Mr. Gresham to Mr. Terrell.
Washington, September 15, 1893.
Sir: Your dispatch No. 40, of August 21, in relation to the non-issuance of the promised iradé for Marsovan College was duly received.
The settlement of the Marsovan incident tendered by the Ottoman Government in anticipation of a demand on the part of the United States comprised a money indemnity and all necessary permits for the rebuilding of the school and the continuance of its educational work. These permits are a substantial part of the arrangement and can not be disregarded or ignored. This Government, relying upon the good faith of the Ottoman Porte, has awaited and still awaits fulfillment of these promises.
The proposed conditions can not be accepted as a compliance with the promises given, permission to rebuild the burned school building with the proviso that it shall not be used as a school; and an iradé in favor of the Anatolia College, coupled with a prohibition against teaching, would not be a fulfillment in good faith of the distinct understanding reached.
The delay of two or three months asked by the grand vizier has been consumed in fruitless discussion. There is now no reason discernible [Page 680] why the pledges so frankly given and accepted should not be fulfilled to the letter. This is what the Government of the United States confidently expects and what you should courteously but firmly insist upon. Should the Porte evade or repudiate its own solemn voluntary agreement and fail to satisfy the just expectation of this Government, it will be time to formulate a demand as of right. But I can not believe it possible that His Imperial Majesty’s Government will deliberately undo the good that was wrought by the cordial assurances that marked the outset of this question.
I am, etc.,