No. 1104.
Mavroyeni
Bey to Mr. Bayard.
Washington , March 2, 1888. (Received March 2.)
Mr. Secretary of State: The Sublime Porte has recently charged me to bring to your excellency’s knowledge the following facts:
In view of the inconveniences growing out of the congregation in Palestine of Israelites who resort thither from every quarter to take up their residence there, the Imperial Government interdicted their immigration into that part of the Empire. Nevertheless, certain among them succeeded in establishing themselves there. In-order to put an end to this state of things, the Sublime Porte has decided only to authorize free access into Palestine to Israelites coming from foreign countries under the following conditions: Their passports should expressly state that they are going to Jerusalem in the performance of a pilgrimage, and not for the purpose of engaging in commerce or taking up their residence there. As regards their sojourn in Palestine, instead of one month, it can not, in any case, exceed the space of three months. They must have their passports so drawn up (libellés) visaed by the Ottoman consul, and on their arrival they will be bound to supply themselves with a “permis de séjour,” issued by the Imperial authorities and couched in the same terms.
I avail, etc.,