Mr. Leishman to Mr. Hay.
Constantinople, September 11, 1903.
(Mr. Leishman reports that the following proclamation has been published by the local papers:
By command of His Imperial Majesty the Sultan, Reshid Bey, governor-general of Beirut, has been dismissed. Nazim Pasha, governor-general of Damascus, has been appointed acting governor-general of Beirut.
Mr. Leishman states that the consul at Beirut reports that the situation is much better; that the new governor called very shortly after taking charge and stated with much earnestness his desire to arrange the Magelssen case promptly in a manner satisfactory to the American Government, expressing his intention to introduce reforms and promising to reorganize the entire police force. The new governor enjoys the reputation of being very capable, and the people of Beirut appear delighted with his nomination.)