File No. 704.6791/2
The Acting Secretary of State to the Minister in Persia ( Caldwell )
Sir: The Department acknowledges the receipt of your despatch No. 63, dated May 17, 1915, reporting as to the protection which you have given to German families at Teheran and stating that the Turkish Ambassador has asked if he might be allowed to obtain shelter at the American Legation, with his subjects, in case the future brings trouble again, and whether the American Legation would care for and protect Turkish interests and allow the use of the American flag over the Turkish Embassy for that purpose.
Relative to this matter, you are instructed that, under the authority of the custom in such cases, you may place the American flag over the Turkish Legation until the Persian Government objects thereto. In case such objection is made, you are instructed to discuss the matter with the Persian Government and attempt to secure their consent to such use of the flag. In case you make use of the American flag for this purpose, you will request the consent of the Persian Government to continue to fly the Turkish flag beside that of this country.
I am [etc.]