Mr. Wilson to Mr.
Hay.
American Legation,
Athens, April 15,
1904.
No. 33.
Bulgarian series.]
Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith a
copy (London Times, April 11) of the Turco-Bulgarian agreement signed at
Constantinople on the 8th instant. A protocol has been added, stating
that both parties shall make special arrangements concerning: (1) The
measures to be taken to insure the security of the frontier; (2) the
regulation of the postal and telegraph service; (3) the reciprocal
extradition of criminals and deserters; (4) conditions regarding
military service; (5) the powers of their respective commercial agents;
(6) arrangements for the future connection of railways, as the interests
of the two contracting parties may require.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure.—Translation.]
Turco-Bulgarian agreement.
[From the
London Times, April 11,
1904.]
The Imperial Ottoman Government and the principality of Bulgaria have
agreed upon the following points:
- 1.
- The principality of Bulgaria pledges itself to prevent
upon its territory, as well as upon the territory of eastern
Rumelia, the formation of revolutionary committees and of
armed bands, as well as to prevent all acts and conspiracies
directed against the Empire, and to punish with all severity
such persons as, having committed acts against public peace
in the neighboring provinces, have taken refuge in Bulgaria
or in eastern Rumelia.
- 2.
- The principality shall take the necessary measures to
prevent the introduction into the neighboring vilayets of
all explosives or poisons, as well as any article
prejudicial to public health.
- 3.
- The reforms agreed upon between Turkey, Austria, and
Russia for the Vilayets of Salonika, Monastir, and Kossovo
shall be applied by the Ottoman Government. The general
amnesty which the Sultan in his gracious clemency has been
pleased to grant will have full effect, and in consequence
such persons as have been imprisoned or exiled on a charge
of, or for the prevention of, crime, or who have, directly
or indirectly, committed revolutionary acts, and all such as
have been convicted of political offenses, shall be set at
liberty and repatriated, with the exception of persons
convicted of dynamite attacks against ships, railways,
bridges, and public institutions.
- 4.
- The inhabitants of Rumelia who, in consequence of the
recent disturbances, have taken refuge in Bulgaria or
eastern Rumelia, or who, while remaining in their homes,
have had their houses destroyed, will be granted assistance
in their villages by the imperial authorities for rebuilding
their homes, and will also have their lands returned to
them.
- 5.
- A special arrangement shall be made for the reciprocal
extradition of criminals and deserters. In order to prevent
brigands and revolutionary bands from crossing the frontier,
mixed corps shall be established on both sides, and a
separate agreement shall be made on this subject. A mixed
commission shall be established to settle pending questions
and shall begin its work at once.
- 6.
- The customs restrictions lately imposed exceptionally upon
articles from Bulgaria and eastern Rumelia shall be
rescinded, and the former facilities shall be
reestablished.
- 7.
- Railway trains shall be allowed to cross the frontier
without hindrance, and no obstacles shall be placed in the
way of Bulgarians traveling on their private business from
the principality and eastern Rumelia who are furnished with
the regulation papers.
- 8.
- Civil and judicial posts shall be open to Bulgarians who
have the requisite qualifications.
