Mr. Adee to Mr. Leishman.
Washington, September 9, 1903.
(Mr. Adee states that the minister of Turkey on September 8 informed the Secretary of State that the Turkish Government considered the presence of the United States squadron in Turkish waters a cause of excitement and asked its withdrawal. Mr. Hay told him we failed to share this view; that the entire consular body regarded it as a protection; that we considered that our representations had not received the friendly attention we had a right to expect, and that compliance with the request for withdrawal, leaving all pending questions unsettled and interests unprotected, would have an unfortunate effect on the relations of the two countries.
Mr. Leishman’s report on the situation, and particularly as to the movements of the squadron, will be awaited.)