Mr. Leishman to Mr. Hay.
Constantinople, April 28, 1904.
Sir: * * * There has been more or less trouble in Van, Moush, Bitlis, and Sassoun districts in Armenia for over a year past, and little doubt exists as to the existence of an incipient revolutionary movement.
The number of the active revolutionists is not very great, probably not over 1,000, and although the ultimate ends which they seek undoubtedly enjoy the sympathies of the great bulk of the Armenian population, the bands receive comparatively little encouragement, as their efforts are regarded as futile.
The attention of the Porte is constantly being called to the disturbed condition in Armenia by the English and French ambassadors in their capacities as representatives of the countries which champion the cause of the Protestant and Catholic faiths in Turkey, but unless specially instructed to do so I would not venture to offer any interference in matters relating to the internal affairs of Turkey concerning Ottoman subjects.
As far as the American missionaries in Armenia are concerned, I do not believe that they are in any immediate danger, except possibly from some overt act committed by the Christian population among whom they work * * *.
I have, etc.,