Minister Leishman
to the Secretary of State.
American Legation,
Constantinople, October 26,
1905.
No. 1184.]
Sir: I have to inclose copy of cablegram sent
you this day regarding the case of Charles Vartanian, together with a
copy of a note addressed to the Sublime Porte on this subject, after my
interview yesterday morning with the Imperial minister for foreign
affairs.
When I saw that official on Tuesday afternoon he assured me that I need
give myself no concern about Vartanian, explaining that the second trial
had taken place in order to convict Vartanian’s accomplices, and that no
steps would be taken to execute the judgment of the court in Vartanian’s
case pending an adjustment between the two governments.
Subsequent events, however, developed the fact that the matter was beyond
the control of the Porte, as I received a telegram from the minister
late the same evening, asking me to call at his residence early the next
morning, which I did, and found that the palace authorities, ignoring
the action of the Porte, had made every arrangement to execute
Vartanian, as they did not wish to longer delay hanging him, owing to
popular feeling, and as the feast of Ramazan is at hand, during which
time all work is practically suspended. Unless the execution takes place
this week it will be necessary to postpone the matter for another
month.
I protested as strongly as I could against any action being taken pending
an understanding between the two governments regarding the treatment of
the case, but unless some more forcible argument be resorted to I am not
at all sure that my protest will be respected, although I am in hopes
that it may have the desired effect of causing a temporary postponement.
* * *
Awaiting your instructions,
I have, etc.,
[Page 897]
[Inclosure.]
Minister Leishman to the Minister for
Foreign Affairs.
American Legation,
Constantinople, October 25, 1905.
Your Excellency: Referring further to the
conversation with your excellency this morning in regard to the case
of Charles Vartanian and Hovhanes Afarian I would be remiss in my
duty if I failed to make every effort to impress upon your
excellency the necessity of taking every possible step to compel the
Ottoman courts to respect the agreement between the Sublime Porte
and the legation that all proceedings be stayed in these cases until
such time as our two governments shall have reached a decision
regarding the treatment of the matter.
As your excellency is well aware the American Government has not
evidenced the slightest disposition to protect these men from being
properly punished for the crimes they have committed, but it is a
matter of paramount importance that the question of jurisdiction be
settled by the two governments prior to any action being taken by
the courts, as the mere question of meting out the punishment is a
matter of secondary consideration, as there is no danger of the ends
of justice being defeated by a temporary delay, as both men are now
safely lodged in prison.
The general position of my government regarding these cases has
already been fully outlined in my previous notes and, as explained
to your excellency this morning, the legation has been unable to
arrive at a definite decision regarding the standing of these men on
account of the failure of the Turkish authorities to furnish the
promised information regarding the exact date of birth of Vartanian
and Afarian, time of their departure from Turkey, and data regarding
the application for passports which they are alleged to have made to
the Turkish consul at Chicago.
As the legation has shown every desire to arrive at an amicable
adjustment of these matters with the Sublime Porte, it would be very
regrettable if the Ottoman courts should be permitted to create an
unpleasant incident by any hasty action, and I trust your excellency
will at once cause the necessary instructions to be issued that will
insure the stay of all further proceedings until such time as the
two governments shall have reached a definite decision regarding the
matter.
I take, etc.,
