File No. 763.72/5598
The Ambassador formerly in Turkey ( Elkus ) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 28.]
Sir: I had the honor to inform you by my telegram of June 41 that on the 2d instant I arrived in Switzerland with the following members of the staff of the American Embassy at Constantinople: Mr. Tarler, Mr. Milmore, Mr. Schmavonian, Mr. Leavitt and family, Mr. Montgomery and family, Mr. Engert, and Mr. Edelman of Damascus. Mr. Heck and his family and Mr. Wirth remained at Constantinople, attached to the Swedish Legation there.
As you have already been informed, I was taken ill on the 11th of April last. On that day, I had called on Djavid Bey, the Turkish Minister of Finance, who frankly stated to me that the German pressure on the Sublime Porte to sever diplomatic relations with the United States was becoming stronger every day. From his statements I arrived at the conclusion that the break was not far off. When it was understood that I had contracted typhus, there was a general expression of sympathy on the part of the higher Ottoman circles. H. I. M. the Sultan sent an aide-de-camp to the Embassy with a kind message to Mrs. Elkus. The Grand Vizier, [Page 605] The Minister of War, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs sent representatives to inquire after me. Senators and many other dignitaries personally called at the Embassy for the same purpose.
In the afternoon of Friday, the 20th of April, a note was received at the Embassy, dated the same day, and announcing the rupture of diplomatic relations. Very strong pressure must have been brought on the Turks to have written and sent a note on a Friday, unless it was done so, deliberately, to give that impression. The note, a copy of which was sent to you, mentioned nothing as to holding passports at my disposal, and the Turkish ministers stated that there could be no question of departure until I had completely recovered.
The day following the break, Talaat Pasha left for Germany. In his absence, Djavid Bey acted as Minister of the Interior. The Embassy was later informed that on the 21st of April he sent telegraphic instructions to the provincial authorities telling them that a rupture of diplomatic relations was not a state of war and therefore that American citizens, as well as American institutions, should be treated exactly as before the break, with the only difference that the said provincial authorities would have no official relations with the American consuls. These instructions have had a favorable effect, and I believe that American citizens and institutions in Turkey have had as good a treatment as one might expect under the circumstances. I can cite the example of the Syrian Protestant College at Beirut which was ordered to be closed by the Governor General immediately upon his learning of the break, but which was afterwards reopened and allowed to continue its classes until the end of the academic year. The Grand Vizier and other ministers have stated that, according to a decision of the Council of Ministers, American institutions will not be interfered with so long as an actual state of war does not exist between Turkey and the United States.
The Turkish ministers showed courtesy and consideration until the last day. Between the break and the date of our departure, Djavid Bey received Mr. Schmavonian several times at his private residence, and during these interviews current Embassy matters were discussed. The Grand Vizier also received him several times at the Sublime Porte. Talaat Pasha expressed great regret at our departure, stating that both Mrs. Elkus and I had gained popularity in Constantinople. He was very cordial to Mr. Schmavonian, complimented him for the work he had done in connection with the Embassy, and extended all facilities for his departure with me. After the break, which came on April 20, 1917, Mr. Tarler, in conformity with the diplomatic rules, was in charge of the Embassy work. The Swedish Legation took official charge of American interests in Turkey [Page 606] on the 26th of April. In appreciation of the work done by Mr. d’Anckarsvärd, the Swedish Minister, and his staff, I wrote him a letter, a copy of which will be sent to the Department. But the heavy burden of the work after April 20 came on Mr. Tarler and the other members of the Embassy staff. While I appreciate the work of every one in his branch and the esprit de corps shown by all, I am gratified to inform the Department that, after my recovery, I heard a general expression of appreciation for Mr. Tarler’s work and indefatigable efforts during those critical days. Mr. Tarler’s work, I respectfully submit, deserves some recognition from the Department.
Between Constantinople and Berne, the Turkish, Bulgarian, and Austrian authorities showed every mark of courtesy and facilitated my journey. At Constantinople, on the day of our departure, Djavid Bey called at the Embassy, the Grand Vizier sent a representative to the station to wish us farewell, while a representative from the Foreign Office accompanied us as far as the frontier. Neither my baggage nor that of the Embassy staff was examined anywhere. I brought with me two pouches containing despatches and mail.
Mr. Peet, who is now in Switzerland, estimates that there remain in Turkey-in-Asia about 20 Americans who desire to leave, and there are about 10 such in Constantinople. The Swedish Minister in Constantinople is trying to arrange through the Austro-Hungarian Embassy there to obtain from the Austro-Hungarian Government a further delay for American citizens to pass through Austria. As regards the remaining American consular officers in Turkey, they will proceed to Switzerland after they arrive at Constantinople. Mr. Nathan with his wife and child arrived at Constantinople on May 29, the day of my departure, at noon, too late to leave with me.
I have [etc.]
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