867.4016/726: Telegram
The High Commissioner at Constantinople (Bristol) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 11—6:35 p.m.]
310. My 301 November 4, 3 p.m. Destroyer at Trebizond reports Armenians and Greeks there have been officially informed that for [Page 951] one month they may depart without hindrance. This is not considered obligatory or compulsory.
Destroyer at Samsoun on November 1st reported that Mutessarif had [ordered] all Greeks to leave inside one month under penalty of deportation into interior and that they could take only personal belongings and could not dispose of property. Same destroyer reports November 3d Samsoun becoming uneasy and entire Greek and Armenian population preparing to leave; are selling their belongings on the street at enormous sacrifices. No provisions made for sea transportation by local authorities. Exodus expected to begin in small numbers by those able to afford passage on regular steamer. Destroyer has received many requests for assistance.
I am endeavoring to obtain definite information as to whether action of Angora Government is to be construed purely as giving permission for Christians to leave if they so desire or whether noncompliance with this permission entails deportation into interior.
In view of above-mentioned situation I have instructed commanding officers of destroyers as follows:
“Imperative commanding officers in all Turkish Black Sea ports scrupulously observe detachment policy regarding evacuation refugees from these regions as follows: Our attitude towards evacuations from these ports not in any sense same as in Smyrna area. We have assumed no obligations and do not intend to assume in the line of protection, patronage, or assistance to non-American refugees in Black Sea area. Discourage any attempt or suggestion to involve naval forces in any commitment, expressed or implied, in favor of refugees.”
After consultation with acting director Near East Relief latter has telegraphed representative Samsoun to prevent movement of orphans if possible in order to forestall civilian stampede which might result from such an act. I will continue to press Angora authorities to assume humane attitude toward Christian population. I fear present attitude of Kemalists means getting rid of all Christian minorities.