File No. 867.4016/266
The Chargé in Turkey ( Philip ) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 29, 11.55 a. m.]
1576. Your 1800, February 4, 4 p. m. During an interview with Minister for Foreign Affairs on the 12th instant, I stated that the Embassy had learned of the sudden disappearance of Armenian steward of the American college at Marsivan and that strong apprehensions existed in Marsivan that another deportation would take place. I then took up Department’s instruction contained in your 1140, October 4, and 1800, February 4, as to the destructive effect the above anti-Armenian measures were having upon the feeling of people of the United States for Turkey and asked that assurance be given at least that these persecutions cease. The Ambassador had already acted in conformity with your 1140. The Minister professed that the Turkish Government desire to have the good will of the United States. He asserted most emphatically that all deportation has ceased and that no more will take place. With reference to the failure of the Government to exempt Catholics, and Protestants, he stated that when first the deportations were begun no distinction was made between the different Armenian communities, but that afterwards orders were sent to exempt from deportation Protestants and Catholics. He added that deported Protestants and Catholics would be allowed to return. In this connection I mentioned the case of the [Page 849] dragoman of the American Consular Agency at Alexandretta, a Protestant Armenian who, notwithstanding the promises of the Porte to the Embassy and the instructions to the provisional authorities to leave unmolested, was deported and whose return the Embassy has been endeavoring to bring about. Minister for Foreign Affairs remarked that the man seemed to have disappeared but that he would again speak to Minister of the Interior who had promised to allow his return.
The Armenian situation which may be eventually greatly influenced by the outcome of the Russian campaign in the northeast is still very unsettled. Some amelioration is noticeable, however, and governmental activity appears to have been largely suspended. American relief which is being quietly and unofficially administered continues to reach many survivors without local official interference.
Later: Your 1852, February 12, 2 p. m., just received and instructions will be carried out at first favorable opportunity.