Mr. McDonald to Mr. Olney.

No. 224, Dip. Ser.]

Sir: Herewith I forward copies of telegrams received at this legation from Dr. Cochran and Mr. Howard at Oroomiah, requesting a guard to bring the American missionaries from Van, Turkey. Of course I could furnish no guard beyond the border. Neither could the Persian Government. It would have been simply invasion. Therefore I sent the answer inclosed.

It may be proper to add that I was informed by the Persian officials that these refugees would be under armed protection from the time they crossed the border.

I have, etc.,

Alex. McDonald.
[Inclosure 1 in No. 224.—Telegram.]

Dr. Cochran to Mr. McDonald.

I beg to inform you that our citizens in Van want to be brought away from that city. It is, however, necessary to have some horsemen to accompany Howard to fetch the ladies and to protect them on the road. Reply.

Cochran.
[Inclosure 2 in No. 224.—Telegram.]

Mr. McDonald to Dr. Cochran.

Persian Government can undertake no protection over frontier. Try Terrell.

McDonald.
[Inclosure 3 in No. 224.—Telegram.]

Mr. Howard to Mr. McDonald.

It is very necessary that some horsemen should be got ready as soon as possible to bring our people from Van.

Howard.