Mr. Leishman to Mr.
Hay.
Legation of the United States,
Constantinople, July 22,
1901.
No. 60.]
Sir: With reference to my dispatch No. 52, of
the 5th instant, I have the honor to transmit herewith for your
information a copy of a letter which I have just received from Mr. Edwin
Gilbertson, British consul at Broussa, which may add somewhat to the
evidence which I have placed before the Department relative to the
advisability of joint action between British and American consulates
throughout the Ottoman Empire.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure.]
Mr. Gilbertson
to Mr. Irishman.
Sir:
* * * * * * *
While writing to your excellency I take the opportunity of calling
your attention to the fact that although the British Government
authorized its consuls to give friendly assistance and support to
American citizens in places where there is no United States
representative, and which they have done for the last twenty years,
the local authorities have lately, under the pretext that they have
no order from the minister of foreign affairs to recognize us as
being in charge of American interests, commenced not only to contest
our right to assist American citizens, but insist upon the latter
applying directly to them for any assistance they may need.
Under these circumstances your excellency will no doubt see the
necessity of instructions being sent to the vali in the sense
required.
* * * * * * *
I am, etc.,
