Office of the Historian

767.68119 T&M 2/12: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Special Mission at Lausanne

[Paraphrase]
Washington, December 21, 1922—6 p.m.

60. Mission’s 118 and 119, December 16, 10 p.m. and December 17, 11 a.m.47 Your statement concerning the Patriarchate came as somewhat of a surprise to the Department. It does not appear that the American Government should interfere in such a question as the location of the seat of the Patriarchate or that this question is one which is essential in the consideration of the problem of protecting minorities.

Dolbeare’s telegram of December 19, 3 p.m.,48 repeated to you, has been noted by the Department which believes that you will appreciate the force of the statement contained therein. Avoid as much as possible making comments, without reference to the Department, on matters not included in the outline of the interests of the American Government as set forth in your instructions.

Do not take this to indicate, however, that the Department expects any serious results from your statement or desires you to withdraw it or to limit it by further comment or explanation. The Department prefers that you should reply directly to Dolbeare’s telegram. He is being informed to this effect and instructed to refrain from comment.

Hughes
  1. No. 119 not printed; in this telegram the Acting High Commissioner warned the Department against unqualified support of the Patriarchate, on the ground that it was as much a political as a religious institution.↩
  2. Not printed.↩