No. 336.
Aristarchi
Bey to Mr. Fish.
Washington, December 22, 1876. (Received December 23.)
Mr. Secretary of State: The Sublime Porte has informed His Excellency the President of the Swiss Confederation, that it has decided to adopt the red crescent instead of the red cross for the Ottoman ambulances whose use it has authorized. This step has been taken principally on account of the religious convictions of our army, which is composed exclusively of Mussulmans. So far, therefore, from affecting any of the principles of the convention, which has been scrupulously carried out by us, it is calculated to cause that instrument to be more generally respected.
Under these circumstances, the Sublime Porte hopes that the red crescent on a white ground will be received and respected as a symbol of neutrality, the same as the red cross.
The imperial government will always be happy to do all-in its power to extend the blessings of this humane institution, and the red crescent being accepted as the equivalent of the red cross, will never be used in the armies of His Imperial Majesty the Sultan except for the ambulance service and the aid of the wounded.
Be pleased to accept, &c.,