868.48/180: Telegram
The High Commissioner at Constantinople (Bristol) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 12—1:55 a.m.]
260. For Ost, Near East Relief, New York.
“Number 14. Peet,21 Gates, Jaquith met with Admiral Bristol today for the purpose of taking immediate action upon serious situation of the Greek, Armenian orphans in Constantinople. Admiral Bristol expressed deep concern for the safety of the orphans. [Page 440] The Allied decision to withdraw from Constantinople makes safety of orphans first consideration. In view past felicitations [sic] and statements made in newspapers by high officials in Smyrna there is no place, after defeat of the Greeks, in Turkish Empire for Greeks. Hatred against Armenians at Smyrna more bitter than against the Greeks. Conditions here offer no hope for safety or opportunity become self-supporting. Necessity of evacuation during the last few days Kuleli, Beylar Bey, Karagousian and other buildings on the Asiatic shore. Difficulty and practical impossibility secure houses or permanent shelter for Harput and Smyrna orphans forces the committee to unanimous decision to request Admiral Bristol to secure permission for the entrance of 5,000 Armenian children into America; to charter steamship New York for this purpose; and to take immediate necessary step toward immediate fulfillment of this decision. Admiral Bristol has given his hearty approval and support to the above request. Greek orphans should be removed to Greece, this can be arranged locally. Boys could be distributed on farms, girls in domestic employment. Confident New York can handle distribution; probably easily possible from Philadelphia, Near East guaranteeing State Department support and distribution in America. We are proceeding to make necessary arrangements with S. S. New York and will be ready to make removal within ten days. Confident American public opinion will support wholeheartedly such movement as only hope for the real future of these children together with immediate safety. Confident you will recognize that only most critical situation would make such a move on our part seem imperative. Deeply appreciative Admiral Bristol’s wholehearted cooperation and even insistence on such a program. Request complete arrangements with State Department. Cable immediately as every day vital. Jaquith.”
- William W. Peet, treasurer and business manager, American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions in Turkey.↩