File No. 763-72/1325
The Ambassador in Turkey ( Morgenthau ) to the Secretary of State
Constantinople , December 19, 1914, 10 p.m.
[Received December 20, 1:30 p.m.]
[Telegram]
187. Have read Bliss cable, to the President. It might produce good results if you were willing to warn German Empire of its responsibility if any Christian massacres occur in Turkey because Germany has absolute control of Turkish Navy their military mission almost controls Turkish Army. They have Von der Goltz in the palace and German Ambassador advising the Cabinet, and it was originally suggested by German officers that English and French be deported. Italian Ambassador stated that German Ambassador told him if British comply with request of Russians to force Dardanelles and enter Constantinople German Ambassador thinks massacre of non-Moslems inevitable. German Ambassador sent me similar message through his second secretary. I believe he makes these statements to induce Italian Ambassador and myself to exert our influence to prevent bombardment. Turkish officials and German Ambassador are much concerned about Dardanelles and they have sent soldiers and guns to the Princes Islands in Marmora and fortified [positions] on the Asiatic shore.
[Reported] Italian war vessel now before Beirut.