File No. 763.72112/1515
The Ambassador in France (Sharp) to the Secretary of State
[Received 3 p. m.]
972. Following notification published in Journal officiel of yesterday:
On the 22d instant Commander in Chief of naval forces in Mediterranean, acting by virtue of power conferred upon him by Government of Republic, declared [Page 175] a blockade of the coast of Asia Minor and Syria from Island of Samos to Egyptian frontier, or between latitude 37° 38’, longitude 27° 02’ east Greenwich, and latitude 31° 20’, longitude 34° 13’ east Greenwich. Blockade is declared effective dating from August 25 at noon. Neutral ships may leave blockaded points up to August 28. Orders have been given at same time to commanders of naval forces carrying out blockade immediately to notify local authorities.