No. 302.
Mr. Wallace to Mr. Blaine.
Legation of
the United States,
Constantinople, December 20, 1881.
(Received Jan. 10,1882.)
No. 45.]
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that on the
16th instant I received from the Rev. R. M. Cole, an American missionary
resident at Erzroom, but temporarily visiting this city, a note stating that
on or about September 17 ultimo, Major Everett, British vice-consul at
Erzroom, had sent him a communication saying that from a circular then at
hand he was afraid he would not be able to look after American
[Page 496]
interests thereafter, and advising
him (Mr. C.) that he had better see the ambassador at Constantinople about
the matter. A copy of Mr. Cole’s letter is inclosed.
The evening of the 16th I called to see Lord Dufferin to ascertain if the
circular was of general application, and whether it was possible to obtain a
modification of it so as to allow Americans to have the benefit of the
protection theretofore generously accorded them in localities where there
was no American consul. His lordship explained that the circular had not
been issued from any indisposition to give needful security to my
countrymen, especially American missionaries, but was really to enable Her
Majesty’s consuls to prevent the abuse of the privilege by unworthy
characters. He suggested that if I would address him a note of request in
behalf of Americans, it would give him pleasure to submit it to the proper
home authorities, and he had no doubt it would receive favorable
consideration.
Following this suggestion, next day I addressed a note to his lordship, of
which a copy is inclosed.
A copy of his lordship’s reply is also made an inclosure herewith, together
with the circular referred to in his note.
I have little doubt that Her Majesty’s authorities will kindly permit the
modification requested. In the event they do not, however, it will be matter
of serious concern by the President and his advisers to remedy speedily as
possible the situation in which our people in the distant parts of the
empire and elsewhere unfortunately find themselves. Indeed, I submit the
propriety of some action looking to protecting them independently of English
courtesy.
Very respectfully, &c.,
[Inclosure 1 in No. 45.]
Mr. Cole to Mr.
Wallace.
Scutari, December 14,
1881.
My dear sir: As Americans resident in Erzroom,
Armenia, permit me to call your excellency’s attention to the following
statement:
We, like other American missionaries of Armenia, have hitherto received
the kind consideration of English consuls so far as to secure all needed
personal protection, the same as British subjects. But on or about
September 17 I received a communication from Major Everett, Her British
Majesty’s vice-consul at Erzroom, reading something as follows:
“I am sorry to say that from a circular just at hand, I am afraid I shall
not be able to look after American interests in the future. You had
better see the ambassador at Constantinople about it,” &c.
Now I beg to submit to your excellency as to whether such a decision has
been come to by Her Majesty’s Government, or may we not yet hope that
the former courtesy will be extended to us, especially as in those
interior towns it will be very difficult to arrange suitable consular
agencies.
I am, &c.,
B. M. COLE,
American Missionary,
Erzroom.
[Inclosure in No. 45.]
Mr. Wallace to Lord
Dufferin.
United
States Legation,
Constantinople, December 17,
1881.
My Lord: I have the honor to advert to the many
instances in which American citizens resident in the Ottoman Empire, and
elsewhere in the East, have been recipients of the very efficient
protection heretofore extended them in times of danger by Her Majesty’s
consuls, and in behalf of my government to make grateful acknowledgments
[Page 497]
for all such favors. The
extent to which such American residents have come to confide in the
sufficiency of that protection and the certainty of its being given them
on proper appeal, is so well known to your lordship that you can imagine
with what consternation notice was received from your vice-consul, Major
Everett, at Erzroom, to the effect that it would not be longer in his
power to look after their interests.
Moved by great solicitude for the good people left thus exposed, I make
haste to inquire if it would be inconsistent with your lordship’s views
or the policy of Her Majesty’s Government to so modify the instructions
issued to your consular authorities in Turkey, and elsewhere in the
province of your embassy, as to permit of the ancient protection as
respects my countrymen. If compliance with my request should be found
possible, will your lordship permit me to hope for speedy action in the
matter?
I avail myself, &c.,
[Inclosure 3 in No. 45.]
Lord Dufferin to
Mr. Wallace.
Constantinople, December 19,
1881.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the
receipt of your letter of the 17th instant in which you beg that Her
Majesty’s consular agents in the Ottoman Empire may continue to afford
consular protection to American citizens in places where there are no
United States consular representatives.
In reply I have the honor to transmit to you herewith a copy of a
circular which, in obedience to instructions from Her Majesty’s
principal secretary of state for foreign affairs, I addressed some
months ago, to Her Majesty’s consular agents in Turkey, by which you
will perceive that British consular protection cannot be afforded to
subjects of foreign powers before the consent of Her Majesty’s
Government has been requested and obtained.
I have accordingly forwarded your request to Earl Granville, and will not
fail to communicate to you his lordship’s reply.
I beg to thank you for the high terms in which you speak of the services
which Her Majesty’s consular officers have been enabled to render your
countrymen hitherto, and have the honor to remain, &c.,
[Inclosure 4 in No. 45.]
Lord Dufferin’s
circular instruction to British consular
officers.
Therapia, August 26,
1881.
Sir: The question of granting British consular
protection to persons who are not British subjects, or who are not
actually in the service of British consular officers, has recently been
brought to the notice of Earl Granville.
It appears to his lordship that even as regards foreigners acually in the
service of Her Majesty’s consulates, protection should only be extended
to a limited number, but that, as regards any other foreigner who may
claim it, nothing short of the most special circumstances would warrant
the grant of protection, unless the government of the country of which
the foreigner applying for protection is a native shall have previously
requested and obtained the consent of Her Majesty’s Government to such
protection being accorded, on the ground that the applicant has no
consular authority representing his own country in the locality to whom
he can appeal.
I have, therefore, to request that, in dealing with applications from
foreigners for protection, you will act in accordance with the
principles laid down in this dispatch.
I am, sir, &c.,
