The Secretary of State to Minister Leishman.
Washington, October 26, 1905.
(Mr. Root acknowledges receipt of Mr. Leishman’s telegram of the 26th instant concerning the second conviction of the two naturalized Americans and advises him that an instruction was sent to him on Friday last, making friendly overtures for the adjustment of the naturalization and jurisdictional questions. If the Ottoman Government should carry out its intention to execute the sentence immediately upon one of the prisoners it would be impracticable for this government to take the initiative toward a result so greatly to be desired, and the uncompromising attitude of Turkey would have to be referred to Congress for such treatment as that body may deem appropriate. Instructs him to urge that the original proposition for a stay of proceedings in these cases pending mutual agreement be accepted. It is most desirable that Mr. Leishman should take action before the Turkish Government by precipitate action may make an agreement impossible and raise an issue between the two governments which may be most difficult of adjustment.)