Mr. Hirsch to Mr. Blaine.

No. 420.]

Sir: Referring to my No. 413 of March 26 and 416 of March 29, in the matter of Mr. Bartiett’s purchase of land in Smyrna, I now have the honor to inclose copy of note verbale to the Sublime Porte on the subject.

I have, etc.,

Solomon Hirsch.
[Inclosure in No. 420.]

Mr. Hirsch to Said Pasha.

The legation of the United States begs to bring to the attention of the imperial ministry of foreign affairs a report of United States consul Emmet, at Smyrna, to the effect that the American citizen Bartlett, residing in said city, presented himself on March 3 to the proper authorities to complete the transfer of some real property which he had arranged to purchase from James P. McNaughton, an English subject, also residing at Smyrna.

As a condition for the issuance of the necessary documents, the officials required of Mr. Bartlett that he give a bond or guaranty to the effect that nothing in the form of a church or school would be erected on the premises, compliance with which he refused.

The authorities, then claiming to have an order for the required guaranty or bond from the ministry of the interior, informed Mr. Bartlett that the instrument for the completion of the purchase could not be issued, in consequence of which he has been unable to complete the purchase of the said land.

Inasmuch as the protocol, which grants to foreigners the right to buy lands in Turkey, contains no clause which would justify any such requirement from an intending purchaser of land such as the Smyrna authorities endeavored to exact, it is evident that the order of the ministry of the interior has been misconstrued by the provincial officials.

The legation of the United States therefore begs the imperial ministry of foreign affairs to cause such orders to be issued as will enable my countryman to avail himself of the rights guarantied to him by solemn treaty.