Mr. Leishman to Mr. Hay.

No. 822.]

Sir: I beg to inclose herewith copy of a circular note sent by the Sublime Porte to the several embassies and legations regarding a new stamp act—copy of the new “Loi sur le Timbre” being herewith inclosed,a together with a copy of the legation’s reply to the Porte, similar action having been taken by the other embassies and legations.

As the proposed action of the Imperial Ottoman Government interferes with well-established rights and attempts to limit the “right of domicile,” I would be pleased to have the Department instruct me as to the line of action it wishes me to pursue.

As far as the tax itself is concerned, the liberal policy heretofore adopted by the Department would scarcely warrant my taking any exception to the slight increase, but I felt that what the Government might be willing to grant as a courtesy could not properly be conceded as a right.

Awaiting your instructions, I have, etc.,

John G. A. Leishman.
[Page 840]
[Inclosure 1.—Translation.]

Circular note verbale.

The ministry of foreign affairs has the honor to transmit herewith to the legation of the United States of America several copies of a new “stamp” law, which will enter into force the 1/14 July, except for the vilayets of Yemen, Hedjaz, Tripoli, Africa, Bassorah, Bagdad, Erzeroum, Mossul, Bittlis, Van, Diarbekir, Mamouret-ul-Aziz, and the sandjacks of Bengazi and Zor, where its application will not commence until after the 1/14 August.

The imperial ministry requests the legation of the United States to kindly bring the said law to the attention of its consuls.

[Inclosure 2.—Translation.]

Note verbale.

Under date of June 12 last, the imperial ministry for foreign affairs kindly communicated to the legation of the United States, inclosed with a note verbale, several copies of the new stamp law, with the information that this law would be put into force on the 1/14 of July next in most of the provinces of the Empire.

In the first place, the legation of the United States has to observe to the imperial ministry that the promulgation of this new law should have been preceded by an exchange of views between the Sublime Porte and the foreign missions in order to obtain the necessary assent of their Governments on the matter.

Besides, it observes that the text of the new law having naturally to be submitted to a thorough examination, the time which separates the communication of said copies from the date set forth by the Imperial Government for the enforcement is altogether insufficient.

The legation of the United States will proceed without delay to the examination of the text which has just been transmitted to it, and reserves the right to communicate the conclusion to the Sublime Porte.

It is understood in consequence that until an understanding on this subject is reached between the imperial ministry and the legation of the United States, the law at present in force will continue to be applied to American citizens.

  1. Not printed.