Legation of the United States,
Constantinople
,
August 10, 1896
.
(Received Aug. 22.)
No. 942.]
Each post was provided with an American flag during the recent massacres
and gave asylum, as you are aware, to frightened natives. This custom
would hereafter only increase the danger. The avowed reason for braving
future danger is the wish to protect the natives.
I have, etc.
[Inclosure in No. 942.]
Mr. Terrell to
Missionaries.
Legation of the United States,
Constantinople
,
August 11, 1896
.
Sir: A telegram was recently sent to you by
me, as follows:
Are you properly protected? Do you wish guards continued?
Telegraph or write your dangers and wishes to me direct.
Terrell.
Correspondence by our citizens in the interior with this legation
through an intermediary can at all times be resorted to by you, but
I desire no intermediary to transmit such information as it is
deemed proper to give, which will in the future be sent direct to
the parties interested.
You are perhaps aware that diplomatic instructions impose the seal of
secrecy upon my official action. The dangers which threatened our
countrymen in the recent past caused me to disregard this rule, and
you will still be informed by telegram or letter from time to time,
when deemed necessary or proper.
I deem it now proper to inform you that much apprehension is felt for
the security of all Christians in the interior provinces. Their
danger will be much increased if seditious outbreaks against the
authority of the Turkish Government are renewed.
The Government of the United States can not be expected to advise its
citizens in exposed places about remaining. My private opinion,
given last winter to your intermediary here, that women and children
be removed to a place of safety, and that men could remain if they
desired, has been much misrepresented in America, and in the future
prudence would seem to require that I make no suggestions.
[Page 860]
I can not refrain from reminding you, however, that the United States
has for more than a hundred years pursued the policy of avoiding all
connection with the internal affairs of other governments, and those
of our citizens who expect to remain in Turkey can not be too
careful in conforming their conduct to this policy.
No effort will be spared by me to promote your safety. Public opinion
in America is much excited, and if her citizens in Turkey who obey
the laws are slain the arm of our Government is long, and quick
retribution would follow. I feel assured, however, that the Ottoman
Government is exerting itself now to secure the safety of American
citizens, and hope it will continue.
Very sincerely,
