Mr. Riddle to Mr. Olney.

[Telegram].

Turkish Government has broken promise made to Mr. Terrell and renewed to me that George Knapp should not be compelled to leave Bitlis before the end of April. English consul, who has arrived at Bitlis, telegraphed that Knapp was forced to leave seven days ago and is now being escorted to Alexandretta.

On my demanding explanation at the Sublime Porte both the Grand Vizier and the minister for foreign affairs professed complete ignorance, denying the fact of his departure and said that they would make inquiries. From this it is evident that he is being clandestinely sent out of the Ottoman Empire. Not likely to reach coast before ten days. I await your instructions.

Riddle.