ABSTRACT
The Mongolian People's Republic possesses a very small population, about 1.5 million in 1980, and a very large area, approximately 600,000 square miles. Establishment of a Mongolian national army was one of the first moves of the Outer Mongolian government formed after the revolution of 1911. Russia inspired its formation and provided money, arms, instructors, and training to maintain it. The Red Army swept across Siberia in 1920, returning to Irkutsk in February, Verkhneudinsk in March, and Chita in September. Elements of that army occupied Urga, the capital of Outer Mongolia, on July 6, 1921. Russians served as army chiefs of staff in the early 1920s, established Mongolian army intelligence, and organized Mongolian border troops. Military purges and public trials in both Mongolia and Russia undoubtedly encouraged the Japanese to expect easy victory despite the vigorous Soviet and Mongolian statements and warnings.
