667.003/133: Telegram

The High Commissioner at Constantinople (Bristol) to the Secretary of State

221. Department’s 86, November 15th;15 Ottoman Government will accept return to ad valorem system as provisional measure pending restoration of peace if the rate is increased to 15 percent, and this increase of 4 percent is allowed exclusively to the Government and not paid to Ottoman Public Debt.

[Page 902]

Strongly urge that this proposition be accepted as purely provisional measure, without prejudice to our treaty rights and on condition that this provisional arrangement shall be no precedent for the final settlement upon resumption of diplomatic relations.

Reference to my telegram number 190, June 7th, my telegram number 203, June 21st, and my telegram number 212, July 2nd. No instructions have been received. I have induced Ottoman Government to submit this definite proposition and I am urging Allied Commissioners to agree. I urgently request my Government’s assistance.

Proposed measure would stabilize trade, remove present illegal consumption and specific taxes, prevent discriminatory taxes against American merchandise and greatly assist bad financial condition of Turkish Government.

Bristol