Mr. Gresham to Mavroyeni Bey.

Sir: I have had the honor to receive your note of the 8th instant, with which you inclose the text of a petition to the President in relation to the treatment of naturalized Armenians returning to Turkey, which, you understand, is being circulated for signature. You comment upon certain phrases therein and make further statements concerning the main question, which has been the subject of correspondence between the two Governments for some months past, and concerning which their respective views and purposes have been mutually made known.

The petition has not been received here. I may be permitted to observe that, while controverting its assertions upon the points as to which neither Government is now in doubt touching the position taken by the other, you pass in silence over the important statement “that unnaturalized Armenians, and Armenian citizens of countries” other than the United States, are allowed to return” to Turkey. If this be indeed the case the circumstance could hardly fail to attract this Government’s serious attention and investigation.

I shall forthwith direct the legation at Constantinople to inquire into this report.

Accept, etc.,

W. Q. Gresham.