Mr. Olney to Mr. Riddle.

[Telegram.]

Mr. Terrell reports that the Grand Vizier gave his pledge to him that Knapp should not be required to start for Constantinople until late in [Page 903] April, when the snow had melted, so that his family could go also, and that during Mr. Terrell’s absence no complaint should be urged against American missionaries.

This Department can not believe that the Turkish Government intends to violate its pledge. You will demand that Mr. Knapp be conducted back to Bitlis under safe escort, and that he be permitted to remain there until the last of April, and that then safe escort be provided for himself and family, accompanied by a representative of the legation, to Constantinople, for investigation of his case by the American minister. Demand also safe escort to Bitlis for Knapp’s provisional substitute.

Olney.