File No. 367.11/131.

The American Ambassador to the Secretary of State.

No. 429.]

Sir: Referring to the Embassy’s despatch No. 374 of the 31st ultimo, in regard to requisitions made by the Ottoman authorities for war purposes, I have the honor to enclose herewith a copy, with translation, of a note verbale identique on this subject sent recently to the Sublime Porte by the diplomatic missions in this city.

I have [etc.]

W. W. Rockhill.
[Page 1342]
[Inclosure—Identic note verbale.]

The American Embassy to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

The Embassy of the United States of America regrets being unable to agree with the point of view expressed by the Imperial Ministry in its note verbale dated January 30 last, on the subject of the requisition for war purposes of horses and vehicles belonging to foreign subjects.

The principal object of the communications which the Embassy has had the honor to address to the Imperial Ministry on the question was to assure in these proceedings, in so far as they concern its nationals and under the reserves formulated, the guaranties of a general sort established by the treaties and by custom.

Every sort of requisition, as well as the appraisement for the purpose of offering the interested party a fair compensation, can therefore take place only with the presence of a consular delegate.

It naturally remains understood that the payment for objects requisitioned should be arranged at the very time of the requisition, either in money or by draft accepted by the Imperial Ottoman Bank.