File No. 1144/143.
Ambassador Leishman to the Secretary of State.
Pera, April 17, 1909.
Mr. Leishman says population remains terror stricken, although the excesses of the troops have greatly diminished. He states that it is quite possible that the constitutional party may endeavor to regain the control which has been wrested from them, in which event very serious trouble may be expected, although much depends upon the action of the Third Army Corps, which was the main instrument last summer in bringing about the reestablishment of constitutional government. Mr. Leishman adds that while reports are conflicting, belief that the army corps remains faithful to the constitutional party and is preparing to march on Constantinople is pretty general, and the developments of the next few days will no doubt clear the situation very much.