File No. 861.00/1101

The Ambassador in Great Britain (Page) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram—Extract]

8667. For Lansing and McAdoo from Crosby:

72. Have received telegrams from Smith, Tiflis, Consul, asking confirmation of rumor British have captured Constantinople, expressing [Page 620] fear of separate peace with Turkey; complaining of Colonel Pike, British representative, for failure of adequate cooperation, stating that Pike is handicapped because of local feeling; that British have territorial ambitions in Caucasus and Persia; and recommending independent measures of financial and political relief. Under existing arrangements between British and French Governments, British are taking lead in Caucasus district. After conference with Foreign Office have cabled Smith as follows:

Your telegrams of February 2 and 6 and earlier telegrams received. No foundation for report of capture of Constantinople by British. General Dunsterville, new British representative, delayed by snow. Colonel Pike has been instructed by British Government to keep you informed and to call on you freely for cooperation and suggestions. Am assured British Government doing its best to get money to its representative to aid his efforts. In view of existing arrangements, cannot recommend to Washington any modification in what I understand to be your present instructions; namely, that you should keep Department and me informed of developments. I of course have no authority to give you instructions for action which must come from Secretary of State alone, to whom I am cabling substance of your telegrams to me and information I have received here.

Cravath has received assurance from Foreign Office that there is no foundation for feeling that British Government has territorial aspirations in Caucasus and Persia. This purely political question, hence did not feel authorized to report to Smith. Endeavoring to hold my action in financial limits. …

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