123R19/138: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Commissioner at Constantinople (Ravndal)
90. Heck’s 136 April 3, noon and 140 April 5, 3 p.m. also unsigned telegram 154 April 15, 4 p.m. presumably from you.2 You will assume title of American Commissioner at Constantinople and perform official duties performed by Heck, besides yours as enumerated in previous instructions. This instruction is given in order to avoid creation of impression that this Government has changed its policy in Near East by not sending a Commissioner to Constantinople to succeed Heck, and also to improve your position with relation to Allied representatives and Americans in that country. You will follow instructions sent to Heck in my No. 2 January 21, 7 p.m. You may if you deem it advisable use Chesbrough to assist you in your duties of a political character.
You will bear in mind that the rupture of diplomatic relations between the Turkish Government and the United States still continues, and that you are not a diplomatic officer accredited to Turkey. You will therefore avoid all acts which may convey the idea that your presence or that of other American officials in Turkey means a resumption of diplomatic relations.
Department approves of your suggestions concerning Morris, Allen and Young, but considers it preferable that for the present Heizer remain at Bagdad.
- None printed.↩