867.602 Ot 81/427: Telegram

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

[Paraphrase]

296. My telegram 292 of November 6. Report from Barnes states that the Minister of Public Works on November 8 informed the representative of the Ottoman-American Development Company, Soubhi Bey, that the Turkish Government was unable to accept the company’s contention that work had commenced on the Samsoun-Sivas line in accordance with the contract. The Ministry gives the company, however, until November 25 to present satisfactory evidence that it has secured sufficient capital to begin serious work. [Page 1251] If this is done the Turks will extend all facilities to the company. Yesterday Soubhi Bey left for Constantinople.

Bristol