Office of the Historian

File No. 763.72/1361

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Turkey (Morgenthau)

Department of State, Washington, January 5, 1915.

[Telegram]

227. Your 191, December 21. From London Embassy, 2d. Grey requests expression of his gratitude conveyed to you.

Regarding specific demands Minister of Interior, Grey requests you to point out to Talaat Bey that, though railroad line was shelled for obvious military reasons, Alexandretta has not been bombarded. British Admiralty have no intention employing force for any purpose beyond recognized legitimate usages of war. Inform Ottoman Government release of Prince Omar Tousson and other Ottoman [Page 791] subjects mentioned will be accorded under certain reasonable necessary conditions. British Government hope therefore British subjects will be released and permitted to leave the country if they so desire.

You may communicate the above without comment.

Bryan