Papers relating to the foreign relations of the United States, 1928, Volume III

367.1164 Brusa School Trial/14: Telegram

The Ambassador in Turkey ( Grew ) to the Secretary of State

Constantinople , February 12, 1928—3 p.m.
[Received 4 p.m.]

18. Department’s 13, February 9, 6 p.m. Minister for Foreign Affairs, in interview with Ives⁵⁴ and in personal letter to me after conferring with Minister of Public Instruction now modifies his statements made to me February 7th to the following effect:

1. Brusa school will not be reopened.

2. Government possesses documentary evidence against other American schools which will be exhibited to me but this evidence will be filed and Ministry of Public Instruction will continue to observe a benevolent attitude towards them.

3. Reopening of schools at Talas and Marash will be favorably considered and in event Minister of Public Instruction unable to authorize reopening of these two schools permission will probably be granted for reopening two others.

Ives reports Minister for Foreign Affairs genuinely disturbed at having exceeded his authority in interview with me. States he has cabled situation fully to Mouhtar Bey.⁵⁵

Proceeding against Misses Jillson, Sanderson and Day⁵⁶ begin tomorrow at Brusa in Suhl Jeza, lowest court, which encourages Goodsell to believe charges not regarded as grave. Legal charge not yet clear but said to be for action contrary to the orders of the Government. Ali Haidar Bey, eminent lawyer, will defend. Goodsell does not desire consular officer present.

Grew

54. Ernest L. Ives, first secretary of Embassy in Turkey.
55. Ahmed Mouhtar Bey, Turkish Ambassador at Washington.
56. Lucille Day, of El Paso, Tex.