File No. 367.11/82.
The American Ambassador to
the Secretary of State.
No. 322.]
American Embassy,
Constantinople,
November 21, 1912.
Sir: Replying to your telegram dated November
19, concerning the seizure of horses [etc.], I have the honor to enclose
herewith copy with translation of the circular note on the subject,
dated October 10, 1912, received from the Sublime Porte, and also the
note verbale identique dated October 12, 1912, in reply thereto,
protesting against the requisition “de vive force” of horses and
conveyances belonging to foreign subjects.
Prior to the receipt of the above-mentioned telegram, I instructed our
consular officers to demand in all such cases most-favored-nation
treatment.
I have [etc.]
[Page 1340]
[Inclosure 1—Circular
note—Translation.]
The Ministry for Foreign
Affairs to the American
Embassy.
Sublime Porte,
Ministry for
Foreign Affairs,
Constantinople,
October 10, 1912.
The commission for the purchase and requisition of horses having had
occasion to ascertain that certain consulates, surprised in their
good faith, have delivered through their chancelleries certificates
showing as foreign property horses belonging to Ottoman subjects,
the Imperial Ministry will be obliged to the Diplomatic Missions if
they will kindly instruct their consular agents to act with more
circumspection. It would be desirable above all that no such
certificates be delivered for horses of private carriages, which are
subject to requisition.
The Imperial authorities have received, on the other hand, severe
instructions to see that no irregular proceedings take place.
[Inclosure 2—Identic note verbale.]
The American Embassy to
the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.
American Embassy,
Constantinople,
October 12, 1912.
The Embassy of the United States of America has the honor to
acknowledge the receipt of the circular note verbale which the
Imperial Ottoman Ministry for Foreign Affairs has kindly addressed
to it on October 10, and it has not failed to communicate the
contents of the said note to the agents placed under its orders.
The American Embassy, however, regrets to see that, in spite of the
assurances given by the Sublime Porte at the end of the above note,
the military authorities of the Capital, for the past few days,
proceed by force to the requisition of horses, chariots and
automobiles belonging to foreign subjects.
Consequently the Embassy of the United States begs the Sublime Porte
to kindly reiterate urgently its severe instructions to the
competent authorities with a view to putting an end to such
proceedings, for which it reserves from the present moment to assert
any claims of damage and interest which may be presented to it.
