Mr. Wharton to Mr. Thompson.
Washington, March 1, 1893.
Sir: Your dispatch No. 24, of the 5th ultimo, did not reach the Department until the 27th. Your later dispatches on the same subject, Nos. 25, 27, and 29 of February 6, 7, and 9, respectively, have also been received.
In view of the serious apprehensions aroused by the wanton destruction of the Anatolian College at Marsovan, and by the perturbed condition of that region of Armenia lest these outbreaks against foreigners may spread beyond control and imperil the lives and property of peaceable American citizens, I cordially approve your overtures for the coincident action of your British and German colleagues looking to affording protection to foreigners residing in that distant and isolated country.
The visit of Mr. Jewett to the scene of disturbance, in obedience to the intimation of the German vice-consul at Amassia, is approved, and you will instruct Mr. Jewett to submit a statement of such proper expenses as he may actually and necessarily incur in the line of the duty thus suddenly devolving upon him, for adjustment by the Department.
You will continue your urgent representations to the minister for foreign affairs, and in the proper case to the grand vizier also, claiming the immediate adoption of repressive and punitive measures which shall enforce due respect for the persons and property of American citizens in Armenia, as in any other part of the Ottoman dominions, and secure for them due reparation for such injuries as they may suffer through the failure of the authorities to afford them adequate protection and prompt redress. A state of things so alarming and so calculated to impair the confidence of this Government in the ability of Turkey to maintain order and security within its territory, can not long continue without a grave responsibility resting upon the Imperial Government.
I am, etc.,
Acting Secretary.