Mr. Leishman to Mr.
Hay.
American Legation,
Constantinople, June 27,
1904.
No. 822.]
Sir: I beg to inclose herewith copy of a
circular note sent by the Sublime Porte to the several embassies and
legations regarding a new stamp act—copy of the new “Loi sur le Timbre”
being herewith inclosed,a
together with a copy of the legation’s reply to the Porte, similar
action having been taken by the other embassies and legations.
As the proposed action of the Imperial Ottoman Government interferes with
well-established rights and attempts to limit the “right of domicile,” I
would be pleased to have the Department instruct me as to the line of
action it wishes me to pursue.
As far as the tax itself is concerned, the liberal policy heretofore
adopted by the Department would scarcely warrant my taking any exception
to the slight increase, but I felt that what the Government might be
willing to grant as a courtesy could not properly be conceded as a
right.
Awaiting your instructions, I have, etc.,
[Page 840]
[Inclosure
1.—Translation.]
Circular note verbale.
Sublime Porte, Ministry for Foreign
Affairs,
June 12,
1904.
The ministry of foreign affairs has the honor to transmit herewith to
the legation of the United States of America several copies of a new
“stamp” law, which will enter into force the 1/14 July, except for
the vilayets of Yemen, Hedjaz, Tripoli, Africa, Bassorah, Bagdad,
Erzeroum, Mossul, Bittlis, Van, Diarbekir, Mamouret-ul-Aziz, and the
sandjacks of Bengazi and Zor, where its application will not
commence until after the 1/14 August.
The imperial ministry requests the legation of the United States to
kindly bring the said law to the attention of its consuls.
[Inclosure
2.—Translation.]
Note verbale.
American Legation,
Constantinople, June 23, 1904.
Under date of June 12 last, the imperial ministry for foreign affairs
kindly communicated to the legation of the United States, inclosed
with a note verbale, several copies of the new stamp law, with the
information that this law would be put into force on the 1/14 of
July next in most of the provinces of the Empire.
In the first place, the legation of the United States has to observe
to the imperial ministry that the promulgation of this new law
should have been preceded by an exchange of views between the
Sublime Porte and the foreign missions in order to obtain the
necessary assent of their Governments on the matter.
Besides, it observes that the text of the new law having naturally to
be submitted to a thorough examination, the time which separates the
communication of said copies from the date set forth by the Imperial
Government for the enforcement is altogether insufficient.
The legation of the United States will proceed without delay to the
examination of the text which has just been transmitted to it, and
reserves the right to communicate the conclusion to the Sublime
Porte.
It is understood in consequence that until an understanding on this
subject is reached between the imperial ministry and the legation of
the United States, the law at present in force will continue to be
applied to American citizens.
