Mr. Quincy to Mr. Thompson.

No. 56.]

Sir: I transmit for your information, in connection with the general subject of alleged interference with the mail of American officers and citizens in Turkey, a copy of a letter from Mrs. L. A. W. Fowler, of Dedham (Mass.), and its inclosure.

Previous instructions will have shown you the earnest solicitude of this Government that the personal rights of our citizens in regard to private papers and correspondence should be respected. The special case of the inviolability of official correspondence has had serious consideration, and called forth very positive instructions to you, in view of the reported miscarriage of communications between yourself and Consul Jewett, in the Marsovan incident. This aspect of the question should be kept separate from the general subject of freedom of private correspondence, and pressed with vigor. Under no circumstances can this Government admit the competency of foreign authorities to obstruct or violate the right of official communication between its officers in Turkey; and the fact of such interference, if established, would be a hardly less grave international offense than would be the restriction of the minister’s or consul’s personal liberty by force.

Reverting to the complaint of Mrs. Riggs (in the inclosed letter), it may be found that it involves the question of censorship over foreign printed matter, a claim exercised by other governments than Turkey. The facts in this his regard should, however, be ascertained and reported to the Department, with a request for instructions, if deemed necessary.

I am, etc.,

Josiah Quincy,
Acting Secretary,
[Page 624]
[Inclosure in No. 56.]

Mrs. Fowler to Mr. Gresham.

Dear Sir: I am interested in the movement regarding the greater security of mail matter between the United States and Turkey. I have a friend and former pupil (at Elmira College, New York, where she graduated), who is the daughter of the late Dr. Parsons, of Turkey (who was murdered by the natives some years ago in his tent while traveling as a missionary), and wife of Prof. Charles Riggs, of Anatolia College. I have had no faith, for years, that books, pamphlets, magazines, and papers, which I mail to her, paying all the postage demanded, will ever reach her. In some instances it does; in others, and more, it does not.

Even packages sent by steamer in sealed boxes by the missionary association at the Congregational House are overhauled and opened before they reach her and despoiled.

There ought to be absolute security that sealed matter sent by mail will reach friends in Turkey.

I inclose a letter from her relating to a package of magazines that never reached her. It may have some weight.

Yours, truly,

L. A. W. Fowler.

Mrs. Riggs to Mrs. Fowler.

[Extract.]

We have just got the news of the meeting of the board, that is by last mail, which comes on Mondays now. We send out mail for the United States of America Thursdays. I have not yet seen the magazines you sent unless it be the report of the “Perkins Blind Institute,” that was among a lot of books that had been sent to Aleppo for examination. The Turkish Government is very particular about the books we have. The other day word came from Aleppo saying we could not have the Cyclopedia of Missions, “but if we liked they would send it back to the United States of America.”

It was a disappointment to us, for we had looked forward to the reading of that book. It was sent for the college.

With good wishes, lovingly,

Lella.