867.4016/708: Telegram

The High Commissioner at Constantinople (Bristol) to the Secretary of State

289. Department’s 211, October 24, 5 [4] p.m. Following are answers to questions embodied in the Department’s above-mentioned telegram.

1. Impossible to estimate number of departures from Constantinople but probably in neighborhood of 10,000. Departures continuing but up to this time this cannot be characterized as a general exodus of Christian population. Effect upon native Christians of the departure of British civilians and officers’ wives when war threatened should be borne in mind.

2. I am inclined to believe that the Christian population of Constantinople as a whole would be safe excepting for those Ottoman Greeks and Armenians considered by the Turks as traitors on account of having aided the Greeks or Allies since the armistice. At the same time there is certainly a danger of reprisals being instituted by the Turks in case overt acts are committed by local population which might serve to stir up racial animosity. Undoubtedly all races would take advantage of any confusion to pay off old scores and take reprisals. See reports of recent Greek troops and civilians devastating Anatolia and committing outrages also Turkish outrages in Smyrna.

Refet Pasha24 has assured General Harington25 that in case the Christian population remains tranquil and pursues its normal course of life it will not be molested, however it is most difficult to prophesy what would result from the occupation of Constantinople by the Turks where there are so many races and nationalities having large numbers of bad and disreputable characters. It is also possible that heterogeneous population of Constantinople might [result?] in looting and burning city; especially Christian races if deciding to leave might burn their own property to prevent its falling into the hands of the Turks. Population estimated 400,000 Turks, 150,000 other [Page 946] Moslems, 400,000 Greeks, 140,000 Armenians and 100,000 Jews, Europeans and others.

3. In my opinion only effective guarantees would involve total exclusion Turkish troops from the city either for occupation purposes or victory celebrations and continued occupation by strong foreign police during transition period. I believe distinction should be drawn between actual guarantees and either verbal or written promises. Undoubtedly strong promises not to molest Christian population could be secured similar to that of Refet Pasha mentioned above.

4. Estimate, making allowances for massacres during Great War and recent exodus due to the Greek collapse, gives about 1,350,000 Christians at present in Anatolia under Turkish occupation. Total population of Anatolia about 11,000,000. This estimate while probably more accurate than that regarding Eastern Thrace is still unreliable.

5. Extremely difficult to estimate population of Eastern Thrace because since 1912 there have been successive military occupations that district due to the Balkan wars as well as Great War with consequent migrations. Closest estimate before present exodus appears to give about 400,000 Turks, 250,000 Greeks and 50,000 Bulgarians, Armenians et cetera. Reliable reports received to effect that approximately 250,000 Christians have already left Eastern Thrace since signing Moudania Convention. This estimate includes about 40,000 refugees who have arrived from Brousa and other places [in] Anatolia.

[6.] Case of Carathima, naturalized American citizen supposed killed, promptly followed up from moment arrest by naval officers and afterwards by consul through various officials and order for release secured. Still missing on day of fire and the Turkish authorities again notified. Reported wrong man released and Carathima probably sent interior. No reason to impute bad faith and not improbable Carathima still alive.

Case of Zafer Ellis, naturalized American citizen killed, promptly investigated and found apparently suicide when threatened by chetas or brigands. Body buried under guard American sailors.

Tara, naturalized American citizen killed, not discovered until several days after death. Representations made and Turkish investigation reported killed by Greek. Later evidence secured by consul that killing was by Turkish irregulars and brought to notice Turkish authorities.

Precautions for safety relief workers taken in advance by obtaining liaison officers, written passes and Turkish guards. Single case of Jacob, relief worker, robbed. No representation made at his special [Page 947] request as he was injudiciously outside protected zone and intending remain. He did not desire arouse resident authorities.

Only attack on sailors guarding college occasioned by McLachlan26 taking guard beyond protected area contrary to instructions.

Representations immediately made and increased Turkish guards promptly obtained.

7. I believe no foundation whatever for this report.

8. On September 9th upon entry of Turkish troops Smyrna and before any disorder occurred Captain Hepburn made representations to Murcelle Pasha in command of occupying forces, calling his attention to danger of the situation and urging that Turkish authorities take steps to prevent disorder. On September 11th Captain Hepburn saw Nourredin Pasha who had succeeded Murcelle Pasha and called his attention to disorder which was occurring and urged upon him necessity for the protection of refugees. Captain Hepburn three times pressed for an answer as to exact measures which would be taken to preserve order. Immediately after fire and for several days during evacuation of refugees Commander Powell, who was then my senior naval officer present, made daily representations to the Turkish officers in charge of troops handling evacuation protesting against unnecessary brutalities and once made similar representations to Nourredin Pasha and once to Nadji Bey commandant de la place. All such representations were cordially received and all requests for guard on American property were promptly granted and efficiently executed, however no determined effort was made by the Turkish military authorities to protect refugees or suppress disturbances especially in Armenian district.

Bristol
  1. Turkish Governor of Eastern Thrace.
  2. Allied Commander at Constantinople.
  3. Dr. Alexander McLachlan, president of the American College at Smyrna.