767.68119/219: Telegram
The Special Mission at Lausanne to the Secretary of State
[Received November 29.]
36. Your 10, November 27, 2 p.m. Djelal-ed-Din Arif Bey is representative at Rome of the Angora Government. He attended the [Page 910] Genoa Conference where he exerted a powerful influence on Russian negotiations. At Lausanne he has been political adviser to the Turkish delegation. He is thought to be comparatively unyielding and to represent the Assembly at Angora in its effort to limit concessions by Ismet Pasha.
Ambassador Child is still sounding out the Turks with respect to guarantees for minorities and the possibility of a grant of territory which might lead to segregation. The following are replies to your questions:
- 1.
- In a conversation with Child this morning Ismet stated his intention to announce through the American press that the policy of Turkey was against forced evacuation. He said that Consul Imbrie at Angora could correct the distortion of facts which prevails in foreign countries.
- 2.
- We are seeking public blanket statement that American educational and religious institutions will be given the same protection as would now be accorded to a Mohammedan educational or religious institution in America. After previous conversation with Child, Ismet gave to the American press a statement which will probably be noticed by the Department.
- 3.
- With respect to capitulations, conversations are now taking place.