No. 542.
Mr. Wallace to Mr. Frelinghuysen.
Legation of
the United States,
Constantinople, May 15, 1883.
(Received June 4.)
No. 218.]
Sir: A short time ago, through the interpreter of
the legation, I made verbal application to the imperial minister of public
instruction for a permit to reprint the Holy Bible and Testament in Arabic.
This was in behalf of the American Bible Society, whose editions in that
language are about exhausted. At the same time Mr. Wyndham, H. B. M.’s
charge d’affaires here, acting for the corresponding British society,
presented a like request to the same official. The note verbal herewith
inclosed by copy is the result. It is to be presumed a similar answer has
been returned to my colleague.
Immediately upon receipt of the note I made haste to transmit a copy of it to
the Bible House, with an explanation, of which a copy is also inclosed.
Until I have answer from the Bible House I shall take no further step in the
business. Fortunately there is at this moment a convention in session in
Stamboul, composed of a greater part of the American missionaries at work in
Turkey. The question of acceptance of the permit will receive full
consideration and be wisely determined. I have no doubt it will be promptly
rejected.
I am, &c.,
[Inclosure 1 in No.
218.—Translation.]
note verbale.
Sublime
Porte, May 9,
1883.
In reply to the takrir which the legation of the
United States of America addressed to him on the 13th of February last,
the minister of foreign affairs has the honor to inform it that the
department of public instruction has decided to grant the authorization
asked for the printing of Bibles and Testaments, on the condition that
the cover and the first page of each book shall contain the notice “For
the use of Protestants,” a condition which will be inspected in its
execution.
The imperial minister begs the legation of the United States of America
to communicate this decisionto the agencies of the Bible House, and to
invite them to address the council of public instruction to obtain the
authorization required.
[Inclosure 2 in No. 218.]
Mr. Wallace to Bev.
Mr. Pettibone.
United
States Legation,
Constantinople, May 11,
1883.
My Dear Sir: I inclose a copy of a
communication received yesterday from the Porte relating to reprinting
the Bible and Testament. Be good enough to submit it to the brethren
interested, and give me a report of their wishes, the question being
whether or not to accept the authorization, with the condition
attached.
I am, &c.,
