File No. 367.112 Er 4/8.

The Secretary of State to the American Minister in temporary charge of the American Embassy at Constantinople.

[Telegram—Paraphrase.]

In order to avoid futile argument which, if the Ottoman Government persists in its absolutely untenable contentions, must become acrimonious, the embassy is instructed to endeavor to settle the [Page 747] Erickson case by obtaining from the Turkish Government a note expressing regret, whereupon both Governments may consider the incident closed.

Knox.