File No. 704.0067/6
The Ambassador in Turkey (Morgenthau) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 7, 12.25 p. m.]
911. Yesterday Italian and Russian interests at Smyrna were turned over to our Consul. Interests of Italy, Russia, and Montenegro everywhere in the Empire except at Constantinople are now in our charge. There are no officials here that can be spared to take charge of Adrianople and Brusa. Can you send me some for that purpose? There are no Americans at Adrianople and the two at Brusa are unsuitable for the purpose.
Italian subjects have been prevented from leaving Mersina, Alexandretta, and elsewhere. Italian Ambassador gave Ottoman Government [Page 977] ultimatum expiring to-day to permit these departures. Turkish Government has yielded on all points and I am now requesting Des Moines and Caesar to call at Mersina, Alexandretta, and also at Sighajik, to transport the Smyrna Italians to Rhodes. Inform Italian Government.