File No. 867.00/723
The Ambassador in Turkey (Morgenthau) to the Secretary of State
Constantinople, December 12, 1914, 12 noon.
[Received December 15, 8:15 a.m.]
[Telegram]
148. Your 90, December 1, my 112, December 4, also my October 21, 11 a.m.1 Lately I am also apprehensive about Hollis he is very nervous owing to his inability to remedy the dreadful conditions at Beirut. He has incurred displeasure of Djemal, Minister of Marine and Commandant of Damascus, and that worries him. In a telegram to Djemal Hollis expressed astonishment at Djemal’s conduct and Djemal replied: “I never will allow you to write me that you are astonished by any of my decisions and I do not authorize you to meddle with my affairs. You have no official relation whatsoever with me. You are free to write what you desire to your Embassy.” Djemal is headstrong and very determined and next in importance to Enver and Talaat in Cabinet. On December 10 Talaat telegraphed Djemal to liberate all British and French citizens at Beirut unless he had some strong military reasons to the contrary, in which case he should report them to him. Talaat at the same time positively promised as a favor to Americans to leave unmolested at Beirut College three British professors and agent. French agents were yesterday sent to Damascus. Djemal has declined to obey Talaat’s order saying that he does not favor making any exceptions. As to professors, local authorities gave delay which expires this evening and I have Minister of Interior’s promise that [Page 777] he will telegraph again to-day. Minister of the Interior will not quarrel with Djemal for the sake of a few Englishmen. This Government is fast drifting into semianarchy, promises are made one day and recalled the next, there is no fixed policy and the, officials no longer rely on complete protection from Turkish Government. Time has arrived for Americans to consider their departure. I deem it my duty to inform you that some think two cruisers in Turkish waters add to American prestige and strengthen me. Peet thinks our safety lies in depending on Turkish Government, which up to the present time has given us ample protection and when we attempt to supplement Turkish police force we render our position absolutely hazardous, and that where we can unhesitatingly abstain altogether they reserve the right to change their mind and it will require great skill to avoid incidents. I fully agree that no change of consuls be made at present but recommend their not being entrusted with any power over the cruiser, and as I shall not assume the responsibility of sending cruiser to any port but Beirut you might recall one of them after the Tennessee has been to Alexandria and conveyed funds to Jaffa. In my opinion the chances of injuries that may result from misuse of cruisers are far greater than protection they may render. I strongly favor retaining one cruiser at Beirut but should like the captain instructed that he must not permit himself to become involved in any incident. . . and that cruiser is there for refuge and moral influence.
- Last named not printed.↩