Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Annual Message of the President Transmitted to Congress December 3, 1900

Mr. Griscom to Mr. Hay.

[Telegram.—Paraphrase.]

United States Legation,
Pera , December 30, 1899 .

[Mr. Griscom reports the arrest of the cavass of our consulate at Smyrna while officially protecting merchandise of our consular dragoman against illegal seizure. The cavass has been released but his arms retained.

Mr. Griscom entered a strong protest against infringement of treaty rights in an interview had to-day with the minister for foreign affairs, who has telegraphed ordering immediate delivery of our arms and full explanations.

Pending instructions from the Department, right to demand reparation has been reserved.]