File No. 367.116/483
The Chargé in Turkey (Philip) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 22, 2.30 p. m.]
1815. My 1814, 17th. Am informed by delayed telegram from Samsun that authorities of Marsivan took possession without warning on the 10th instant of American college and hospital buildings there, and are proposing that the missionaries leave for Constantinople, in which case their dwelling houses will probably be occupied also. Am taking all possible steps here to insure proper protection of all Americans and their dependents, both for those who elect to remain at their respective posts and those who will leave for Constantinople.
I respectfully inform Department, however, that although I apprehend no danger at present for the lives of Americans, yet I believe that the time is now propitious for the sending by it of a grave warning to the Turkish Government that such wholesale appropriation, even though temporary, of valuable educational properties can not be sanctioned.