No. 315.
Mr. Wallace to Mr. Frelinghuysen.
Legation of
the United States,
Constantinople, June 6, 1882.
(Received June 26.)
No. 96.]
Sir: A note verbal came to the legation under date
of 3d June containing a sweeping interdiction against salted meats from
America, including lards. There is not much direct importation of the
prohibited articles; wherefore, besides that reflection, there is
consolation in the facts that nearly, if not quite, nine-tenths of the
salted meats consumed in Turkey will continue to be the American product
under some foreign brand, and that whether first marketed in France,
England, or Germany, the original dealer is not likely to be deprived of his
profits by proclamations such as is here inclosed and translated.
Construing the circular as one more to the several blows recently aimed at
American products in this region, it seemed best to notice it with an
immediate protest, a copy of which is also inclosed.
Very respectfully, &c.,
[Inclosure 1 in No.
96.—Translation.]
Said Pasha to Mr.
Wallace.
Sublime
Porte, Ministry of Foreign
Affairs,
June 3,
1882.
Circular. Note verbal.]
The ministry of foreign affairs has the honor to inform the legation of
the United States of America that the measure of interdiction which
strikes the introduction of salted pork meats from America is also
extended to the ham and lard of the same source, no matter by what way
these articles are imported in Turkey.
The imperial ministry begs of the legation of the United States of
America to kindly bring what precedes to the knowledge of his
citizens.
[Page 509]
[Inclosure 2 in No. 96.]
Mr. Wallace to
Sayd Pasha.
United
States Legation,
Constantinople, June 5,
1882.
Excellency: I beg to acknowledge receipt of the
note verbal from the Sublime Porte, dated June 3 instant, in which you
have been pleased to inform me that the measure of interdiction against
the introduction of salted meats from America is extended to hams and
lard, regardless of the form of their importation into Turkey.
Your excellency will pardon an expression of surprise at the action thus
indicated, announced, as it is, without a reason given. If reference is
had to the treaty between the powers, it appears to me arbitrary in the
highest degree. While it continues in its present form it cannot but be
construed as a discrimination against an important article of American
manufacture, and peculiarly in violation of treaty rights, for which
reasons it is my duty to earnestly protest against its execution. At the
same time to open a way to an accommodation of the points presented, I
will esteem it a favor if you will give me the reasons which have
induced the Porte to resolve upon the interdiction, and give them to me
before execution of the measure is entered upon. Not impossibly the
operative causes may be explained away.
I avail myself, &c., &c.,
