File No. 367.116/324

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

Sir: I have the honor to confirm my telegraphic despatch No. 533 of March 27, regarding the delay I have succeeded, after no little [Page 955] difficulty, in obtaining from the Ottoman Government, before putting into practice the new regulations regarding foreign institutions of learning in Turkey. These regulations, as the Department is aware, constitute a complete departure from the spirit previously animating the relations between our schools and the Turkish authorities. But while it may later be necessary for me to enter into this subject at great length, in view of the uncertainty of existing conditions I felt that delay was wiser than any present attempt to settle the question. This delay which extends to the end of the scholastic year, or virtually till the reopening of the schools next autumn, will allow events to shape themselves in respect to the future of this country and of our institutions.

Meanwhile, however, as it will doubtless be advisable to discuss the matter in preliminary conversations with the Turkish Government, I should like more information than I am able to obtain here with respect to the position of foreign schools in the United States. My general attitude in handling the future of our institutions has been an expression of willingness to consider it on the basis of reciprocity, as I feel certain that the liberal spirit of our own laws, if pointed to, could only be beneficial to our establishments in Turkey. May I beg you, therefore, to be good enough to obtain for me an authoritative statement regarding the status of foreign schools in the United States, or at least in such states whose treatment is most liberal in the matter. I would welcome especially the possibility of contrasting the facilities we extend in opening such schools with those they are now seeking here to withdraw.

I have [etc.]

H. Morgenthau