123B773/1b: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Commission to Negotiate Peace

2809. The President has decided to appoint Admiral Bristol High Commissioner at Constantinople. Any instructions sent to him from Washington will be communicated through the Navy Department. Any instructions sent to him from the American Mission should be sent through Admiral Knapp. It is the understanding with the Navy Department that he will be immediately under the direction of the Department of State in all matters political, but it will be necessary for the Navy to know what instructions may be sent him in order that they will not be inconsistent with any instructions Navy might send him. I am instructing the American Commissioner at Constantinople to report to Admiral Bristol and to consider himself [Page 813] as under his general supervision and direction. Similar instructions should be sent by you to any officials who may be there under your direction.

Lansing