and a half months ago we gave up and in conjunction with the owner of the concession Mr. Leon Dizon at whose house I was staying in Florida Blanca started to work again. We were doing or starting to do quite well and I was under the impression that we or that is I would be out of that financial hole but on Sat. 6th of March came along two PC agents and informed me that he was, or suppose to be, a Huk contact man especially in Quezon Province and took me to the Immigration Authorities who put me the City Jail. I was held incommunicado. My name was blasted and blackened in the local press. No charges up to date have been pressed against me. I was only informed yesterday that I could put a bond/cash for which I do not have, as my money comes in from logs pulled in small sums—and I just started coming out of the hole that I was in. I am offered voluntary deportation as it seems there is nothing against me and have come to the conclusion that it’s better to accept all this and get out of the Philippines than rot in jail without any hope of fairness or justice. It seems to me that if you’re a Russian you’re just a very low form of animal that has no rights and should be just stamped upon by anybody who is not afraid of dirtying his foot without any recourse... [PAGE-3] ...P.S. As regards to Huks in or that is near Florida, Blanca, I readily admitted having seen these characters on several occasions to Commissioner Fabre, but told him or requested him to deep same confidential as this information had already been passed to the authorities in Florida Banca (confidentially) to the Sgt of Police Gregerie Dizon and the Chief of Police. Also to the PC agents and that if said information be kept confidential both for the sake of my safety as well as for the benefit of the P.C. However, the next day I read all about it in the Press. Maybe the Commissioner did not want those Huks apprehended? I was willing to do a little investigating in this line but will definitely not anymore as I would most certainly be murdered for my efforts. The information regarding me secured by P.C. officer in Florida Blanca was only that I had always cooperated with the Police and the P.C. even to the extent of providing information and trucks for their raids. With the hope that this gets to a person with power and a sense of justice. (Sgd) CH.
03/12/48 (2) SUBJECT: Chirskoff. SUMMARY OF INFORMATION FOR SECURITY BRANCH, MIS G-2, HNDF.
03/12/48 (9) Transcript of INTERROGATION OF VADIM NICOLAEVITCH CHIRSKOFF. [Dawes: The 5thpage is a chronology of Chirskoffs life from 1924 to 1947 typed by Chirskoff himself.] [Mehan: The last four pages are not dated and seem to be from an interrogation formulated from previous answers.]
04/29/48 (1) By S.A. 7575. Subject: Interview with Mr. Fabre.
05/05/48 (1) MEMO by S.A. 7575. Subject: Chirskoff. [Dawes: This document chronicles an interview of Boris Mehoff, a fellow prisoners interned with Chirskoff. Mehoff claims to be familiar with Chirskoff and even to have been once arrested with him in Shanghai, which is collaborated by the interviewing agent (7575). However, both Mehoff and 7575 in my opinion are unreliable witnesses. Mehoff claims he refused to sail on a ship with Chirskoff because Chirskoff has attempted to murder him and will try again. Chirskoff Mejoff Charles Andreu, and Victor Borovsky (see 3/1/47, 7/19/47) eventually filed Writs of Habeas Corpus with the Philippine Supreme Court where in research, I have found each cited in cases of Philippine immigration law. Phil Mehan was incarcerated at Bilibid with two Russians believed to be from among the trio of Mejoff, Andreu and Borovsky.]
05/20/48 (1) 1135th CIC DET, APO 900 MEMO by Fred F. Canillas RE: Chirskoff. Memo describes information obtained from an interview with CF-6 and CF-30. Informants claim Chirskoff had attempted between 16 and 18 May 1948 to obtain work on several ships. Subject carried a letter from Commissioner Fabre stating he was a Russian National and a letter of recommendation from Lloyd’s [Lloyd’s of London presumably]. Also states Fabre agreed to allow Chirskoff to leave because he could not deport him and wanted him out of the Philippines.