Mr. Terrell to Mr.
Olney.
Legation of the United States,
Constantinople, October 31,
1895. (Received Nov. 18.)
No. 659.]Sir: Referring to my No. 656, of the 30th
instant, I have the honor to inform you that a telegram from Mr.
Hampson, at Moush, to the British embassy, a copy of which is inclosed,
induced me to request Mr. Herbert, British chargé d’affaires, to
telegraph to the American missionaries who are in British employment
that they should now decide for themselves whether they would leave
Sassoun at present. My note and telegram to Mr. Herbert are inclosed,
and also copy of telegram sent by myself to the missionaries. I also
inclose copy of my telegram to you of the 31st instant on the same
subject.
I have, etc.,
[Page 1333]
[inclosure 1 in No.
659.]
Mr. Sampson to
British Embassy.
The Mussulmans demanded recall of missionaries from Sassoun because
they pretend to believe that the latter are inciting Armenians to
attack Mussulmans of Moush. Moutessarif, who is violently
anti-Protestant, refused to take any responsibility or give opinion.
All the principal Mussulmans adhere to their demand. Armenians dread
massacre next Friday. Missionaries themselves are most unwilling to
leave Sassoun, fearing the worst results from panic which would
ensue.
I made following communication to moutessarif verbally, as coming
from embassy:
If the moutessarif states that recall of missionaries is
necessary for tranquillity of Moush, you may recall them
temporarily. Anyhow moutessarif is responsible for
tranquility of Moush and safety of missionaries.
Moutessarif at last formally answered that although inhabitants of
Moush demanded recall of missionaries he saw no necessity for it,
and he would guarantee that there would be no disturbance here in
any case. I told him I should telegraph this to you.
Under these circumstances I think recall of missionaries would be
humiliating and risk panic in Sassoun. More Koordish murders and
outrages reported from all sides.
[Inclosure 2 in No.
659.]
Mr. Terrell to
Mr. Herbert.
Constantinople, October 31, 1895.
Sir: Have just received copy of Mr.
Hampson’s telegram dated Moush, October 30, and directed to British
embassy.
Whether the American missionaries shall leave the district of Sassoun
after assurances of their safety from the moutessarif, as stated in
Mr. Hampson’s telegram, should be determined by the missionaries
themselves, who can best judge of conditions and tendencies.
Very sincerely,
[Inclosure 3 in No.
659.—Telegram.]
Mr. Terrell to
Mr. Herbert.
Constantinople, October 31, 1895.
Please telegraph Acting Consul Hampson, Moush, that American minister
wishes the missionaries to decide for themselves whether they will
leave Sassoun at present, safety being promised by moutessarif.
[Inclosure 4 in No.
659.—Telegram.]
Mr. Terrell to
missionaries.
Constantinople, October 31, 1895.
Have demanded protection. Decide for yourselves about remaining.
