Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Annual Message of the President Transmitted to Congress December 7, 1903

Mr. Leishman to Mr. Hay.

[Telegram.—Paraphrase.]

Legation of the United States,
Constantinople , September 9, 1903 .

(Mr. Leishman reports that ten days ago he intimated discreetly to the grand vizier the necessity of changing the governor at Beirut, but that he did not feel warranted in making formal demand without Department’s approval; that he will now make formal demand in compliance with instructions, and endeavor to have same supported by Italian and other colleagues.

Mr. Leishman thinks that even if the present governor of Beirut is removed and security reestablished, the United States squadron should remain in Turkish waters until the settlement of pending questions.