Mr. Leishman to Mr.
Hay.
Legation of the United States,
Constantinople, September 19,
1903.
No. 576.]
Sir: The troubles continue to multiply, and I
very much fear that ere this reaches you the outbreak in Macedonia will
have assumed rather alarming proportions.
As precautionary measures, I have addressed a note to the representatives
of the missionaries and the American Tobacco Trust, the only two
interests that I have any knowledge of as having American citizens
located in the Macedonian district, advising the withdrawal
[Page 765]
of all those who are not
actually needed to safeguard their interests until peace and order be
again restored.
Fortunately there are less than twenty people, all told, at present, and
as far as the missionaries are concerned it would in any event be
practically impossible for them to prosecute their educational work
during the present crisis.
* * * * * * *
Many overt acts are no doubt daily committed by both sides, but little
reliance can be placed in the exaggerated reports of massacres that are
circulated by interested parties.
* * * * * * *
The developments of the next few weeks will make an interesting history
and I can only hope that the great necessity that exists will develop
some plans that will correct the present trouble and prevent the
otherwise inevitable destruction of many thousands of lives and an
incalculable amount of property.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure 1.]
Mr. Leishman to
Mr. Peet.
Legation of the United States,
Constantinople, September 18, 1903.
Sir: As the trouble in Macedonia appears to
be spreading and becoming more intense each day and may break forth
with increased violence at any time, it seems to me that it would be
wise for your board to promptly take into consideration the
advisability of sending the missionaries out of Macedonia until
peace and order has again been restored, as it is impossible for the
Government to guarantee absolute security as long as present
conditions prevail.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure 2.]
Mr. Leishman to
Mr. Straus, agent American
Tobaccco Trust.
Legation of the United States,
Constantinople, September 18, 1903.
Sir: In view of the disturbed condition of
affairs in Macedonia, which may assume more alarming proportions at
any time, I would strongly recommend your instructing all American
citizens in your employ to exercise the greatest care, as it is
impossible for the American Government to guarantee its citizens
absolute security in the Macedonian district as long as the present
revolution, which has brought the country into a state of anarchy,
exists.
I do not wish to be considered an alarmist, but it would be a wise
precautionary measure if all those whose services are not absolutely
needed to safeguard your interests were sent out of the disturbed
district until such time as peace and order shall again be
restored.
I have, etc.,
