n f^:^ 0r %'' ■*' 4^ W "^fek «y*r ^,1 wM^ii^* ! IMIVf 1',' THE GIFT OF %^. .OyaSl**jJ? .?.PJv5l^*^-r.... X-,^■°^V)^^A ■- x.^A^A.-XxA.. COHNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 3 1924 101 131 922 xT' =^' to ^^ Cornell University Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924101131922 Sir Gilbert Parker begs permission to send a copy of the Official Correspondence relating to the rupture of relations ^vith Tuikey, and also a copy of a book called "Why We Are at War", containing facts drawn from Official sources. He begs that you will not feel it necessary to write an acknowledgment. 20, Carlton House Terrace, London, S.W., England. MISCELLANEOUS. No. 13 (1914). CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING EYENTS LEADING TO THE EUPTTJEE OE EELATI0N8 WITH TUEKEY. , Presented to both Houses of Parliament hy Command of His Majesty, November 1914. LONDON: FEINTED UNDEE THE AUTHOEITY OF HIS MAJESTY'S STATIONERY OFFICE By HAEEISON and SONS, 45-47, St. Martin's Lane, W.G., Printers in Ordinary to His Majesty. To' be purchased, either directly or through any Bookseller, from WYMAN and sons, Ltd., 29, Breams Buildings, Fetter Lane, E.C;, and 28v Abingdon Street, S.W., and 54, St. Mary Street, Cardiff; or H.M. STATIONERY OFFICE (Scottish Branch), 23, Forth Street, Edinburgh; or E. PONSONBY, Ltd., 116, Grafton Street, Dublin; or from the Agencies in the British Colonies and Dependencies, the United States of America, the Continent of Europe and Abroad of T. FISHEE UNWIN, London, W.C. 1914. LCd. 7628.1 Price 9d. ^,V TABLE OF CONTENTS. No. Name. - 1 To Mr. Beaumont 2 Mr. Beaumont 3 " )! 4 To Mr. Beaumont 5 » )i 6 Mr. Beaumont 7 j> )> 10 11 12 13 14 15 To Mr. Beaumont Mr. Beaumont J) »» To Mr. Beaumont Mr. Beaumont To Mr. Beaumont Tewfik Pasha Mr. Beaumont Date. Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Aug. 3, 1914 3, Telegraphic 4, 9, 11, 11, 11, 11, 12, 12, 12, 13, 14, Subject. Page Turkish ships building in Great Britain. To inform Turkish Government that His Majesty's Government desire to take over contract Turkish ships in Great Britain. Turkish Government annoyed at retention by His Majesty's Government Grand Vizier declares that Turkey intends to maintain neutrality. German military mission offered to stay and had conse- quently been retained Turkish ships. To explain why His Majesty's Government had to retain ships, necessity for which is much regretted If Turkey remains neutral His Majesty's Government do not propose to alter status of Egypt. Instructs him to con- tradict reported intention to annex Egypt. . Retention of ships is causing excitement An assurance that ships would be re- stored at end of war would have soothing effect " Goeben." and " Breslau " reported to have entered Dardanelles . . " Goeben " and " Breslau " must leave within twenty-four hours or be interned. To point this out to Turkish Government . . Turkey has bought " Goeben " and " Breslau." Grand Vizier asks that British naval mission may remain . . " Breslau " is perquisitioning British ships at Dardanelles. British vessels are being detained at Straits If. German oflScers and crews are returned to Germany at once, no reason to with- draw British naval mission Eeports strong representations to Grand Vizier against detention, &c., of British ships. Minister of War is quite out of hand He should point out to Turkish Govern- ment that German ships must not be allowed to commit acts of war, and ask why British ships are detained . . Declaration that Turkey is determined to maintain strict neutrality Minister of Marine has undertaken to hand over " Goeben " and " Breslau " to Admiral Limpus. No intention of sending ships outside Sea of Marmora till end of war . . [1093] a 2 11 TABLE OF CONTENTS. No. Name. Date. Subject. Page 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Mr. Beaumont To Mr. Beaumont Mr. Beaumont 5! )1 Sir L. Mallet To Sir L. Mallet Sir L. Mallet )) j> :} )» )) )) )i I) i> l> To Sir L. Mallet Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Aug. 15, 1914 16, Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic 16, 16, 18, Telegraphic 18 19, 19, 20, 20, 21, 21, 22, Admiral Limpus and British officers/ re- placed by Turkish executive officers France, Russia, and Great Britain will guarantee independence and integrity of Turkey if she remains scrupulously neutral Grand Vizier solemnly declares Turkey will maintain neutrality. His Highness admits Germany is trying to compromise her. " Goeben " and " Breslau " are now off Constantinople and are flying Turkish flag . Mines have been laid in Dardanelles I Reports interview with Grand Vizier, who deeply deplored breach of neutrality in matter of German ships. His Highness said Germans were exploiting Turkish resentment at seizure of ships building in England. He gave assurance that Tui'key will not side against allies Sir E. Grey has told Turkish Ambassador Turkey had nothing to fear from Great Britain, and that her integrity would be preserved if she remained really neutral, sent away German crews, and did not impede British vessels. . Presence of British Fleet at Dardanelles is wise in existing circumstances . . Has obtained undertaking from Grand Vizier that British merchant vessels may leave. Despite this, they have been detained. Will protest again Minister of Marine has proposed (1) abolition of Capitulations, (2) restitution of Turkish ships in England, (3) renunciation of any interfei-ence in internal affairs of Turkey, (4) handing back of Western Thrace, (5) restoration of Gi-eek islands. He promised to open Dardanelles to British fleet if German crews did not leave when told to More mhies laid in Dardanelles Porte gives assurance that British ships will not again be interfered with at Darda- nelles striving Germans and Minister of War to force on war with Russia. German garrisons reported to hold Dardanelles forts To inform Turkish Government that if they promise (1) to dismiss German naval officers and crews, (2) to give all facilities to British merchant ships, (3) maintain strict neutrality ; allies will (1) agree to abolition of Capitulations as regards ex- territorial jurisdiction, (2) give written guarantee of 1'urkish independence and integrity TABLE OP CONTENTS. Ill No. Name. 29 Tewfik Pasha ao 31 32 33 34 Sir L. Mallet )1 IT 1) 51 To Sir L. Mallet 3o Sir L. Mallet i H6 i .. 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 To Tewfik Pasha Sir L. Mallet Sir G„ Barclay Sir L. Mallet 11 " Date. Subject. Page Aug. 22, 1914 Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic 22, 23, 24, 25, 2.5, 25, 25, 2.5, 26, 26, 27, 27, 27, 27, Turkish CJovernraent will grant free navi- gation of Turkish waters to all merchant ships, and will replace German officers and crew by crew of " Sultan Osman " when latter reach Constantinople Turkish crew has now arrived. Has pressed Minister of Marine to replace German " crews Further contingent of German officers re- ported to have arrived via Sophia Reports stating to Grand Vizier that His Majesty's Government will not tolerate Germanising of Turkish fleet. Grand Vizier declared Turkey' had no such intention . Reports receipt of. written assurance that merchant vessels may ply without hindrance Message from the King to the Sultan ex- pressing regret at necessity of detaining Turkish ships in England. Ships will be restored at end of war Reports seizure of camels from Egyptians at Gaza Has made strong representation respecting seizure of camels. Grand Vizier denies all intention of attacking or intriguing against Egypt Reports further laying of mines in Dardanelles . . Sir E. Grey has taken note of assurances conveyed in his Excellency's note of 22nd August Reports arrival of further German sailors. Grand Vizier denies reported intention to close Dardanelles. Preparations in Turkish army and fleet proceeding. Situation most unsatisfactory . . Five hundred German marines^ proceeding through Roumania to Constantinople Germans urging Turks to send " Goeben " into Black Sea, counting on attack by • Russian warship. Now said to be 162 German officers in Constantinople Grand Vizier emphatically asseverates " Goeben " will never be allowed to enter Black Sea so long as she is manned by Germans. Sir L. Mallet replied that so long as Germans remained, Grand Vizier was not master of his own house. Grand Vizier declared that Turkey would never depart from neutrality, in spite of German machinations which he fully understood . . Grand Vizier declares his ignorance of re- ported arrival of German sailors, who had not been asked for by Turkish Go- vernment. Sir L. Mallet warned his Highness that allied Governments would be unfavourably influenced by continued violation of Turkish neutrality . . 10 10 10 10 11 11 11 11 12 12 12 13 13 13 14 [1093_ IV TABLE OP CONTENTS. No. Name. Date. Subject. Page 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 62 53 54 55 56 57 58 69 60 Mr. Cheetham Sir L. Mallet ') )) Sir H. Bax-Ironside Sir L. Mallet To Sir L. Mallet Sir L. Mallet )» V n 5» To Sir L. Mallet !I ») 1) )» Sir L. Mallet )! )) Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Aug. 28, 1914 28, 28, 28, 30, Sept. 1 , 1, 1, ■2, 3, 4, 4, 5, There is evidence that Turkey contemplates attack on Egypt. Turkish emissaries are being sent to India, the Yemen, Senoussi, and Egypt. Reports Turkish military activity Still considers it improbable Turkey will make any forward move. Germans con- fident of hostilities. Reports German Ambassador's activity in circulating mis- leading reports respecting the allies Area of Dardanelles, Constantinople, and Bosphorus will soon form German enclave. Probable arrival of German and Austrian guns for Straits defences Reports passage of German naval officers, men, guns, and artillery for Turkey Does not regard situation as hopeless. Believes Turkish Government are aware of German aims. Has warned Grand Vizier of inevitable result of siding against allies. His Highness promised to send away German sailors Minister of Marine has assured Russian Ambassador that he will send away Ger- man sailors in a fortnight, and that 200 are leaving to-day Grand Vizier gives solemn assurance that Turkey will maintain neutrality. Sir L. Mallet replied that until German sailors left His Majesty's Government would not be satisfied Sulleiman-el-Burouni reported to be in Egypt fomenting revolution To avoid misunderstanding Turkish Govern- ment should be informed of British patrol of Suez Canal, and that no advance into Sinai is contemplated . . May he inform Turkish Government that J' Goeben " will be treated as German ship if she enters Mediterranean with Germans on board ? . . May he announce publicly that Turkey has nothing to fear from British ships if she remains strictly neutral, does not interfere with British trade, and dismisses German crews ? May he let it be known that if Turkish fleet leaves Dardanelles it will be treated as part of German fleet ?. . " Goeben" will be treated as German ship if she comes out of the Straits Authorises statement proposed in No. 54 Approves proposal in No. 65 Reports Turkish intended intrigues in Afghanistan, India, and Persia . . Has discussed situation fully with Minister of Interior. Apparent improvement in situation. Has received assurance that Turkish fleet will not leave Dardanelles on any account 14 14 15 15 16 16 16 16 17 17 17 17 17 18 18 18 18 TABLE OF CONTENTS. No. 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 Name. Sir L. Mallet >i » » I) )> )) » 1) Mr. Cheetham To Sir L. Mallet Sir L. Mallet )) )' »j )i i> I) >» )i )I !1 I) 'I )I » Telegraphic Date. Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Sept. 6, 1914 Aug. 19, 21, Sept. 6, Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic 7, 8, 9, 9, 9, 10, 10, 13, 14, Subject. Page [1093] Reports prospect of improvement in public opinion. Growing discontent at German influence Forwards copy of note verhale addressed to Turkish Government protesting against perquisitions made by "Breslau" on British ships at Dardanelles and detention of British ships. . Transmits note verbale from Turkish Govern- ment expressing regret for incidents at the Dardanelles Reports conversation with Minister of Interior respecting Turkish attitude. Has warned his Excellency against embarking on military adventure, and impressed upon him unwisdom of Turkish attitude. Minister said Turkey wished to remain friend of Great Britain. He proposed sale of two Turkish ships, when Turkish Government would send away all Germans. Further evidence that there has been no sale of "Goeben" and "Breslau" to Turkey Turkish intrigues in Egypt. Reports attempt by Turkish naval officer to cor- rupt stokers and engineers of Khedivial mail steamers Requests his views as to recall of British naval mission. Admiralty wish to with- draw Admiral Limpus and staff Considers moment suitable to withdraw naval mission. Great discontent against Germans among Turkish naval officers . . Turkish Government have decided to abolish Capitulations. Reports verbal protest to Grand Vizier Note has been despatched to foreign em- bassies abolishing Capitulations. German Ambassador has disclaimed authorship of this move. Minister of- Interior denies- any intention of hostility against foreigners . . All embassies will send in identic notes stating that abolition of Capitulations cannot be accepted Reports amount of munitions of war so far traced as having been sent to Turkey. German reservists in Turkey instructed to report for enrolment with Turkish troops. . Note abolishing Capitulations received. Identic notes of protest addressed to Turkish Government by all foreign repre- sentatives, including German and Austrian Ambassadors Reports military movements at Alexandretta where Germans are dominant . . German Ambassador has received instruc- tions from Berlin to disseminate report of revolution in India and application by His Majesty's Government to Japan for assist- ance a 4 18 19 19 20 21 21 21 22 22 22 23 23 23 24 24 VI TABLE OF CONTENTS. 76 77 78 79 80 HI 82 Sir L. Mallet To Sir L. Mallet United Shipowners' Freight, Demur- rage, andProtective Association Sir L. Mallet )) n 5) 1) )J )) 83 84 W )> Telegraphic Telegraphic Sept. 15, 1914 16, Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic 16, 16, 18, 18, 19, 20, V 1) 85 Mr. Cheethani Telegraphic Telegi'aphic 20, 21, Danger of Turkish fleet going into Black Sea 'and of entire closure of Dardanelles by mines. German and Austrian Ambas- sadors urging this step upon Turkey Sir E. Grey suggests pointing out to Turkish Government that so long as they maintain neutrality undertakings already given by His Majesty's Government hold good and reasonable concessions about Capitulations will be considered, but concessions cannot be expected whilst Turkey's irregular conduct in matter of German crews con- tinues Reports case of detention of steamship •' Reliance " at Dardanelles, and requests assistance in recovery of compensation . . Minister of Marine is aware of German intrigues. Sir L. Mallet has pointed out to him danger of sending Turkish fleet into Black Sea as long as German oflScers remain. Grand Vizier declares there is no intention of sending " Goeben " into Black Sea Consul at Basra reports intention of Vali to request commodore of British warship to leave Shatt-el-Arab and to seal wireless Has instructed consul at Basra that Turkish authorities have no right to interfere with wireless on His Majesty's ship Has informed President of the Chamber that it would be absolute madness to go to war with Russia. Sir L. Mallet has urged him most strongly against sending Turkish fleet into Black Sea. Party in favour of neutrality is growing. German olBcers and men continue to arrive. Turkish military movements from Erzeroum to the frontier Minister of War is the only firebrand. Party in favour of peace is daily increasing. Conversation between French Ambas- sador and Minister of Marine. Latter admitted that Enver had ordered fleet to go into Black Sea, but Cabinet had decided that two destroyers only should do so. Despite this assurance, " Breslau " and three smaller ships have juat entered Black Sea Cabinet are all peaceably inclined except Enver. Sir L. Mallet has diawn attention of Grand Vizier to total disregard by Minister of War of Cabinet's decision that fleet should not enter Black Sea, and has pointed out that Constantinople and neighbourhood now form an armed Ger- man camp, adding that between 4,000 and 5,000 soldiers and sailors had arrived up to date. His Highness declared with violence that he would never allow Ministei' of War to supersede him. Has called attention to numerous cases of anti- British action, and to intrigues against Egypt Turkish preparations against Egypt continue. Measures for protection of Egyptian fron- tier may become necessary Page 24 25 25 26 26 26 27 27 27 28 TABLE OF CONTENTS. Vll 86 Sir L. Mallet Telegraphic 87 88 ») V To Sir L. Mallet Sept. 22, 1914 Telegraphic Telegraphic 89 «0 I Sir L. Mallet 91 92 93 " ," Telegraphic 1! " Mr. Cheetham To Sir L. Mallet Sir L. Mallet 22, 23, 24, Telegraphic' Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic 24, 24, 25, 25, 25, British postmaster at Constantinople has received information from subordinate Turkish postal official that foreign post offices in Turkey will be abolished on 1st October. Has instructed postmaster to return letter. Subsequently saw Grand Vizier and protested against discourteous manner of communication and against abolition of post offices. His Highness stated that similar communication had been addressed to all Powers. Sir L. Mallet considers that considerable modi- fication of existing system should not be resisted Reports audience with the Sultan, to whom King's message, authorised in No. 36, has been delivered. Sultan expressed earnest desire for good relations with Great Britain His Majesty's Government consider situation at Constantinople most unsatisfactory. Kecapitulates grievances in general against Turkish Government, and instructs Sir L. Mallet to make representations to Grand Vizier Egyptian frontier has been violated by Arabs, who have been encouraged by Turks. To inform Grand Vizier and Khedive, adding that British military authorities consider breach of the peace on Egyptian frontier is imminent . . Has addressed note to Grand Vizier, reca- pitulating recent information respecting Turkish preparations against Egypt, and pointing out conditional nature of assu- rances given by His Majesty's Government respecting status of Egypt (see No. 5). Turkish Government have doubtless been strongly urged to attack Egypt by Ger- mans. It is circumstantially reported that Germans are making desperate efforts to force Turks' hands, but that their efforts are being strongly resisted Grand Vizier has denied intrigues against Egypt, but finally admitted pressure by Austria and Germany. He emphatically disclaimed any complicity in such in- trigues. His Highness seemed more pre- occupied with Balkan situation than with anything else, and said that Turkey could not* refrain from attempt to regain what they had lost in Balkan wars if Balkan complications ensued . . Reports further Turkish preparations on Sinai frontier He should make best arrangements possible with regard to post offices, and should put on record that His Majesty's Govern- ment do not agree to abolition . . Has again pointed out most strongly to Grand Vizier fatal result of hostility towards Great Britain, and renewed pro- tests respecting German crews of "Goeben" and "Breslau." His Highness repeated his intention of maintaining peace. Has warned his Highness of dangers of a repetition of Arab raid across Egyptian frontier. Difficult position of Grand Vizier, whose party is gaining ground . . 28 29 29 29 30 30 31 31 31 Vlll TABLE OF CONTENTS. No. Name. Date. Subject. Page 95 96 Sir L. Mallet 1) )» Telegraphic Telegraphic 97 )> II Telegraphic 98 99 )) U ?» V Sept. 25, 1914 26, 27, Telegraphic Telegraphic 27, 29. 100 101 102 103 104 To Sir L. Mallet Telegraphic II II 11 11 Sir L. Mallet » 1) 29, Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic 105 11 I) 29, 30, Oct. 1, 2, Telegraphic 3, Reports further Turkish military prepara- tions in Syria, and arrival of two Germans there with consignment of explosives Has informed Grand Vizier of information contained in No. 92 and No. 95, and has warned him of serious" consequences if such preparations against Egypt continue. Has taken steps to enlighten prominent members of Cabinet with what is" going on . . Turkish destroyer has been stopped outside Dardanelles and turned back by British fleet. Dardanel les were thereupon closed by Turkish authorities. Turkish Government much perturbed. Has informed Grand Vizier of reasons of British action, and urged him to reopen Straits, and has again called his attention to Turkish action on Egyptian frontier. Grand Vizier replied that there would be no more acts of aggression, and that there was no thought of attacking Egypt. Bedouius had been ordered to withdraw at once Grand Vizier promises reopening of Dar- danelles if British fleet move a little further off (see No. 97) Germans endeavouring to induce Turkey to attack Russia in Black Sea. Umbrage caused by German Ambassador ordering " Breslau " to the Black Sea. Grand Vizier repeats request as to removal of fleet (see No. 98) Turkish Minister of War has promised military stores and instructors to Emir of Nejd and Vali of Basra, telling latter that German and other emissaries have been sent to preach " jehad " in India, Afghanis- tan, and Baluchistan, and that Turkey was prepared to help Germany in return for support in Balkan war In reply to representations by Turkish Am- bassador as to presence of H.M.S. " Odin " in Shatt-el-Arab, it ■ has been pointed out that so long as Turkey does not observe mles of neutrality she cannot appeal to them Rijquest for withdrawal of fleet (see No. 97) cannot be entertained until German officers and crews are repatriated Reports from Basra of intention of Turks to block Shatt-el-Arab, and of departure of British man-of-war from Turkish waters . . Information as to movements of troops and stores with view to eventual attack on Egypt. This and movements of certain Germans brought to attention of Grand Vizier. Galls attention to possibiUty of counter-measures being required in Sinai peninsula Germans long working for closing of Dar- danelles to be freer in Black Sea. Pro- bability that they have mined entrance, the Turks not knowing position of mines. . 32 32 32 33 33 33 34 34 34 34 35 TABLE OP CONTENTS. IX No. Name. Date. Subject. Page 106 107 108 Sir L. Mallet To Sir L. Mallet . . Sir L. Mallet 109 11 1) Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Oct. 4, 1914 4, 110 „ 111 To Sir L. Mallet 112 113 114 115 116 117 6, Telegraphic Telegraphic Sir L. Mallet 1) " )i >i To Sir L. Mallet 6, 7, Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Sir L. Mallet Telegraphic Sept. 22, Oct. 7, 10, 11, 12, Eeport from His Majesty's Consul as to demand by Vali of Basra that His Ma- jesty's ships should leave Shatt-el-Arab within twenty-four hours, and asking for instructions . . May inform Turkey that as soon as Turkish Navy ceases to be under German control British fleet will move away from Dar- danelles Turkey bankrupt, and short of coal and provisions. Thinks that they do not desire to go to all lengths with Germany, but doubts their ability to prevent Germans taking matters in their own hands Conversation of Military Attach^ with Minister of War, who seemed to have ambitious schemes as to Arab world and Egypt, and denied intention of attacking latter country, though admitting that measures of precautionary character were being taken . . His Majesty's Consul at Basra reports that Vali has orders to close Shatt-el-Arab and sea within 6 miles of shore to war- ships, and fire on them if they disobey . . His Majesty's ships are not in Turkish waters, which only extend 3 miles from coast. Mohammerah does not belong to Turkey. His Majesty's Government re- serve right to pass up and down the Shatt-el-Arab at all times Delivery of message from the King (see No. 34) at audience with Snltan, and conversation as to breaches of neutrality by Turkey and the departure of Admiral Limpus . . ^ Grand Vizier says Vali of Basra instructed to avoid interference with His Majesty's ships in Shatt-el-Arab. . Attacks on Kussian frontier by Kurds and Turkish troops, and arrest of Eussian consul. Grand Vizier has promised Eussian Ambassador to take suitable action, but Sir L. Mallet doubts his ability to restrain military party under Enver Pasha, incited by Germans and Austrians Sending of money to SjTia, mainly to sub- sidise Bedouins. Movements of German officers supposed to have money with them. Carriage of dynamite to Beirout and troops to Aleppo . . Cannot give way to Turkish demands, espe- cially as to Persian Gulf, beyond certain point, but agrees that His Majesty's Government must continue to avoid giving even plausible cause of offence to Turkey Note received from Porte, claiming that passage of His Majesty's ships to Moham- merah was breach of Turkish neutrality, and requesting that they should go to sea within eight days . . 35 36 36 36 37 37 38 40 40 40 40 41 TABLE OF CONTENTS. No. 118 Name. Sir L. Mallet Telegraphic 119 120 i> n )i )) Telegraphic Telegraphic 121 1) u Telegraphic i-22 123 »T »» To Sir L. Mallet Telegraphic Telegraphic 124 125 12G Sir L. Mallet Mr. Oheethain Sir L. Mallet 127 128 )) 51 Telegraphic Date. Oct. 12, 1914 12, 12, 12, 13, 13, Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic 11, Sept. 30, Oct. 11 It, 14, Subject. Reply of Porte as to preparations against Egypt (see No. 143) points out that these are only part of general precautionary • mobilisation. No hostile intentions against any Power, but declaration that Egypt is in state of war, dismissal of German and Austrian agents, and arrival of troops from India caused anxiety. Sir L. Mallet suggests reminding Grand Vizier that maintenance of status of Egypt is con- ditional on Turkish neutrality . . Turkish fleet has left Constantinople and entered Black Sea Departure of His Majesty's ships from Mo- hammerah now might be misinterpreted, though channel may be closed if they stay. Resistance of moderates to German endeavours to secure Turkish co-operation must not be weakened by any action on our part Has expressed surprise at receipt of note, as Mohammerah is a Persian port. Grand Vizier says there was no question of an ultimatum. He seems con- fident he can resist German pressure. Strict orders sent to Turkish troops not to cross Pers iau frontier . . Vali has told consular officer at Basra that n.M.S. "Espifegle" must leave Moham- merah within eight days or be interned. " Dalhousie " has left. . To tell Turkish Government (see No. 117) that His Majesty's Government are pre- pared to discuss question of passage through Shatt-el-Arab when Porte strictly observe their neutrality violated with regard to " Goeben " and " Breslau." Mohammerah 'not in Ottoman territory, and so presence of His Majesty's ships there does not concern Turkey . . Deliberate German and Turkish falsehoods ofiScially circulated amongst Moslems in Aleppo district, leading them to believe German Emperor has embraced Islam and fighting for it against Russia . . Transmit interrogatories regarding case of Lieutenant Robert Mors, of Egyptian Police, showing his relations with Germans, Turks, &c., and efforts at espionage and introduction of explosives into Egypt Turkish fleet has returned. As on a previous occasion, two German steamers have been convoyed, flying Turkish flag till inside Bosphorus . . Moslem "fedahis" sent to numerous Syrian towns and proceeding to Arabia and Egypt to incite Moslems against British. Many Aleppo sheikhs seem to have been gained over to side of Germany Large sums spent in cori'uption have secured control of Turkish press to German Embassy, which emits stream of men- dacity. Page 41 41 42 42 42 42 43 43 47 48 48 TABLE OP CONTENTS. XI No. Name. Date. Subject.'' Page 129 Sir.L. Mallet i'elegraphic Oct. 15, 1914 Agents sent to conduct anti-British propa- ganda at Basra and in Afghanistan, Distribution of gold amongst Bedouins. Boats, dynamite, and mines sent to various ports. Hostile preparations under Ger- man influence 48 130 'n 1) • • Telegraphic 15, Possibility' of Germans sending persons disguised as Indians to Egypt . . 49 131 Sir H. Bax-Ironside. , Telegraphic 16, Bullion,- armaments, and stores from Ger- many passing through Eustchuk for Constantinople 49 132 Sir L. Mallet Telegraphic 16, Rifles and ammunition distributed amongst Bedouins at Jaffa. Wells prepared and horses and mules requisitioned. Expected move on Akaba 49 133 1) 3) • • • Telegraphic 16, German officers with money, guus, and ammunition arrived at Aleppo en route for Bagdad. Trucks of dynamite sent to Damascus and Alexandretta, where mines laid by officers of " Breslau " . . 49 134 »1 )) • • Telegraphic 16, Minister of War, controlled by Germans, now supreme instead of Minister of In- terior, who is practically-powerless 49 135 1) II • • Telegraphic 17, Mines are being sent to Basra 50 136 Sir F. Elliot Telegraphic 17, • Bouhadi Sadil, two of whose accomplices were convicted in Egypt, has been found buying arms and ammunition for impor- tation into that country 50 137 To Sir L. Mallet . . Telegraphic 17, As "Espifegle" not in Turkish territorial waters attack on her would be wanton aggression. No present intention of her passing down Shatt-el-Arab, but we claim right of passage so long as "Goeben" and " Breslau " have free use of Turkish territorial waters 50 138- Sir L. Mallet Telegraphic 17i Gold and war material received in Constan- tinople since end of September. Sub- marine and two aeroplanes reported to have left Rustchuk 50 139 II I) • • Telegraphic 18, Aeroplane and airmen left Beersheba. Tele- gram from Minister of War as to action of Commandant of Jaffa on approach of an enemy . . . . '. 50 140 11 II • • ■■ 2, Transmits copies of note from Grand Vizier demanding closing of British post offices in Turkey, and reply (see Nos. 86 and 93) reserving all rights, but stating that operations will be suspended by offices . . 51 141 n II ■ • 2, Transmits copy of note to Grand Vizier asking if Turkey intends to carry out promises of Sultan and his Government to dismiss German officers and crews, and when this would be done 52 142 11 li 4, Transmits copy of note denying right of Turkey to abolish Capitulations, reserving liberty of action, and warning Porte of dangers of new policy adopted . . 53 143 11 II , •• 4, Transmits copies of two notes complaining of the military preparations, which are evidently directed against Egypt, and of the failure of the Porte to reply to the first of these notes and to subsequent letters 53 Xll TABLE OF CONTENTS. No. Name. Date. Subject. Page 144 Sir L. Mallet •• Oct. 6, 1914 Transmits copy of note to Grand Vizier wel- coming the rules of neutrality drawn up by the Porte in so far as they affect wireless telegraphy, and demanding their applica- tion to the " Corcovado " 57 145 U Ti • • 6, Transmits copy of a note from the Porte com- municating regulations as to belligerent warships in Turkish territorial waters, and copy of reply pointing out how little Turkish practice has conformed to these regulations, and expressing hope that new policy will be followed in future 58 146 ); n • • 6, Transmits copy of note to Grand Vizier asking on what grounds Turkey objects to His Majesty's ships being at Persian port of Mohammerah, and requesting instructions to Vali of Basra to refrain from any measures against British warships 62 147 1) )» 6, Transmits copies of a note to Porte and of letter to Talaat Bey complaining of auti- British and unscrupulous campaign in press, which is permitted by the censor in spite of the friendly assurances of the Government' . . 63 148 1) 11 Telegraphic 19, New Governor-General of Basra with naval and military officers (including Germans) and men, with ammunition, arrived at Alex- andretta. Destination reported as Basra or Maan . . . . . . . . 65 149 11 r» • » Telegraphic 19, Reports passage through Adana for Syria of officers and men (including many Ger- mans) and of civilian officials . , 65 150 Mr. Oheetham Telegraphic 19, Departure of Turkish staff officers and others from Smyrna to participate in Turcophile propaganda in India . . 65 151 Sir L. Mallet Telegraphic 19, Reports movements of German and possibly also Austrian naval parties to Akaba, Persian Gulf, and Syrian coast ports 65 152 )> )) • • Telegraphic 21, Movements of troops at Alexaudretta and Damascus towards south 66 153 )) 7-, •• Telegraphic 21, Possibility of coup d'etat by Enver, backed by Germans, should be remembered 66 154 »J il Telegraphic 22, Secret manifesto inciting Moslem soldiers to revolt against allies is being circulated at Beirout. Is attributed to Sheikh Aziz Shawish 66 155 )) n Telegraphic 22, Copies of above-mentioned manifesto are to be smuggled into Egypt and India 66 156 To Sir L. Mallet . . Telegraphic 22, German officers on frontier bent on forcing matters. Arab raid possible at any moment 66 157 Sir L. Mallet Telegraphic 22, Russian Ambassador thinks Turkey will declare war on receipt of first half of 4,000,000i. to be provided by Germany. 1,000,000/. already reported to have ar- rived. Virulent anti-British campaign in progress 66 158 » !> Telegraphic 22, Press campaign aims at proving Great Britain is inflicting deliberate blows at Islam 67 159 To Sir L. Mallet . . Telegraphic 23, His Majesty's Government will regard mining of Shatt-el-Arab as an act of open hostility 67 TABLE OP CONTENTS. XIU No. Name. Date. Subject. Page 160 161 162 163 164 To Mr. Gheetham Sir L. Mallet » » !) » ■) !1 Telegraphic Oct. 23, 1914 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 J) II To Sir L. Mallet Sir L. Mallet Sir G. Buchanan Sir Ij. Mallet )) )> 172 Mr. Gheetham 173 I) » 174 To Sir L. Mallet 175 Sir L. Mallet 176 i> » 177 Sir G. Buchanan Telegraphic ic Telegraphic 23, Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic 23, 23, 23, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 27, 28, 28, 28, 28, 28, 29, 29, Turkish Minister at Sophia has gone to Germany to arrange, it is reported, for stirring up Moslem fanaticism in India, Egypt, Algeria, and Tunis Reports arrival of further consignments of munitions of war Keports arrival of large quantities of bar gold. Probably between two and three millions have now arrived Military movements at Aleppo. Arab raid possible Minister of Marine denies to French Ambas- sador intention of war with allies, but did not deny desire to regain Egypt. Germans are inciting religious fanaticism against British German and Turkish efforts to cause anti- British feeling at Haifa by such reports as invasion of India by the Ameer of Afghanistan . , To enumerate to Grand Vizier hostile acts of Turkey and warn him of inevitable result of any attack on Egypt or Suez Ganal. Summarises Turkish acts of aggression, &c. . . . . . • • • • Turkish fleet at Kadikeui since 20th October Forty-two Germans and naval officers, dis- guised as tourists, said to have reached Aleppo Enver and others making every preparation for expedition against Egypt. Majority of Committee are, however, said to be against war. Halill has left for Berlin . . With exception of Enver, Turkish Govern- ment are seeking to temporise. Austrian Ambassador much annoyed at tardiness of Turkey. Turkish fleet has gone into Black Sea Porte regret they cannot take wireless messages for His Majesty's Embassy from England Eeported unsuccessful attempt of German officers to provoke attack upon Egyptian post at Kossaimo Two thousand armed Bedouins have invaded Egyptian territory To warn Turkish Government that so long as Germans remain Turkish ships will be treated as enemy ships Further movements in Syria of German and Turkish naval officers . . Has made representations to Grand Vizier respecting Bedouin raid into Kgypt, and has warned him of possible consequences. . Russian gunboat at Odessa has been sunk and Theodosia bombarded by Turkish fleet 67 67 68 68 68 68 69 69 69 70 70 70 70 70 71 71 71 71 XIV TABLE OF CONTENTS. No. Name. Date. Subject. Page 178 179 180 181 182 183 Mr. Roberts To Sir r.. Mallet Sir L. Mallet Mr. Cheetham Count Benckendorff, Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Oct. 29, 1914 30, To Sir F. Bertie ., Sir Gr. Buchanan. ,, Sir C. Greene 184 To Sir G. Buchanan . „ Sir F. Bertie . „ Sir 0. Greene 30, 20, Nov. 2, 3, Further details of attack upon Odessa Russian Ambassador has been instructed to leave Constantinople. Unless Turkish Govornmeut will dismiss German crews within twelve hours Sir L. Mallet should ask for his passports . . Russian, French, and British Ambassadors have asked for their passports . . Transmits further interrogatories of German spy Mors Communicates telegram from M. Sazonof. Turkish Charge d' Affaires at Petrograd has handed in telegram from Turkish Government, insinuating that Russian fleet took initiative in hostilities. M. Sazonof indignantly denied insinuation, and told Turkish Charg^ d'Affaires that he would receive his passports on 2nd November . . Informs of interviews between Sir A. Nicol- son and Turkish Ambassador on 31st October and 2nd November. Transmits telegram communicated by his Excellency, in which Turkish Government express regret at incident in Black Sea, but state that His Majesty's Government have '' provoked " rupture of relations. Sir A. Nicolson strongly demurred to this ex- pression in view of what had, in fact, happened Final interview between Sir E. Grey and Turkish Ambassador, who asked for his passports. It was again explained to Tewfik Pasha that unless German military and naval missions, and especially crews of "Goebeu" and " Breslau," were dis- missed, hostilities with Turkey must continue 72 72 72 72 75 75 Correspondence respecting Events leading to the Rupture of Relations with Turkey. No. 1. Sir Edward Grey to Mr. Beaumont. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, August 3, 1914. TURKISH ships building in Great Britain. Arrangements are being made with the firm of Armstrong, Whitworth, and Co. for His Majesty's Government to take over the Turkish battleship " Osman I " now building with that firm. Please inform Turkish Government that His Majesty's Government are anxious to take over the contract. No. 2. Mr. Beaumont to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received August 4.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, August 3, 1914. GRAND VIZIER and Minister of the Interior spoke to me with some vexation of the detention of Turkish ship, which they seemed to consider- an unfriendly act as Turkey is not %t war. Minister of the Interior referred to the very heavy financial sacrifices by which this ship had been paid for with money borrowed at a rate amounting to interest at 20 per cent. No. 3. Mr. Beaumont to Sir Edward Grey. — (Received August 4.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, August 4, 1914. GRAND VIZIER to-day renewed assurances that Turkey intends to observe strict neutrality. Mobilisation had been decided upon only because it would take months to complete, and because the Government wished not to be taken by surprise in case of aggression by Bulgaria, though they had also been alarmed by rumours of action by Russia — attributable, I think, to German Ambassador. Retention of German military mission meant nothing and had no political signififcance. He regarded them as Turkish employes who were doing good work, and, as they had offered to remain, it would have been ungracious to refuse. [1093] B No. 4. Sir Edioard Grey to Mr. Beaumont. ' (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, August 4, 1914. YOUE telegram of 3rd August. •'••■ I am sure Turkish Government will understand necessity for His Majesty's Government to keep all warships available in England for their own needs in this crisis. Financial and other loss to Turkey will receive all due consideration, and is subject of sincere regret to His Majesty's Government. You should inform Grand Vizier. * See No. 2. No. 5. Sir Edward Grey to Mr. Beaumont. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, August 7, 1914. IF Turkey remains neutral and Egypt remains quiet, and should no unforeseen circumstances arise, His Majesty's Government do not propose to alter the status of Egypt. A report has reached me that it is being alleged that the annexation of Egypt is under consideration by His Majesty's Government. You should emphatically contradict this to the Turkish Government, and say that we have no intention of injuring Turkey, and you should add an assurance in the sense of the first paragraph. No. 6. Mr. Beaumont to Sir Edward Grey. — (Received August 10.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, August 9, 1914. AN official communique was recently published here which showed a distinctly hostile tone towards Great Britain. This communique dealt with the requisition of the Turkish warships by His Majesty's Government. The Grand Vizier has told me that Turkish Government had to pretend to the Turkish public, as the latter had subscribed towards the purchase money for the vessels, that the'y were taking a stronger line than really was the case. He said, however, that we should not attach too much importance to publications of this kind. Public opinion is daily growing more excited, and I think that if His Majesty's Government were able to give an assurance that Turkey would have the ships, if possible, on the conclusion of hostilities, such an assurance would have a soothing effect. I have received a most emphatic assurance from the Grand Vizier that nothing will induce Turkey to join Austria and Germany as long as he remains in power. His position is strong enough to give a certain value to this assurance. No. 7. Mr. Beaumont to Sir Edward Grey. — [Received August 1 1.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, Augiist 11, 1914. A REPOET has reaqhed me from vice-consul at the Dardanelles, dated evening of the 10th August, that two large warships, thought to be the "Goeben" and the " Breslau," have entered the Straits, and that the German consul went to meet them. Arrival of these vessels at Nagara late on same evening was reported in a second telegram. No. 8. Sir Edward Grey to Mr. Beaumont. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Offiee, August 11, 1914. I LEARN that at 8-30 p.m. last night "Goeben" and "Breslau" reached the Dardanelles. These ships should not be allowed to pass through the Straits, and they should either leave within twenty-four hours, or be disarmed and laid up. You should point out to the Turkish Government that these are the daties entailed upon them by their neutralitjr, and that His Majesty's Government expect that they will act up to their obligations. No. 9. Mr. Beaumont to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received August 12.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, August 11, 1914. MY telegram of 11th August." The Ottoman Government have bought "Goeben" and "Breslau." Officers and men will be allowed to return to Germany. Grand Yizier told me that purchase was due to our detention of " Sultan Osman." They must have ship to bargain with regard to question of the islands on equal terms with Greece, and it was in no way directed against Russia, the idea of which he scouted. He formally asked that the British naval mission might be allowed to remain. • See No. 7. No. 10. Mr. Beaumont to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received August 12.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, August 11, 1914. FOLLOWING from consul, Dardanelles, to-day : — " The large German ship has just left for Constantinople. " Boats from small German ship have perquisitioned our ships here, and destroyed Marconi apparatus on French ships under threat of sinking them. "We have protested, demanding disarmament or expulsion of German ships before night. " It seems that they desire to force Turkey into war." Military authorities seem to have completely lost their heads. British ships are capriciously detained at Dardanelles, and port officials here are refusing to issue papers to outgoing vessels. No. 11. Sir Edward Grey to Mr. Beaumont. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, August 12, 1914. YOIJR telegram of llth August."^'' If the crews of the " Goeben " and " Breslau " are returned to Germany at once * See No. 9. [1093] B 2 and if the transfer of those vessels to Turkey is bond fide, so that they can only reappear as Turkish ships with Turkish crews, there seems no reason that the British naval mission should be withdrawn. No. 12. Mr. Beaumont to Sir Edward Orey. — {Received August 13.) (Telegraphic.) Gonstantino'ple, August 12, 1914:._ I SAW the Grand Vizier this morning and made strong representations to him against restrictions of free passage of the Straits, which the military authorities are now imposing under various pretexts. I said they had been holding up passenger and grain ships in the Dardanelles, refusing to deliver papers to ships wishing to leave Constantinople, and ordering grain ships to return to Constantinople at their caprice. The Grand Yizier admitted that the War Office had been most high-handed in their action, in violation of international obligations. It seems that the Minister of War has now got entirely out of hand, and I gather that he alone is responsible for the present situation. Matters are undoubtedly becoming serious, but a Cabinet Council is being held this afternoon, and I hope I may be able afterwards to report somq improvement. I should add that all foreign shipping is affected by the restrictions to which I have alluded above. No. 13. Sir Edward Grey to Mr. Beaumont. (Telegi'aphic.) Foreign Office, August 12, 1914. YOUK telegram of 11th August.* You should at once point out to Grand Yizier that Turkish Government must not permit German ships to commit acts of war in the Straits, and ask why British merchant ships are detained. * See No. 10. No. 14. Tewfik Tasha to Sir Edward Grey. — {Beeeived August 13.) (Translation.) L'AMBASSADEXJRdeTurquiepresente THE Turkish Ambassador presents his ses compliments a Sir E. Grey et a I'honneur compliments to Sir E. Grey and has the de communiquer ci-dessous h, son Excellence honour to communicate herewith the text le texte du t^l^gramme qu'il vient de of a telegram just received from his recevoir k I'instant de son Gouvernement : Government, which runs as follows : — " Pour ne laisser subsister aucun doute " In order that there may be no doubt sur I'attitude pacifique que le Gouverne- as to the pacific attitude which the Turkish ment Imperial a dicidd d' observer dans Government have decided to observe in the les conflits actuels, je vous informe derechef existing struggle, I inform you forthwith qu'il est rfeolu degarder striate neutrality." that they are determined to maintain strict neutrality." Ambassade Imperials ottomane, Londres, Turkish Embassy, London, le 13 aout, 1914. August 13, 1914. No. 15. Mr. Beaumont to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received August 15.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, August 14, 1914. ADMIRAL LIMPUS has received promise from Minister of Marine that his Excelleiicy will make crews for the " Goeben " and " Breslau." This will take time, but nevertheless it will be done ; and his Excellency has undertaken to hand over the two ships bodily to the British admiral. Admiral Limpus informs me that a month will probably elapse before " Sultan Selim" (late "Goeben") can b^ even moved by the Turkish crew; but the formalities of transfer may be complete technically in a day or two. Further delay in 'taking delivery from the Germans is unavoidable. Minister of Marine declared there was no intention of sending the ships outside Sea of Marmora until the end of the war. No. 16. Mr. Beaumont to Sir Edward Ghfey. — {Received August 16.) (Telegra,phie.) Constantinople, August 15, 1914. ADMIRAL LIMPUS and all officers of British Naval Mission have suddenly been replaced in their executive command by Turkish officers, and have been ordered to continue work at Ministry of Marine if they remain. Although I have been given to understand by a member of the Government that they are still anxious to get officers and crew of the " Goeben " and " Breslau " out of Turkey, this will probably mean retention of mechanics and technical experts at least, which will create most dangerous situation here. No. 17. ■ Sir Edward Grey to Mr, Beaumont. (Telegraphic.) . Foreign Office, August 16, 1914. AS soon as French and Russian Ambassadors are similarly instructed, you are authorised to declare to Turkish Government that if Turkey will observe scrupulous neutrality during the war England, France, and Russia will uphold her independence and integrity against any enemies that may wish to utilise the general European complication in order to attack her. No. 18. Mr. Beaumont to Sir Edward Grey.— {Received August 17.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, August 16, 1914. THIS morning Grand Vizier assured me again most solemnly that Turkish neutrality would be maintained. That Germany was doing her utmost to compromise the Turkish Government he did not deny, and he went so far as to admit that there was a danger of provoking Russia if Turkey lent herself to German designs which it served Turkey's interests to acquiesce in. This ambiguous expression no doubt refers to the fact that a certain number of German experts will be left on the " Goeben " and " Breslau," owing to the inability of the Turks to handle those ships themselves. It would have been an impossible situation for Adflfiiral Limpus, if h^ b^d had under his [1093] B 3 direct orders a. mixed crew of Turks and Germans, and perhaps reason of his withdrawal from executive command may lie in this consideration. The "Goeben" and " Breslau " are at present lying off Constantinople. The Grand Vizier has assured me that there is no intention of moving them from Marmora. They are now flying the Ottoman flag under nominal command of Turkish officer, and have been transferred. This at least is a good sign. No. 19. Mr. Beaumont to Sir Edward Orey. — {'Received August 17.) (Telegraphic.) _ Constantinople, August 16, 1914. I HAVE received the following telegram, dated the 15th August, from His Majesty's vice-consul at Dardanelles : — '•' A_ new field of mines has been laid in the zone formerly sown with mines of observation type. It may be assumed that these latter had previously been removed. " The new contact mines, to the number of forty-one, were laid by the ' Mtibah ' from Kephez to Suandere in a double line. Seven were kept on the ship, and the twenty-four from the ' Selanik,' which is proceeding to Constantinople, were also taken on board. " The ' Lily Rickmers,' a German ship which has arrived here, carries a wireless installation." No. 20. -Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey.— (Received August 18.) (TelegraphicO ^ Constantinople, August IS, 1914. i HAVii been accorded most cordial reception upon my return to my post by the Grand Vizier, of whom I enquired whether the German crews would be removed soon and what guarantee he would give that the " Goeben " and " Breslau " would be used neither against Great Britain nor against Russia. I also expressed my surprise that the -Lurkish Government should be apparently entirely under German influence, and that they should have committed such a serious breach of neutrality as was involved bv their action m the matter of the German ships. His Highness said that he deeply deplored this breach of neutrality, which he could not deny. He begged me to give him time to get rid of German crews, which he promised he would do gradually, but, until arrival of Turkish transport with crews from Liondon, lurkish Government had no crew to replace Germans. His Highness added that he had protested against the action of the " Breslau " in boarding British and French ships at the Dardanelles, and he expressed the hope that i would not take too serious a view of that incident. Situation is dehcate, but I have great hopes that if His Majesty's Government wil exercise patience, it may yet be saved; for Grand Vizier solemnly Assured me that neither^ the " Goeben " nor the "Breslau" would go into the Black Sea or the i-VJLGQluGl r£tIlG£lIl. ^, ■ ■?'^. Highness -said that seizure of Turkish ships building in England by His Majesty s Government had caused the whole crisis, and, as almost ?very Turkish subject had subscribed towards their purchase, a terrible impression had been made throughout Turkey, where British attitude had been attributed to intention to assist Greece in aggressive designs against Turkey. Turkish population would have under- stood if Great Britain had paid for the ships, or if she had promised to return them when the war vvas over ; but as it was it looked like robbery. Germans had not been slow to exploit the situation, of which they had taken every "advantage His Highness was much impressed and relieved when I informed him cf the declaration authorised in your telegram of the 16th August.* He said that this would * No. 17. be of enormous assistance to him, and he assured me that I need not be anxious lest Turkey should be drawn into war with Great Britain or with Eussia. The present crisis would pass. I am convinced of the absolute personal sincerity of Grand Vizier in these utterances. •No. 21. Sir Edward Qr.ey to Sir L. Mallet. (Teleg^-aphic.) Foreign Office, August 18, 1914. I TOLD the Turkish Ambassador, who had expressed uneasiness as to our intentions towards Turkey, that Turkey would have nothing to fear from us, and that her integrity would be preserved . in any conditions of peace which affected the Near East, provided that she preserved a real neutrality during the war, made the " Breslau " and " Goeben " entirely Turkish by sending away the German crews of these vessels, and gq,ve all ordinary facilities to British merchant vessels. No. 22. Sir L. Mallet to Sir: Edward Or ey. — [Received August 19.) (Telegraphic.) , Constantinople, August 19, 1914. IN view of the possibility that a coup d'Etat may be attempted with the assistance of the " Goeben," in co-operation with the military authorities under German influence, who exercise complete control, I wish to make it clear that in my opinion the precaution of presence of British fleet at the Dardanelles is wise. I am anxious to avoid any misunderstanding, as to the gravity of the situation, notwithstanding the assurances received from tbe Grand Vizier. No. 23. Sir L. Mallet to Sir: Edward Grey. — {Received August 20.) (Telegraphic.) , Constantinople, August 19, 1914. I SAW the Grand 'Vizier on the- afternoon of 17th August, and made strong representations to him with regard to the detention of vessels laden with cargoes consigned from Russian ports to the Mediterranean. He promised to give immediate instructions that ships should be allowed to proceed. The port authorities were undoubtedly instructed yesterday morning to permit seven ships loaded with grain and one with petroleum for the Mediterranean, and one ship with coal for the Danube, to d^epart, but this permission was cancelled later. It appears from this as if the military party, supported by the Germans, were determined .to reassert .themselves, and that a serious conflict of authority has arisen. I propose to see Grand Vizier; whom I was unable to see last night, as early as possible this morning, and to insist upon his carrying out of his promise with regard to laden ships. If these' are permitted' to leave, only four ships will remain, and no others have arrived since yesterdaj^. _ _ ^ _ . Of these four ships only one is in a position to leave immediately, but their case is different to that of the nine ships mentioned above, of which the cargoes have never touched Turkish soil, and which are covered by treaties guaranteeing free passage of' the Straits at all times, thus making their detention a far more serious matter. [1093] B 4 No. 24. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edioard Grey. — (Received August 21.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, August 20, 1914. MINISTER of Marine came to see me to-day and expressed his relief at being able to talk to me freely. He put forward the following proposal : — Firstly, that the Capitulations should be abolished immediately. I pointed ont the difficulty of this, and he suggested that the Minister of Finance should come and discuss the question with me. Secondly, he demanded the immediate return of the two Turkish battleships acquired by His Majesty's Government at the commencement of the war. I told him that this was impossible, but that I would endeavour to obtain as good terms as possible for them, and that I hoped they would not be needed during the war, and would soon be returned to Turkey ; in the meanwhile they should be regarded as a loan from Turkey to a friend. Thirdly, he asked for renunciation of any interference with the internal affairs of Turkey. This need not be taken seriously, and is, of course, an absurd proposal. Fourthly, he* asked that if Bulgaria should intervene against the Triple Entente, Western Thrace should be given back to Turkey. Fifthly, he wanted the restoration of the Greek islands. T told him that this was impossible, and he finally agreed to the basis arranged just before the present war broke out. His final proposal was that the allied Powers should undertake to oblige the Triple Alliance to accept any agreements which might be reached with respect to the Capitulations. Our conversation was of the friendliest description, and at its close the Minister of Marine asked whether I would sanction the chartering of a British oil-tank steamer now at Tenedos to convey oil from Constanza. I asked him the purposes for which this oil was required, and he replied that it was for use in Turkish destroyers. I said that I thought that such a request, when the German crews of the " Breslau " and "Goeben" were masters of the situation here, would greatly surprise His Majestv's Government, and he replied that he did not wish to create any suspicion in their minds, and would therefore withdraw his request, adding that any suspicion that the German ships would be allowed to attack our shipping was absurd. I said that, although I personally believed in the sincerity of his assurances, there seemed tO' oe no doubt that the German admiral was now the master here. Minister seemed greatly surprised at this, but finally asked me to assure you that he would open the Dardanelles to the British fleet, if the German crews would not leave the two ships when he told them to do so. No. 25. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — (Received August 21.) (Telegraphic.) _ Gongtantinople, August 20, 1914. FOLLOWING from His Majesty's vice-consul, Dardanelles, dated 19th August :— " Passaged were stopped this afternoon, while seventeen more mines were laid in a zigzag line along one side of the channel, which has been rendered extremely narrow. There is a heavy oil-steamer to pass to-morrow, and it may not be easy. " Mines remain, but I suspect that there are more on board ' Rickmers.' " Weber Pasha, who has returned with other German officers, is believed to be on board the latter vessel. " Several Hotchkiss guns have arrived and have been mounted on both sides of the Straits commanding minefield." No. 26. Sir- L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey.— {Received A.ugust 22.) (Telegraphic.) ' Constantinople, August 21, 1914. YOUR telegram of 12th August.* Reply to representations received from Porte expresses regrets for unfortunate incident of which British merchant vessels at Dardanelles were object, and gives formal assurances that similar acts shall not occur again. Explanation of detention of ships given in Porte's note is that in consequence of some mines having been detached from their moorings, authorities had prevented vessels from continuing their voyage until mines had been picked up, in order to avoid accidents. ' No^ mention is made of real reason, which was wish of military authorities to requisition grain and other cargoes. * See No. 13. No. 27. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received August 22.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, August 21, 1914. I WAS informed by the Grand Vizier to-night that he wanted all the support that the Triple Entente could give him, and that the sooner they could give a written declaration respecting the independence and integrity of Turkey the better. A sharp struggle, which may come to a head at any moment, is in progress between the Moderates and the German party, headed by the Minister for War, and is meanwhile creating anarchy here. Marshal Liman* and the German Ambassador are recklessly striving to force the Turks into declaring war on Russia, in which case the " Goeben" and " Breslau " would presumably sail for the Black Sea. They are prepared to achieve, this object, if necessary, by a coup d'Etat, making the Minister of War dictator. It is said that the Dardanelles forts have German garrisons, and that the " Goeben," which has been slightly damaged, will be repaired by the 2nd September, or possibly earlier. * Head of the Germau Military Mission in Turkey. No. 28. Sir Edward Grey to Sir L. Mallet. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, August 22, 1914. YOUR telegram of 20th August.* The demands made by the Turkish Government are excessive ; we do not, however, wish to refuse all discussion, and you may therefore, as soon as the French and Russian Ambassadors have received similar instructions, address the following communication to the Porte : — " If the Turkish Government wiU repatriate immediately the German officers and crews of the ' Goeben ' and ' Breslau,' will give a written assurance that all facilities shall be furnished for the peaceful and uninterrupted passage of merchant vessels, and that all the obligations, of neutrality shall be observed by Turkey during the present war, the three allied Powers wiU in return agree, with regard to the Capitulations, to withdraw their extra-territorial jurisdiction, as soon as a scheme of judicial administration, which wiU satisfy modern conditions, is set up. " They will further give a joint guarantee in writing that they will respect the independence and integrity of Turkey, and will engage that no conditions in the terms of peace at the end of the war shall prejudice this independence and integrity." ^ * See No. 24. 10 No. 29. Tewfik Pasha to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received August 22.) L'AMBASSADEUR de Turquie pre- sents ses compliments k Sir E. Grey et, se refdrant a la conversation qu'il a eu rhonneur d'avoir avec son Excellence et dont il avait rendu compte k son Gouverne- ment par un tdl^gramme en date du 18 courant, s'empresse de I'informer que son Altesse Said Halim Pacha vient de lui faire savoir par une d^p^che responsive expddi^e hier et parvenue k 1' instant : 1. Que les ordres n^cessaires ont 6t6 donnas h, qui de droit pour le libre com- merce dans les eaux ottomanes de tout navire marchand ; 2.- Que le Gouvernement Imperial pro- cedera au remplacement des officiers et Equipage allemands par ceux du "Sultan Osman", dfes qu'ils seront arrivfe k Con^ stantinople. Ambassade Imperiale ottomane, Londres, le 22 aout, 1914. (Translation.) THE Turkish Ambassador presents his compliments to Sir E. Grey, and with reference to the conversation which he had with him, and which he reported to the Turkish Government in a telegram of the 18th instant, hastens to state that his Highness Said Halim Pasha has just replied in a telegram dated yesterday, and just received, as follows : — 1. The necessary orders have been given in the proper quarter for the free naviga- tion of Turkish waters by all merchant vessels ; 2. The Turkish Government will replace the German officers and men by those of the "Sultan Osman" as soon as they arrive at Constantinople. No. 30. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received August 23.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, August 22, 1914. 1 SAW Minister of Marine, as the Turkish transport has now arrived, and asked him when the crews of the " Goeben " and " Breslau " would be repatriated. He said that it depended upon the Grand Vizier. He was himself in favour of their repatriation. I shall press the matter strongly, but do not know whether the Moderates are sufficiently strong to insist upon such a step being taken at once. •No. 31. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received August 24.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, August 23, 1914. I HEAR that a further contingent of German officers has recently arrived vi^ Sophia for service here. No. 32. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received August 25.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, August 24, 1914. 'J'HE Minister of War has not yet recovered from his illness. I have made it absolutely clear to the Grand Vizier that there is evidently no reason for delaying transfer 11 of ships now that changes have come, and I said that His Majesty's Government would not tolerate that the Turkish fleet, as well as the Turkish army, should be in the hands of Germany, warning his Highness that the British fleet would not leave the Dardanelles until His Majesty's Government were . satisfied that the Turkish Government had loyally carried out the condition laid down, and until British merchantmen could navigate Turkish waters without either delay or molestation. It was therefore obvious that if there was any idea of manning the Turkish fleet with German officers and men it must be given up. The_ situation was already quite humiliating enough for the Turkish Empire, which was in peril of total ruin if the Turkish Government allowed the domina- tion of Constantinople by Germany. The Grand Vizier assured me that the Turkish Government had not the slightest intention of Germanising their fleet ; and while it is my impression that the forces in favour of the maintenance of strict neutrality by Turkey are slowly gaining, I replied that I should not be satisfied with less than the actual departure of the German crews. No. 33. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received August 25.) (Teleg-raphic.) Constantinople, August 25, 1914. I RECEIVED yesterday a written assurance from Grand Vizier that merchant vessels will be allowed to go and come in Turkish ports without hindrance in accordance with treaties. No. 34. Sir Edward Grey to Sir L. Mallet. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, August 25, 1914. HIS Majesty the King desires that your Excellency should convey to His Imperial Majesty the Sultan of Turkey a personat message from His Majesty, expressing his deep regret at the Sorrow caused to the Turkish people by the detention of the two warships which His Imperial Majesty's subjects had made such sacrifices to acquire. His Majesty the King wishes the Sultan to understand that the exigencies of the defence of his dominions are the only cause of the detention of these ships, which His Majesty hopes will not be for long, it being the intention of His Majesty's Government to restore them to the Ottoman Government at the end of the war, in the event of the main- tenance of a strict neutrality by Turkey without favour to the King's enemies, as at present shown by the Ottoman Government. No. 35. Sir L. Mullet to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received August 26.) (Telegraphic.) • Constantinople, August 25, 1914. I HEAR from His Majesty's consul at Jerusalem that forty camels laden with food-stuffs have been seized from Egyptians at Gaza. No. 36. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received August 26.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, August 25, 1914. SEIZURE of camels reported inmy telegram of to'-day."* I am making strong representations to Ottoman Government. The Germans, who * See No. 35. - 12 are no doubt responsible for the activity now reported, are doing their best to embroil us with the Turks. The Grand Vizier vehemently denies that it is his intention to attack Egypt m any way or to attempt any sort of intrigues there. In this, I think, he is sincere. He is forming a Moderate party genuinely in favour of Turkey remaining neutral. No. 37. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edioard Grey. — (Received August 26.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, August 25, 1914. HIS Majesty's vice-consul, Dardanelles, reports that former channel on the European side of the Straits was further mined on the 24th August. More buoys have been placed in new channel on the Asiatic side, and that channel may now be followed. Passages were prevented on the 24th August by the work of laying these buoys, but they have been resumed from to-day. No. 38. Sir Edward Grey to Teiofik Pasha. Your Excellency, Foreign Office, August 26, 1914. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of the note which your Excellency was so good as to address to me on the 22nd instant.® In reply, I have the honour to state that I have taken note that : — • 1. The necessary orders have been sent by the Imperial Ottoman Government to the competent authorities to allow free passage in Ottoman waters to all foreign merchant vessels. 2. That the Imperial Ottoman Government will replace the German ofl&cers and crew of the late " Goeben " and "Breslau" by those ot the "Sultan Osman " the moment the latter arrive at Constantinople. I have, &c. E. GREY. * See No. 29. No. 39. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — (Received August 27.) (Telegraphic.) Gonstantino'ple, August 26, 1914. NINETY German sailors passed through Sophia yesterday on their way to Constantinople. I have protested strongly, but Grand Vizier is unable to control the situation, which is dominated by the German Ambassador and generals. Weber Pasha, who is in command at the Dardanelles, is said to be urging closing of the Straits. I have brought this to the notice of the Grand Vizier. His Highness most positively repudiated any such idea, and begged me to have patience, as this situation would not last, and he was gaining authority. In the meantime, general mobilisation is proceeding feverishly, and preparations are being pushed on in the fleet. Eighty pounds' worth of surgical appliances, dressings, &c., were bought by doctor of the "Corcovado" to-day. I am informed that there is a 5 -inch gun hidden by canvas at her stern. She still lies at Therapia. It is not likely that the two German men-of-war will come out of the Dardanelles, but there are grounds for thinking that German plan is to urge Turkey to 13 attack Russia after France is beaten — about ten days hence, in their estimation. Straits would be entirely closed, and, according to the German Ambassador, quite impossible to force, since Germans have taken special measures to make them impregnable. To sum up, the situation is most unsatisfactory, though not actually desperate. No. 40. Sir G. Barclay to Sir Edward Grey. — (Received August 27.) (Telegraphic.) Bucharest, August 27, 1914. PRESS to-day reports special train from Berlin, carrying 500 German marines, passed through Bucharest yesterday for Constantinople. Official communication this evening states that this was not a military transport, but that men were workmen, mostly Germans, under the direction of several engineers and functionaries, on the way to Turkey vi^ Bulgaria for work on Bagdad Railway. Communique adds that in future foreign subjects will not be allowed passage through the country in groups of more than twenty, even if their individual passports are in order. No. 41. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — (Received August 27.) | (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, August 27, 1914. GERMAN ships. There are grounds for thinking that Germans are urging Turks to send " Goeben " into Black Sea, where they would argue that she has a right to go as a Turkish ship. Germans would count upon Russian warship attacking her, and war would ensue, seemingly provoked by Russia. Object of Germans is to create a diversion here, draw off' some Russian troops and enemies from Austria, and embroil us at the same time. There are, it is said, 162 German officers here and many reservists. No. 42. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — (Received August 28.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, August 27, 1914. MY telegram of 27th August.* Russian Ambassador is at j^resent with Grand Vizier, whom I have just seen. I again impressed upon his Highness vaj apprehensions lest " Goeben " should make a raid. I expressed my conviction that, should Turkey be so unwise as to provoke the Powers of the Triple Entente, it would mean the end of the Ottoman Empire. To these observations on my part, his Highness replied that the " Goeben," manned as she was with German crew, would never be allowed by the Turkish Government to enter the Black Sea. His language on this point was most emphatic, and I believe that he was sincere in what he said. I did not fail, however, to draw his Highness's attention to the fact that, if the Minister of Marine, the Minister of War, and the German Ambassador ordered the " Goeben " to go there, I did not quite see how his Highness was going to prevent it. If the German Emperor ordered the German admiral to go into the Black Sea, it did not seem to me that the two Turkish Ministers could, even if they would, prevent the admiral from obeying those commands. Grand Vizier assured me most emphatically that my fears were entirely without foundation, but he did not give me any reasons to back up this optimistic opinion. His Highness was much upset when I rejoined- that, so long as German crews remained * See No. 41. 14 his Highness was not master of his own house, but at the mercy of the Germans, who had, to all intents and purposes, occupied Constantinople. His Highness admitted that Germans were urging Turkey to depart from her neutrality, and that they wished to embroil her 'with the Russians and ourselves, but he nevertheless solemnly assured me that Turkish Government would not depart from their neutrality. He fully understood Germany's aims in this matter, and all Turkish Government were determined not to fall into the trap. Grand Vizier is, I am sure, absolutely sincere himself But none the less the situation is as I have described it in the preceding paragraphs. No. 43. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Orey. — {Received August 28.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, August 27, 1914. MY telegram of 24th August.* In reply to my enquiries. Grand Vizier stated that neither he nor Minister of Marine knew anything about the reported arrival of German sailors. They had not been asked for by the Turkish Government. I said that, if this really was the case, it furnished yet another proof of how completely Germany had obtained control here. German merchantmen were, to my knowledge, arming in the port of Constantinople, and it was obvious that the German sailors were to be put into these ships or on board the Turkish fleet. This being so, it was my duty to warn his Highness of the unfortunate effect that this continued violation of Turkish neutrality in favour of Germany was bound to have upon the Governments of the Triple Entente. * See No. 39. No. 44. Mr. Cheetham to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received August 28.) (Telegraphic.) Cairo, Augustj 28, 1914. OTTOMAN forces are being mobilised in Hedjaz and further south, and existing military activity in Red Sea may thus be explained. About sixty Turkish officers arrived at Alexandria recently and passed through Egypt down Red Sea. Their destination was the Yemen. Twelve thousand Turkish troops are reported in Jeddah region. Signs are not lacking that, in case of war, an attack on Egypt is contemplated by Turkey. A few Turkish officers are now in the Delta. Steps have been taken to watch all those that are known. I learn from a good source that all information of Turkish mobilisation reported from Constantinople is correct. Meanwhile emissaries are being sent to India, the Yemen, Senoussi, and Egypt, to stir up feeling against Great Britain. Activity at Gaza is reported, but it is uncertain whether this is more than raising of levies to replace regulars withdrawn from the north by mobilisation. No. 45. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received August 29.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, August 28, 1914. GENERAL situation here. It is possible, though I consider it highly improbable, that Turks may make a dash out of the Dardanelles when their fleet is better prepared. It is equally possible that Turkey may make some forward movement against Servia or Greece on land. 15 Nevertheless, I trust that you will not read my various reports to mean that I have abandoned last hope that neutrality will be maintained to extent of not actually attacking Russia in Black Sea. I still think that it is far from probable that Turkey will for the time being make any forward move. News propagated by German Ambassador here this morning is that Germans are marching on Pans, and that they have decisively worsted the allies. This message has without doubt come by wireless, as the Ambassador is in direct communication with German General Staff." This news will, I fear, tend to shake Turks still further, as they now confidently expect that Tri-ple Entente will be annihilated. There is also no doubt that very active preparations are in hand, and that Germans here are confident of hostilities. Consignments of gold from Germany have arrived for German and Austrian banks, private German residents have sent away their wives, and quantities of medical stores have been purchased and put on board German ships. I hear that German Ambassador is adopting tone of friendly commiseration for Great Britain, who, he asserts, will never assist Russia in any movement against Turkey. He has made the remarkable Statement • that his Government will now offer favourable terms to France, which she will certainly accept ; that Germany will then wage a platonic war with England, whose heart is not in the struggle, and who will make terms to save her fleet; and that Germany and England will then combine against Russia. German Ambassador's attitude seems to indicate great preoccupation as regards British fleet and as regards Russian ad-\^ance in East Prussia, and a desire to make terms now' in order to save Germany's resources for a final struggle with us under more favourable conditions. I have made it known privately in the proper quarter that under no conditions would Great Britain abandon her allies, and that, whatever the present situation in the field may be, it is still but the beginning of a struggle from which we are firmly resolved to emerge victoriously. No. 46. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — (Received August 29.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, August 28, 1914. FROM information that has reached me, there is no doubt that in course of time the whole area of the Dardanelles, Constantinople, and the Bosphorus will become nothing more nor less than a sort of German enclave. Sailors recently arrived from Sophia will be sent to Straits forts and more will follow. This is over and above German military reservists already allotted to garrison those forts. I hear that, although Turks have not yet any ordnance of the more modern type for mounting in Straits defences, it is very probable that consignment of guns will arrive in the near future from Germany and Austria through Constanza. No. 47. Sir H. Bax-Ironside to Sir Edward Grey. — (Received August 29.) (Telegraphic.) Sophia, August 28, 1914. SPECIAL train full of German sailors with officers passed Sophia last night for Constantinople, making total passed about 600. I am informed credibly that large consignment of guns and artillery material has passed through Roumania to Giurgevo and is now being brought across. to Rustchuk. 16 No. 48. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — (Received August 31.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, August 30, 1914. I AND my colleagues still do not regard situation as hopeless, and are of opinion that we should go on as long as possible without provoking a rupture. I find it hard to believe that, when it coraes to the point, Turks would declare war on Russia or on ourselves. Eventuality ol a general war is doubtless counted on by Germany with the object of diverting energies of Russia from the main object of European conflict. Germans may even argue that, in the event of Russians receiving serious check in Germany, they might be induced to desist from struggle by bait of Constantinople. There is no doubt that it is object of Germany to involve Russia and Great Britain in serious troubles here in the hope of general Balkan conflagration and of complications for us in India and Egypt. I heard to-day on good authority that it is admitted in Berlin that, if necessary, they will encourage a "jehad "* with this object. I have strong impression that Turkish Government, with exception of its extreme chauvinists, are aware of Germany's objects, which I have not ceased to instil into them, and that time may cool their ardour for their German masters. I warned Grand Vizier this morning of inevitable results of siding with Germany against us, and said that our patience was not inexhaustible, and that consequences of allying themselves with our enemies would be serious. His Highness seemed to be impressed, and promised that German sailors should be sent away. * I.e., Holy War. No. 49. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — (Received September 1.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, September 1, 1914. MINISTER of Marine called on Russian Ambassador last night and assured him that he was working hard for neutrality, that he would send away German sailors in fortnight, and that 200 were leaving to-day, truth of which we shall verify. He may only be gaining time. No. 50. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — (Received September 1.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, September 1, 1914. I AGAIN discussed subject of Turkish neutrality to-day with Grand Vizier. His Highness evidently relies on Minister of Interior, who returns shortly. He assured me most solemnly that Turkish Government would not depart from their neutrality. I replied that we should not be satisfied until the German sailors left, as Turkish neutrality had already been so gravely compromised already. He reiterated with much vehemence that all German sailors should go. No. 51. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward, Grey. — (Received September 1.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, September 1, 1914. SULLEIMAN-EL-BUROUNI, a highly-placed senator, is in Egypt, probably in Cairo, engaged in fomenting revolutionary movement. 17 No. 52. Sir Edward Grey to Sir L. Mallet. (Tele^Taphic.) Foreign Office, September 1, 1914. iJN order that there may be no room for misconception, you should inform Turkish wI^vT^u"^ *^a* Egyptian Government are taking measures to patrol Suez Canal on +u n '^ 1 ' ^^^ *^^* ^^^® ^*^P ^^ necessary to protect the safe and proper working of the_ Canal. You should add that no advance into Sinai, nor military operations in that region, are under contemplation. No. 53. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — -{Received September 2.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, September 2, 1914. I SHOULD be glad to learn whether British Admiral has instructions in case " Goeben " went into Mediterranean under Turkish flag. Should I tell Turkish Government that, so long as she has Germans on board, we shall regard her as a German ship and treat her as such, and that, before she goes out into Mediterranean, Admiral Limpus must be allowed to assure himself that there are ,no Germans on board ? . I do not anticipate her going out, but should like to make it clear beforehand what our attitude would be in case she does so. No. 54. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — (Received September 3.) (Telegraphic.) _ Constantinople, September 2, 1914. AM I authorised to make public statement that Turkey will have nothing to fear from British ships if she maintains strict neutrality and keeps peace during European conflict, if British trade is not interfered with, and if German naval officers and crews are sent out of the country ? No. 55. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — (Received September 3.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, September 3, 1914. I SHOULD be glad to have discretion to let it be known that if Turkish fleet leaves the Dardanelles we shall treat it as part of the German fleet, as it has Germ,an crews and oflficers on board. No. 56. Sir Edward Grey to Sir L. Mallet. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, September 3, 1914. YOUR telegram of 2nd September.* So long as German crews have not been sent away, " Goeben " will certainly be treated as a German ship if she comes out of the Straits. It was only on express condition that German crews would be sent awny that we waived demand, to which we were strictly entitled, that ship should be interned until the end of the war. • See No. 63. [1093] C No. 57. Sir Edward Grey to Sir L. Mallet. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, September 4, 1914. YOUR telegram of 2nd September.* You may make statement you propose, but we cannot restrict movements of British fleet. * See No. 54. No. 58. Sir Edivard Grey to Sir L. Mallet. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, September 4, 1914. YOUR telegram of 3rd September :* Turkish fleet. Proposal approved. * See No. 55. No. 59. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received September 6.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, September 5, 1914. I HEAR that Inspector from Constantinople of Committee of Union and Progress left Erzeroum on the 1st September for Persia, where he has previously lived. He was accompanied by three Persian revolutionists from Constantinople, one of them named Agha Mehemet Ali. They have ideas about Afghan and Indian Moslems, and also intend to stir up anti-Russian trouble in Persia. No. 60. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — {Eeceived September 6.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, September 5, 1914. I HAVE to-day gone over the whole ground with the Minister of the Interior, who seems more inclined to be reasonable. I think there is an improvement in the situation. Minister quite understands that " Goeben " will be treated as a German, ship if she goes out. They assure me that Turkish fleet will not leave the Dardanelles on any account. No. 61. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received September 6.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, September 6, 1914. SURPRISES are always possible, but T feel fairly confident, from what I hear from many prominent people with whom I am in touch, that public opinion will change in bur favour. There is growing discontent among influential people, who are now beginning to realise that they are in German hands. This they resent, and they are openly declaring that they will not allow war. In view of all this, I think I can safely say that there are many signs of an improvement in the situation here. 19 No. Q2. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Orey. — {Received September 7.) ^i^> Constantinople, August 19, 1914 WITH reference to your telegram of the 12th August* to Mr. Beaumont, I have the honour to^ transmit herewith copy of a note verhale addressed by him to the Subliihe Porte in the sense of your instructions respecting the perquisitions efifected-^ by the German cruiser " Breslau " off" British ships in the port of Chanak,and the detention of British ships in the Dardanelles. I have, &c. LOUIS MALLET. * See No. 13. Enclosure in No. 62. Note verhale communicated to Sublime Porte, Constantinople, August 14, 1914. IT having been brought to the notice of His Britannic Majesty's Government that, while in the neutral port of Chanak (Dardanelles), bbats of the cruiser " BreSlau," flying^ the German flag, boarded and effected perquisitions on British ships, His Britanni'c Majesty's Charg^ d' Affaires has been instructed to request that the Imperial Ottoman Government will not permit German ships to commit acts of war in Turkish ports or in the Straits, the neutrality of Avhich is guaranteed' by international treaties. Mr. Beaumont is instructed at the same time to enquire on what grounds British ships have recently been prevented from leaving the port of Constantinople, and have been detained on arrival at the Dardanelles, in some cases for several days. According to a telegram received to-day from His Majesty's vice-consul at the Dardanelles, British ships are still being held up there, and His Britannic Majesty's Charge d'Affaires has the honour to request that immediate orders may be sent to allow them to proceed. No. 63. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — (Received September 7.) Sir, ,,;,,., Constantinople, August 21, 1914,. "Wli^H reference to my immediately preceding . despatch,* I have the honour to forward herewith a note verhale from the Sublime Porte, expressing regret for the incidents at the Dardanelles and offering explanations. I have, &c. LOtJiS MALLET. * See No. 62. Enclosiire in No. 63. Note verhale communicated by Sublime Porte. LE Ministfere Imperial des Affaires Etrangferes a eu I'honneur de recevoir la note verbale que I'Ambassade de Sa Ma- jesty britannique a bien voulu lui adresser en date du 14 courant. En rdponse, le Ministfere Imperial des Affaires Etrangferes s'empresse d'ex- primer tons ses regrets a M. le Charge d'Affaires de Sa Majeste britannique pour le f^cheux incident dont furent I'objet quelques b4timents de commerce battant [1093] (Translation.) THE Imperial -Ministry for Foreign Affairs, had the honpur ot receiving the note verbale which His Britannic M.ajesty's Embassy was good enough to communi- cate on the 14th instant. In reply, the Imperial Ministry for Foreign Affairs hastens to express great regret to the Chargd d'Affaires for the annoying incident suffered by some mer- chant vessels flying the British flag in the harbour of Chanak ; the Sublime Porte C 2 20 pavilion anglais dans le port de Chanak ; are able to give the most formal assurances la Sublime Porte est en mesure de donner that such an act shall not be repeated, les assurances les plus formelles que pareil fait ne se rdpdtera plus. Quant aux bateaux retenus k Chanak, As regards the vessels detained _ at des torpilles sous-marines s'dtant detach des, Chanak, some submarine mines haying les autoritfe Impdriales ont cru de leur become detached, the Imperial authorities devoir d'emp^cher ces bateaux de continuer thought it incumbent upon them to prevent leur voyage jusqu'au repSchage desdites those vessels from continuing their voyage mines, pour eviter de f^cheux incidents, until the said mines had been recovered, in Cette interdiction provisoire est done le order that annoying incidents might be rdsultat d'une mesure g6n6ra.\e que le prevented. This provisional prohibition is, Gouvernement Imperial s'est vu obligd de it will thus be seen, the result of a general prendre afin d'assurer la sdcuritd de la measure which the Imperial Government navigation dans les eaux Impdriales. have been obliged to take with a view to ensuring the safety of navigation in Turkish waters. Le Ministfere des Afiaires iltrangeres a The Ministry for Foreign Affairs has the I'honneur de porter k la connaissance de honour to inform His Britannic Majesty's I'Ambassade de Sa Majeste britannique que Embassy that, the mines having been re- les mines, ayant dte rep^chdes, les autoritds covered, the competent authorities have compdtentes ont 6te invitees par le Gou- been requested by the Government to raise vernement Imperial de lever I'interdiction the prohibition of free passage, and to do de passage et de faciliter de leur mieux la their best to facilitate navigation for all navigation k tons les navires. vessels. Le 16 aout, 1914. August 16, 1914. No. 64. S/r L. Mallei to Sh' Edicard Grey. — {Received Septeviber 7.) (Telegraphic.) Constmitlnople, September- 6, 1914. MINISTER of Interior yesterday assured me that there was no question of Turkey going to war. I used every possible argument to dissuade Minister of the Interior from leaping on a military adventure, reminding him that in the end Turkey would inevitably pay. I told him His Majesty's Government regarded Turkish fleet as annex of German fleet, and that if it went out into the ^gean we should sink it. He quite realised this, and said that fleet had no intention of leaving Dardanelles. I went carefully over several infringements of neutrality of which Turks had been guilty, and I said that so long as a single German ofiicer, naval or military, remained here I should consider Turkey as a German protectorate ; that I had been informed that Turkish Government attached no importance to written declaration which I and my French and Eussian colleagues had made them respecting their integrity. I was greatly surprised at this attitude, but personally somewhat reheved, as to guarantee integrity and independence of Turkey was like guaranteeing life of man who was determined to commit suicide. We sincerely desired independence and integrity of Turkey, but he must not imagine that Great Britain was afraid of Turkey, or that we feared to face alter- native if forced upon us. Most ridiculous stories about insurrections in India and Egypt and approaching downfall of British Empire were being circulated broadcast, and were apparently believed by Minister of War. I hoped that Minister of the Interior was not under those and similar dangerous illusions. Minister of the Interior said that he understood. He then proceeded to state that Turkish Government now wished to sell us two Turkish ships outright. They wanted money badly, as the economic situation was desperate. I replied that I did not know His Majesty's Government's views, which 21 I would enquire, but that, personally, I should be reluctant to inflict so mortal a stab on the wounded heart of the Turkish people, who were already suffering so much by temporary detention of their ships. Their purchase might give rise to another tempest of indignation. Moreover, I doubted _ whether His Majesty's Government would readily pay several millions to a country which was entirely in German hands, and which was breathing out threats against ourselves and our allies. He repHed that His Majesty's Government could make what conditions they liked if they bought ships ; and that Turkish Government would send away ull Germans. I said that I would reflect on proposal and repeat it to you. No. 65. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received September 7.) ^ (Telegraphic.) _ _ Constantinople, September 7, 1914. THERE is fresh evidence that there has been no sale of the " Goeben " and " Breslau " to Turkey. I learn on unimpeachable authority that German Ambassador has twice sent down orders to customs for admission, duty free, of effects for His Imperial Majesty's ship " Goeben." I have brought this to notice of Grand Vizier, and have reminded him that we do not recognise sale. Should I not tell his Highness that His Majesty's Government will require to be satisfied that the sale is a genuine and legal one, before they can recognise the ship as Turkish ? I think that this should be done, even if the German crews go. I have said to both Talaat and Grand Vizier that if " Goeben " and " Breslau " leave Dardanelles they will be treated as German ships. They fully realise this, and have assured me that the ships will on no account leave. No. 66. Mr. Cheetham to Sir Edward Orey. — {Received September 8.) (Telegraphic.) . Cairo, September 8, 1914. PRESENCE of numerous Turkish officers in Egypt is undoubtedly a danger, and measures against suspected individuals may become necessary at any moment. A Turkish naval officer recently left Egypt hurriedly for Beirout. A letter belonging to him has been found, in which it is stated that he has been doing his best to cause a strike amongst Moslem stokers and engineers of four Khedivial mail steamers, which are to be iised as transports for our troops. The letter continues that he has not succeeded in his attempts, but that he will do his best to sink the vessels after the troops have embarked. It is worth noting that a strike on steamers in question has now occurred. No. 67. Sir Edward Grey to Sir L. Mallet. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, September 8, 1914. BRITISH Naval Mission. .... Before any decision respecting the recall of the mission is taken by His Majesty's Government, I wish to have your views on the subject. I am reluctant to take any step, however justified it may be, that would precipitate unfavourable developments, as long as there is a reasonable chance of ^.voiding them. What effect do you consider that withdrawal of mission would have upon the political situation ? The Admiralty are of opinion that the position of the mission may become unsafe [1093] 3 22 and that it is already undignified. They therefore wish it to be recalled and attached to the embassy until you can arrange a safe .passage home for Admiral Limpus and the other officers. There is. clearly ample justification for the view taken by the Admiralty. No. 68. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward G^^ey.'^— (Received September 9.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, Septemher 8, 1914. I HAVE on more than one occasion told Grand Yizier that resentment is probable in England, especially in present circumstances, at the slight put upon British- admiral, and that, much as His Majesty's Government desire to remain on friendly terms with Turkey, such proceedings on the part of the Turkish Government cannot be indefinitely overlooked. In many respects the situation seems to show improvement, bxit unless His Majesty's Government wish mission to remain indefinitely it seems to me that the present would be a suitable moment to withdraw it. The Turks could not regard this step as a grievance as it is obviously justified by their conduct. The mission are at present treated as non-existent, and their position is consequently both false and invidious. German hold on the navy is becoming stronger daily, and there is no sign of German crews leaving. As a matter of fact, far from being disadvantageous to us, this is becoming embarrassing to the Turkish Government, who are at last beginning to realise that the Germans are not an unmixed blessing. Great discontent reigns among Turkish naval officers, so Admiral Limpus tells me, as they dislike German officers, and they even hint that they would rather mutiny than serve under them. I am of opinion that the time has come to withdraw the mission, and if this can be approved in principle, I will speak to the admiral, who feels his position acutely, and ask him to make the necessary arrangements. * This telegram crossed Sir E. Grey's telegram of September 8, see No. 67. No. 69. , Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — (Received Septemher 10.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, Septemher 9, 1914. GEAND VIZIER admitted this morning that the Turkish Government were going to abolish Capitulations. 1 said that this information would greatly surprise my Government, whom I would at once apprise. The Capitulations and conventions were not a unilateral agreement ; we had on a former occasion informed the Turkish Government that we were willing to consider any request they might put forward in a generous spirit, but I did not imagine that my Government would acquiesce in their total abolition by a stroke of the pen. We were now under martial law. Did he expect us to allow British subjects to be judged by court-martial, especially so long as army was in hands of Germans ? His Highness made some ineffectual endeavours to defend his action, but I cut them short. No. 70. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — (Received Septemher 10.) (Telegraphic.) _ Constantinople, Septemher 9, 1914. MINISTER of Interior told me to-day that note to embassies on subject of the abolition of the Capitulations had already been despatched, German Ambassador had just called to protest. Earlier in the day the Italian Arnbassador had informed me that German and Austrian Ambassadors were ready to associate themselves with us in protesting against the abolition. 23 German Ambassador has disclaimed authorship of this move on the part of Turkey, and I think that he may be speaking the truth ; but every statement he makes must be received with caution. Nevertheless, statement by Minister of Interior, to which I have alluded above, seems to bear him out in this case. _ I have discussed the proposed abolition with the Minister of the Interior, and he maintains that they air feel that the time has come to emancipate Turkey from foreign shackles. But he disclaimed any intention of hostility against foreigners. He had already sent instructions to ail Valis and police officials not to inflame people against foreigners, and he would give strictest orders that no foreigners should be taken before courts-martial. I told his Excellency that I thought the action of the Ttrkish Government would inevitably lead to greater interference than ever in the internal affairs of Turkey. I could only regret that they should have acted so precipitately. No. 71. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received September 10.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, September 9, 1914. ABOLITION of Capitulations. It lias been arranged that all the embassies shall send in identic notes to-morrow, acknowledging Turkish note and' pointing out that abolition of the Capitulations cannot be accepted, as consent of both contracting parties is necessary. No. 72.- Sir L. Matlet to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received September 11.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, September 10, 1914. CONSIGNMENTS of warlike material from Germany traced up to date amount to 3,000 rounds of projectiles for " Goeben," battery of field guns with ammunition, several batteries of heavy howitzers, probably for field army use, and some thousands of rifles. More consignments are on the way. All German reservists who have not been able to leave Turkish Empire have been instructed to report for enrolment with Turkish troops. No. 73. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received September 11.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, September 10, 1914. MY telegram of 9th. September.* Note abolishing all the Capitulations was received last night. All my colleagues, including German and Austrian Ambassadors, have to-day addressed identic notes to the Sublime Porte stating that, while communicating to our respective Governments note respecting abolition of Capitulations, we must point out that capitulatory regime is not an autonomous institution of the Empire, but the resultant of international treaties, diplomatic agreements, and contractual acts of different kinds. It cannot be abolished in any part, a fortiori wholly, without consent of. contracting parties. Therefore, in, the absence of understanding arrived at before 1st October between Ottoman Government and our respective Governments, we cannot recogAise executory force after that date of a unilateral decision of Sublime Porte. * See No. 71. [1093] C 4 24 Xo. 74. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey .—(Received September 14.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, September 13, 1914. I HEAR that Germans are now dominant at Alexandretta, and secretly suggest and control everything. From 7th September to morning of 12th September, 24 mountain guns, 400 horses and mules, 500 artillery troops belonging to service of 6th Army Corps, and large quantity of ammunition passed through Alexandretta, proceeding by railway to Constantinople. No. 75. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — (Received September 15.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, September 14, 1914. GERMAN Ambassador has received instructions from Berlin to publisli widely report of revolution in India, with addition that His Majesty's Government have asked Japan to assist, and that Japan has agreed, in return for free immigration into the Pacific Coast; a free hand in China, and a 40,000,0001. loan. I was warned in time by the Russian Ambassador, and instructed all consuls by telegraph to deny it, if published, and wrote to the Grand Vizier. Nothing official has appeared here, but the agencies are publishing part of the story. No. 76. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edivard Grey. — {Received September Ki.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, September 15, 1914. FLEET is now entirely in German hands, and Minister of Marine is powerless. Germans consider that Dardanelles are now impassable, and they are impressing this upon military authorities. It is said that, if the Turkish fleet moved into the Black Sea, Straits would be entirely closed by additional mines, which have just been sent there on the "Nilufer." Though I do not say that this coup will actually come off, danger is undoubtedly greater since news has been received of the recent successes of the allies, as the Germans are all the more anxious to create a diversion. My impression is that majority of the Cabinet and the Grand Vizier himself are entirely opposed to any such adventure, and that they are doing their utmost to prevent it ; but they are finding out, though they will not admit it, that they are powerless to stop matters. Both I and my Russian colleague have received independent information that German and Austrian Ambassadors are making a determined effort to force the Minister of War to send the " Goeben " and the rest of the fleet into the Black Sea. Fifty transports have been i-eady for sometime, and I understand that everything is prepared for the reception on board these vessels of a large number of Turkish troops. Abolition of the Capitulations is now the principal card in the hands of the peace party. They would, 1 think, be ready to defer discussion of abolition of judicial Capitulations if abolition of fiscal and commercial treaties could be agreed to forthwith by the three Powers. 1 hear that 15 per cent, duties will be applied from the 1st October, but a law is at present under consideration exempting existing contracts. As nothing is at present coming into ports, application of these duties is, as a matter of fact, of little consequence. The temettu also will be applied to foreigners. 25 No. 77. Sir Edward Grey to Sir L. Mallet. (Telegraphic.) - • Foreign Office, September 16, 1914. YOUR telegram of 1 5th September :* Abolition of Capitulations. I am inclined to point out to Turkish Government that, so long as they maintain neutrality, what_ we have said to them already holds good, and that we shall be prepared to consider reasonable concessions about Capitulations ; but they must not expecb concessions from us while their present irregular conduct in the matter of the German ofl&cers and crews continues. Perhaps we might also say that if they break the peace we cannot be responsible for the consequences ; that we hope they will keep the peace, bixt whether they do so or not is their own affair. * See No. 76. No. 78. United Shipowners' Freight, Demurrage, and Protective Association to Sir Edward Grey. — {Beceived September 17.) Vienna Chambers, Bute Docks, Cardiff, Sir, September 16, 1914. WE are instructed by the owners of the steamship " Reliance" to seek your aid for the recovery of compensation from the Turkish Government for the detention of their steamer by the Turkish authorities. The facts of the case are as follows : — On the 1st August last the steamship " Reliance " sailed from Nickolaief with a cargo of barley for Hamburg and arrived off Constantinople at noon on the 3rd. The captain waited at Constantinople for orders from the owners of his steamer until the 6th, but he received no communication from his owners as the Turkish authorities had stopped the delivery of telegra,ms. On the 6th August the captain proceeded on his voyage and arrived off Nagara Point, Dardanelles, on the following day at 8 a.m. when he sent his permit to pass through the Dardanelles ashore in accordance with the usual practice atjd received a signal from the fort that the canal was blocked. This blocking signal was kept up on the 8th, 9th, and 10th August; on the latter date several Italian vessels were piloted out and the German warships "Goeben" and "Breslau" were piloted in by Turkish torpedo craft and anchored in Nagara Bay. A German merchant vessel, the " General," was also piloted in. The captain of the "Reliance" daily saw the British consul at Chanak, but the consul was unable to obtain permission for the " Reliance " to pass through the Dardanelles. On the 11th, 12th, 13th, and 14th August the "Reliance" remained off Nagara Point, and on these days Roumanian, French, and Italian steamers were piloted in and out, but no British ships were allowed to leave. At 5 "50 P.M. on the 14th August the. captain received orders from Turkish officials to proceed to Constantinople and remain there until the cargo had been discharged. Several other British stean^ers that were waiting received similar orders, amongst them being the steamship " Hillhouse," the steamship " Countess of Warwick," and the steamship " Barrowmore." The captain proceeded to Constantinople and arrived there at 1 p.m. on the 15th August. On arrival he went ashore and noted protest against the detention of his steamer and also saw the British consul. On the following day the "Goeben" and " Breslau " arrived off Constantinople under the Turkish flag. On this day the " Reliance " was boarded by a Turkish officer who asked for the displacement of the vessel and for information as to the capacity for carrying horses_ and troops. On the 18th the captainiS of all British ships at Constantinople were told by the British harbour-master, on instructions from the British consul-general, that they were now allowed to proceed and were again to apply for permits. On the same day the captain of the " Rehance " obtained a permit and sailed from Constantinople and arrived again off Nagara Point at 8 A.M- the following morning (19th August) when he 26 sent his" second permit ashore, but the Turkish authorities cancelled the permit and ordered the " Reliance " to anchor. On "the 20th August one Italian ship and the British ship " Eyton," in ballast, were allowed to pass through, and on the following day the steamship " BuUmouth " loaded with kerosene and three other steamers were piloted out. It was not until the 22nd ultimo at* 11 '40 a.m. that the " Reliance " was allowed to sail. We respectfully submit that the Turkish authorities should be made to pay compensation for their action in detaining British ships, and on behalf of the owners of the "Reliance " we request that their claim of 640Z., being at the ordinary charter-party rate of 40Z. a day, for the detention of their steamer from the 6th to the 22nd August should be made against the Turkish Government by the British Ambassador at Constantinople. DOWNING AND HANDCOCK. No. 79. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received September 17.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, September 16, 1914. MINISTER of Marine has assured me that he is quite aware of German intrigues, and that Turkish Government are not so innocent as to fall into the trap that has been laid for them. His Excellency admitted, however, that there had been an idea of sending the fleet to visit Trebizond, as he claimed that the Government had a right to do. I pointed out, should they do so, as long as German officers were on board, there was bound to be a certain risk of some incident occurring, in view of well-known desire of Germans to provoke trouble between Russia and Turkey. His Excellency did not demur to this opinion, and said that he would at once see the Grand Vizier in order to stdp it. I have also seen Grand Vizier. His Highness said there was no intention of sending the " Goeben " into the Black Sea, and stated that the Minister of War must obtain the authorisation of the Cabinet before he could issue any such order. No. 80. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edioard Grey. — {Feceined September 19.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, Septeviber 18, 1914. FOLLOWING telegram received from His Majesty's consul at Basra :— "I am informed officially by Turkish commodore that a British man-of-war is lying near boundary line in Shatt-el-Arab, whole of which is within Ottoman waters. Vali intends to ask the captain to allow wireless apparatus to be sealed and to leave, as more than twenty-four hours have elapsed since ship entered the river. Vali knows that I am informing you." No. 81. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received September 19.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, September 18, 1914. FOLLOWING sent to Basra :— " Turkish authorities have, of course, no right to interfere with wireless on men-of-war." 27 No. 82. i,, Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Orey. — {Received September 19.) (Telegraphic.) __ _ Constantinople, September 19, 1914:.' '■ TURjKISH military preparations. In conversation with the President of the Chamber to-day, I said that if it was really Turkey's intention to go to war with Russia, I considered such a policy absolute madness. ' President said that, even if Turkish fleet went into Black Sea, it would not be with any hostile intention ' towards Russia, with whom they were not going to war. I' pointed out to him that Germany was pressing Turkey to send their fleet into the Black Sea with one object only, namely, that war might be provoked by some incident. I therefore urged him most strongly against any such action. He said that he was against it, and that he saw the force of my argumeht, to which I replied that as the Minister of War was supreme it was unfortunately no guarantee that it would not be done. President told me that the Cabinet had their own policy, which was to remain neutral, and that they were all alive to the aims of Germany. I pressed him hard as to what was the policy of the Minister of War. I do not regard situation as hopeless. Party in favour of neutrality is growing, but it would be unsafe to rely on their power to restrain war party. I hear that 156 more mines and the minelayer "Ghairet" have been sent to Roumeli Kanak, on the Bosphorus. Turkish flget went to Halki yesterday for review, and will probably remain there till next week, when the " Hamidieh " and "Messudiyeh" will be ready. German officers and men continue to arrive by trsiin; It is probable, that there are German reservists resident in Turkey who have been incorporated in Turkish army. 200 Germans arrived at the Dardanelles on September 17th. Cavalry and horse artillery are reported to have moved from Ersseroum towards the frontier. No. 83. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received September 20.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, September 20, 1914. I BELIEVE that Minister of War is the only firebrand. Committee of Union and Progress is exercising a restraining influence. I think it is undoubted that party in favour of peace is daily increasing. French Ambassador Had a conversation yesterday with Minister of Marine. Latter assured his Excellency that Turkish Government were determined not to be drawn into war, to which his Excellency retorted that if this assurance was correct, it was difficult to understand why preparations to send Turkish fleet into Black Sea were being made. Mioister of Marine replied that Council of Ministers had decided that two destroyers only should go into Black Sea and that the fleet should not go. He admitted that the Minister of War, who was generalissimo of the army and navy, had as a matter of fact ordered the fleet to go, but, as all orders had to pass through him as Minister of Marine, he had insisted that this order should be referred to the Council, with the result above stated. As an illustration of the entire lack of control possessed by the Cabinet over the Minister of War and the Germans, if any further illustration is needed, I have to report that, despite this assurance from the Minister of Marine, the " Breslau" and three other ^mailer ships passed us this morning and entered the Black Sea. My Russian colleague trusts that no incident will happen and proposes to ignore this proceeding. : __ ' ; r No. 84. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received September 21.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, Septemb&r 20, 1914. I HAVE just had an animated interview with the Grand Vizier, and I am convinced that he is sincere. Other Ministers are all peaceably inclined, with the 28 exception of the Minister of War. So long as the latter remains supreme an incident may occur at any moment. I tackled the Grand Yizier on the sub)ect of the "Breslau" entering the Black Sea. He vehemently disclaimed any intention of attacking Russia, and said that Turkish Government had a right to send their fleet into the Black Sea if they wished to. I reminded him that neither the " Goeben" nor the " Breslau " were Turkish ships according to international law, and said that if they left the Dardanelles we would most certainly treat them as enemy ships. He replied that I had told him this often before, and there was no question of the ships leaving the Dardanelles. I then said that information bad reached me that Council of Ministers, in order to avoid risk of an incident, had come to the wise decision that the " Goeben " and the " Breslau " should not go into the Black Sea ; and yet, on the very day on which this decision had been reached by the Cabinet, it was totally disregarded by the Minister of War, as his Highness was doubtless aware. This showed how much control his Highness now exercised. Constantinople and the neighbourhood formed nothing more nor less than an armed German camp, and we all, including his Highness, were at the mercy of Liman Pasha* and the Minister of War. Many more German officers and men had arrived, and there must now be between 4,000 and 5,000 German soldiers and sailors here. Grand Vizier replied that he was determined to maintain peace, and that more adherents were joining the peace party every day. He would never allow Minister of War or anyone else to supersede him. Speaking with the utmost energy and even violence he assured me that, in spite of appearances, which he admitted looked bad, nothing would happen. I said that doubtless peace party was growing, but, nevertheless. Minister of War was pushing forward warlike preparations uninterruptedly. I was receiving constant information respecting British official war news being stopped, cases of requisitions, &c., and I knew as a fact that intrigues against Egypt were being carried on. If his Highness could stop these things, why did he not do so, and when would he be able to do so ? His Highness gave me to understand that if a crisis did come there would be a means of stopping Minister of War. * General Liman von Sanders, Head of the German Military Mission. No. 8r>. Mr. Gheetham to Sii- Edioard Ch-ey. — {Received September 22.) (Telegraphic.) Cairo, September 21, 1914. INFORMATION respecting Turkish preparations against Egypt receives fresh corroboration. There has been no slackening of military pxeparation in Palestine and in Syria. If Turkish preparations continue, it may become necessary to put patrols into Sinai and to support our posts in the peninsula. Action of forces in Egypt has been hitherto confined, as you are aware, to patrol of Suez Canal, but I think that Turkish Government should be warned that measures for the protection of the Egyptian frontier may become necessary. No. 86. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received September 23.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, September 22, 1914. A LETTER was yesterday received by British postmaster from a subordinate official in the Turkish postal administration. In this letter postmaster was informed that foreign post offices in Turkey would be abolished as from .1st October next. I instructed British postmaster to return the letter, and to say that matter had been referred to his Ambassador. This discourteous manner of communication was my first official information of any intention to abolish foreign post offices in Turkey. I accordingly saw Grand Vizier at once, and said that I resented the manner of communication, and had instructed British postmaster to return the letter. Post offices did not depend upon the Capitulations, and if Turkish Government wished to see the system modified, they should approach His Majesty's Government through the usual diplomatic channel. I warned him that His Majesty's Government would not allow themselves to be ignored in this manner 29 and I would not, unless by your instructions, consent to summary closing of British post offices on 1st October unless Turkish Government had given guarantees for safeguarding Biitish interests. His Highness said that Great Britain was not aimed at specially. A similar communication had been addressed to all the Powers, I said I was indifierent as to view of the matter taken by my Fretich and Russian colleagues, nor liad I yet had time to ascertain what they thought. Grand Vizier assured me that until an understanding had been come to with His Majesty's Government nothing further would be done in the matter. I would observe that, in my opinion, considerable modification of existing system cannot properly be resisted. If Russian and French Ambassadors agree, may I come to some arrangement on the lines of consenting to incorporation, of the British post office as a section of the Ottoman post, if the latter will undertake to take over some of present British employes ? I think we might also consent to use Turkish stamps. No. 87. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — (Received September 23.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, September 22, 1914. YOUR telegram of 25th August.* Sultan received me yesterday in audience, when I delivered the King's message. His Majesty expressed his earnest desire for good relations with Great Britain, and emphatically declared his firm intention of maintaining peace. He requested me to thank the King for his message Full report follows by despatch. * See No. 34. No. 88. Sir Edward Grey to Sir L. Mallet. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, September 23, 1914. POLITICAL situation in Turkey. His Majesty's Government regard state of things at Constantinople as most unsatisfactory. On behalf of His Majesty's Government you should speak in the foUowino; sense to the Grand Vizier : — o British Government contemplate no hostile act towards Turkey by British fleet, and they have no desire to precipitate a conflict with her. But the fact that Great Britain has not taken any hostile action against ^her must not mislead Turkish Government into supposing that His Majesty's Government consider Turkey's attitude is consistent with the obligations imposed upon her by the neutrality which she has officially declared. German officers and men are participating increasingly in Turkish fleet and Dardanelles defences, and not only has Turkey failed to send away the German officers and crews, as she promised, but she has admitted more overland, and they are now in active control of the "Goeben" and " Breslau." The capital is undoubtedly now under the control of the Germans. If His Majesty's Government so desired, present state of things afibrds ample justification for protesting against violation of neutrality. Great Britain has not, however, so far taken action, as she cherishes the hope that the peace party will win the day. It should, however, be realised by the Grand Vizier and his supporters that unless they soon succeed in getting the situation in hand and bringing it within the limits of neutrality, it will become clear that Constantinople is no longer under Turkish but German control, and that open hostility will be forced on by Germany. No. 89. Sir Edward Grey to Sir L. Mallet. (Telegraphic.) _ Foreign Office, September 24, 1914. I HEAR that Egyptian frontier has been violated by armed mounted Arabs said to be encouraged by Turkish troops, and also that Hedjaz line is being reserved tor 30 troops. British military authorities consider that breach of the peace on Egyptian frontier is imminent, whether with or without sanction of Turkish Government. You s];iduld bring these facts to the knowledge of the Grand Vizier and of the Khedive, who is at present at Constantinople. No. 90. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — (Received September 25.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, September 24, 1914. Turkish preparations against Egypt. I have addressed a note to the Grand Vizier recapitulating information recently received on this subject. I reminded his Highness of the assurances which I had several times given him, based upon your telegram of 7th August,* and^ I specially pointed out their conditional nature. Finally I warned him that the information respecting Turkish preparations against Egypt would infallibly produce a most serious impression upon His Majesty's Government. I later communicated the contents of my note to President of the Council, Minister of Finance, and Minister of Interior, and asked them what explanation they could give, whereupon they enquired why so many thousand Indian troops were being sent to Egypt by His Majesty's Government. To this I answered that it was essential to ensure the safety of Egypt and the protection of the Suez Canal, and that as the British garrison of Egypt had been sent to France, it was necessary to replace it by British Indian troops. This seemed to satisfy them. I cannot believe that they are not alive to the disastrous consequences of going to war with us, or that they seriously can contemplate an expedition against Egypt. They have undoubtedly been strongly urged to send such an expedition by the Germans, and I think that they have allowed preparations to be made, partly to profit as much as possible by German connection and by allowing the Germans to think that they will act, and partly in order to be ready, if Great Britain sustains a serious defeat by land or sea. Danger of the present situation is obvious, and developments are not improbable, and I shall see the Grand Vizier this morning ,and endeavour to bring him to book. There is a circumstantial report that the Germans are now making desperate efforts to force the Turks' hands and to compel them to fulfil their part of the bargain, but that at the same time their efforts are meeting with considerable resistance. * See No. 5. No. 91. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received September 25.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, September 24, 1914. I HAVE informed the Grand Vizier that Austro-German intrigues to involve Turkey in an expedition against Egypt are within my knowledge. Grand Vizier denied that such intrigues existed, but he finally admitted that pressure was being exerted. He declared that he was firmly resolved to keep out of any such intrigue, any complicity in which he disclaimed with emphasis. I strongly urged his Highness to make his position clearer, for preparations at the Dardanelles showed that he was either guilty of complicity or that he was not master in his own house. He answered that his intentions were entirely pacific, and that he did not mean to engage in any quarrel with Great Britain. His Highness seemed more preoccupied with the Balkan situation at the moment than with anything else. He said that Turkish Government would be unable to refrain from an attempt to get back what they had lost in Balkan wars if Balkan complications ensued. No arguments of mine would induce him to change his attitude in this respect. He said he would be powerless to prevent it. 3] No. 92. Mr. Cheetham to Sir' Edward Grey. — {Received September 25.) (TeieftTaphic.) Cairo, September 25, 1914. TURKISH preparations on Sinai frontier. Two thousand men with stores passed Gaza on night of 18th September following coast towards frontier. Six more battalions are expected at Gaza. In 'that neighbourhood very strong and secret military preparations are being madfe on the frontier. Three battalions of Redif completely mobilised have marched to a place one day south of Jaffa on their way to the frontier. No. 93. Sir Edward Grey to Sir L. Mallet. (Telegraphic.) Foreign OfficS, September 25, 1914. ABOLITION of post offices. You should make the best arrangements you can with regard to post offices, but it must be on record that we reserve the subject for future settlement, and that we do not agree to their abolition. No. 94. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — (Received September 26.) ' ' ■ ' (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, September 25, 1914. YOUR telegram of 23rd September.* 1 have again seen Grand Vizier, and pointed out to him as earnestly as is within my power the fatal result to the Turkish Empire of persisting in a course of Veiled hostility and petty intrigue against the British Empire. I recalled to him that time and again he had undertaken that the German crews of the "Goeben" and the " Breslau" should basent out of Turkey, and that not only had these promises been broken, but further German officers and men had actually arrived. This 'proved conclusively that he was either insincere in his assurances or that he was powerless. His Highness begged that I would credit him with the fact that for eight weeks he had kept the peace. He assured me that he had every intention of seeing to it that peace was maintained. I replied that it was not his good intentions that I doubted, but I did distinctly doubt his ability to control the situation. The Germans had evidently gained complete control. An incident might happen at any moment, and the most serious consequences might be involved. His Highness was evidently nettled at what I said, and angrily replied that he was determined to keep the peace, and that, in a matter of peace and war, he was absolute master. This I met by referring him to the serious character of the preparations at present on foot, and by pointing out that, whether he wished it or not, a repetition of the Arab raid across the Egyptian frontier might, lead to incidents which would involve him. His Highness sajid that Minister of .War. was returning to-day, and that he would at once ask what the preparations "were to which I referred. He asserted with violence that no incident would occur. , Ihave also seen Halill Bey, to whom news of preparations against Egypt sqemed to be unknown. He expressed astonishment to hear of them, and was evidently, horrified at the idea of war with us. He promised to go and see the Minister of War at once. PositiotL of Grand Vizier is difficult, and, to maintain any kind of control, he is obliged to shut his eyes to much that is going on. I am still strongly of opinion that, unless some act of gross antagonism takes place, we should .maintain policy of reserve and abstain from making categorical demands with which his Highness is not yet able to reply, continuing to devote all our efforts towards preventing Turkey from ticking active part in hostilities which German and especially Austrian Ambassadors are urging. Main, fact of the situation is that, in spite of great pressure, Grand Vizier has kept, the peace, and that his party is gaining ground. * See No. 88. 32 No. 95, Sir L. Mallet to Sio' Edward Grey. — {Received September 26.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, September 25, 19 L4-. ON 22nd and 23rd September, 183 horses, 112 nizam, 2 officers, and 88 carts and carriages, all from Aintab, were entrained at Aleppo for Damascus. Secret notice was given that in six days' time 120 railway waggoDS were to be in readiness to convey to Damascus troops arriving from Mosul vi^ Tel Abiyat, and that in all from 25,000 to 30,000 troops were to be drafted from Mosul to Aleppo, of which at least half are destined for Hama or Damascus. Two Germans connected with Bagdad Kailway, one of whom is an expert in blasting operations and mine-laying, left Aleppo this morning for Damascus, the other telling his servant that they were going to Akaba. They had with them 1,600 dynamite cartridges and 1,500 metres of detonating wires. They may, perhaps, be commissioned to lay mines in Eed Sea as there has been talk of Turkish military designs regarding Akaba recently. No. 96. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — (Received September 27.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, September 26, 1914. GKAND VIZIEE has been informed of the information reported by Mr. Cheetham in his telegram of 25th September,* and in my telegram of the same date.f I warned his Highness that if these preparations against Egypt were allowed to continue, serious consequences would ensue. Minister of War was with Grand Vizier when I made these representations, and his Highness informed me that he fully realised the importance -of the question, with which he was occupying himself I have taken steps to enlighten influential people with what is being done as regards Egypt, and I have seen Minister of Interior and left a memorandum with him on the subject ; I have also put the facts before other prominent members of the Cabinet. * See No. 92. t See No. 95. No. 97. Sir L." Mallet to Sir Edioard Grey. — (Received September 28.) • (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, September 27, 1914. AN incident has occurred outside the Dardanelles. At 6 o'clock this evening 1 heard that a Turkish destroyer was stopped last night outside the Dardanelles and turned back by one of our destroyers. Upon this. Commandant of the Dardanelles closed the Straits. When the news arrived, the Russian and French Ambassadors were with me, and we at once went to see the Grand Vizier. When I arrived the Grand Vizier was in a state of some perturbation. He said sudden action of British fleet had given rise to the belief that an immediate attack was contemplated. Having reassured his Highness that any such belief was unfounded, I said that it seemed to me highly desirable that the Dardanelles should be opened at once, for should the incident become known, it would certainly create the impression that some desperate step was intended by Turkish Government. I explained to his Highness that we were naturally apprehensive lest Germans on Turkish destroyers might endeavour to torpedo or mine our ships, and that it was for that reason that British fleet had been instructed to prevent any Turkish ships from leaving the Dardanelles, so long as any German officers or crews remained. 33 Grand Vizier asserted that he, personalty, favoured the reopening of the Straits, and lie requested me to assure His Majesty's Government, in the most formal and solemn manner, that Turkish Government would never make war upon Great Britain. I said that if the accounts that I had received were accurate, Turkish action on Egyptian frontier required explanation, where they had already committed acts of war, He said thai facts had been greatly exaggerated ; that I might rest assured that there would be HO more acts of aggression ; that therfe was no thought or question of attacking Egypt ; and that orders had been sent for the immediate withdrawal of raiding Bedouins. He added that mobilisation was general, and therefore included those parts of the Empire contiguous to Egypt. He has promised to send a forinal answer to toy repre- sentatioris On the subject. , Md. 98. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received September 28.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, September 27, 1914. ■ MY telegram of to-day.* I have just received a message from the Grand Yizier that, if His Majesty's Government will move the fleet a little further from the entrance to the Dardanelles, the Straits will be reopened. I said that I would ask for your instructions. * See No. 97. No. 99. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received September 29.) (Telegraphic.) Constdntihople, September 29, 19l4. DAKDANELLES. Germans are making capital out of closure of the Straits, and I hear on good authority that great pressure is being exerted by them to ihdiice Turkey to attack Russia in the Black Sea. Turks havOj however, refused so far to fall in with this scheme. Great umbrage has been caused to the Turks by fact that it was upon the German Ambassador's order that the " Breslau " went into the Black Sea the other day. Grand Vizier is most anxious to reopen the Straits, and has again, begged me this morning to let him know whether His Majesty's Government would not consent to. move British fleet a little further off. No. lOD. Sir Edward Grey to Sir L. Mallet. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, September 29, 1914. INFORMATION has reached His Majesty's Government that Turkish Minister of War telegraphed to Bm Saud, Emir of Nejd, several times towards the end of July that, owing to the imminence of war in Europe, arms, ammimition, and ofiicers for training his Arabs were being sent to him. Vali of Basra has been informed by Turkish Minister of War that thirty-two secret ehiissaries, including German officers, are on their Way to_ preach a |' jehad" in India, Afghanistan^ and Baluchistan; that arms and ammunition are being sent to Basja under German flag, and that Turkish Government are prepared to help Germany, in return for assistance received during Balkan war. [1093] —rrfr. 34 No. 101. Sir Edward Grey to Sir L. Mallet. (Telegrapliic.) • Foreign Office, September 29, 1914. UNDEE instructions from his Government, Turkish Ambassador has reverted to the continued presence in the Shatt-el-Arab of H.M.S. "Odin." Tewfik Pasha said that we would doubtless observe the rules of neutrality in other countries, since we had jrone to war to defend the neutrality of Belgium. I informed him that as iurkey had violated the rules of neutrality on her own initiative, and so long as she persisted in her present unneutral attitude. His Majesty's Government did not admit that she could appeal to those rules. j tt- • In the event of your being approached on this matter by the Grand Vizier, you should state that His Majesty's Government will observe neutrality towards Turkey, if Turkey will do so towards us, and you should inform him of the reply which has been given to Turkish Ambassador. No. 102. Sir Edward Grey to Sir L. Mallet. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, September 30, 1914. YOUR telegram of 27th September* and subsequent telegrams. Dardanelles were closed unnecessarily by Turkish authorities, and there is no reason why they should not be reopened. Turkish Government are well aware that we have no intention of initiating any aggressive action against Turkey. The watch maintained by British fleet outside Dardanelles cannot be withdrawn so long as German officers and men remain i© Turkish waters and are in control of Turkish fleet. Until, therefore, the German officers and crews are repatriated, the request that the fleet should be moved cannot be entertained. You should inform Grand Vizier. * See No. 97. No. 103. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — (Received October 2.)' (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, October 1, 1914. CONSUL at Basra reports to-day that British man-of-war has left Turkish waters. He had previously telegraphed that he heard there was an intention to block Shatt-el-Arab in order to prevent departure of British man-of-war, and I had already called Grand Vizier's notice to this report. No. 104. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — (Received October 3.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, October 2, 1914. INFORMATION continues to reach me corroborating reports of Turkish preparations against Egypt. Large transport camel corps arrived at Jerusalem yesterday, and I hear of transport of warlike materials, food-stuffs, and military stores on line Jenin-Nablus-Jerusalem, and also to Maan. Seven German military officers have been sent to Damascus and neighbourhood. This has stimulated preparations, and it is believed in Syria that Turkish Government has decided upon a movement against Egypt, Damascus division being assembled for advance by Akaba, Jerusalem division for that by Rafa. Inhabitants at Beirout and Haifa are being removed inland as a precautionary measure against any action which may be taken by British fleet when the advance on_ Egypt begins. It is reported from Haifa that locaUties along the coast are being garrisojjed by newly-arrived troops, I have brought the gravity of the 35 existing situation to the notice of the Grand Vizier in the strongest terms in a further note, though 1 do not view any actual movement against Egypt as imminent at the moment. In my note I have informed his Highness that the measures now undertaken ^^^ A A ^'^.^^f^^^ except as a threat against Egypt, and that they can no longer be regarded as incidental to an ordinary mobilisation of troops in their peace stations, and I have stated that His Majesty's Government can only view any further preparations at Jerusalem or at Maan in a serious light. In addition to above-mentioned military measures, movements of suspicious mdividuals have now been supplemented by those of a German naval officer named Hilgendorf, who is at present on his way from Damascus to Petra with a party of eight Germans. It is understood that they will be joined by a smaller party from Haifa vi4 Amman, and that they are conveying a large supply of explosives. I have made representations to the Grand Vizier explaining that such hostile enterprises against Great Britain cannot be allowed in a neutral country, and that these people must be arrested. Speaking generally, I am inclined to think that both in the neighbourhood of Constantinople, on the Black Sea, the Egyptian frontier, and elsewhere, the Turks intend to have their troops all ready for action at a favourable point should the general European situation afford a good opi:)ortunity. Should the German admiral take the " Goeben " into the Black Sea and attack the Russian fleet, or should things take an unfavourable turn for the allies, Turkish troops would be in a position to cross the Egyptian frohtier without much further delay. His Majesty's Government will doubtless consider what, if any, military measures are necessary for the strengthening of strategical points in the Sinai peninsula. No. 105. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — (Received October 3.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, October 3, 1914. CLOSING of Dardanelles. Germans have certainly long been working for the closing of the Straits, presumably with the object of obtaining a freer hand in the Black Sea. There is every reason to suppose that the Dardanelles are closed to shipping not only by administrative act, but also effectively by mines. From information that reaches me from a reliable source, it seems that these mines have been laid by the Germans, and that the Turks are unaware of their position. No. 106. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey.—r-{Received October 4.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, October 4, 1914. HIS Majesty's consul at Basra telegraphs as follows dated 3rd October : — " Warships in Shatt-el-Arab. " I have received a letter from the Vali saying that your Excellency has been informed by the Turkish Government of the measures proposed to be adopted in Turkish waters with regard to foreign belligerent warships; he says that the Shatt-el-Arab from Fao to Durna is closed to foreign warships, being inland waters just as much as Smyrna and the Dardanelles. British men-of-war must therefore leave Shatt-el-Arab within twenty-four hours. Vali ends by saying that he will have to apply strict measures if I cannot induce captains of His Majesty's ships to go outside Fao. I told the Vali that I was asking for instructions from your Excellency, and I informed His Majesty's consul at Mohammerah of the gist of Vali's communication. ' ," It is possible that H.M.S. ' Lawrence ' may also be in the river." [1093] D 2 36 No. 107. Sir Edward Grey to Sir L. Mdllet. (TSlegrapliic.) Foreign Office, Odoher 4, 1914. DABDANELLES. It is the Germans who keep the Straits closed, to the great detriment of Turkey. If ybU concur, you ma/ point out to the Turks that the British^ fl^et will move away as soon as the German officer^ and crews leave and the Turkish navy ceases to be under German control. We should then have no fear of hostile action on the part of the Turks. No. 108. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey.— ^{Received Odoher 5.) * (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, Oetoher 5, 1914, TURKEY is now bankrupt. Supply of coal is, I am_ glad to say, cut off. Fresh provisions are not coming in, and there is some discontent in the navy and even in the army. Situation is doubtless very delicate, but Turks would be unlikely to go all lengths with Germany, at any rate until German success in the war seems more assured. I think that Turks are possibly less blind to their interests than is generally supposed, and I am still of opinion that situation may be saved. Time is now on our side, and I am strongly in favour of avoiding all occasion of conflict by temporising. The question of reopening the Dardanelles is really no longer a practical one, for the Straits are now effectively closed by mines; and I am informed that their position is unknown to the Turks themselves. Russian and French Ambassa'dors agree with me that our interests are not primarily affected by the closure, as the requisitioning and other measures taken by the Turks against our nationals had already stopped our trade. This is the line I am taking with the Turks. I think they will begin to realise the facts before long. Total cessation of imports is already causing anxiety to Minister of Finance, and Turkish Government will soon become aware that they are the chief losers. The Germans have closed the Straits from pblitical motives, partly, no doubt, because they believe that, by closing the Straits and preventing the entry of the British fleet, it will be easier for them to induce the Turks to take action against Russia in the Black Sea ; partly, no doubt, in order to injure the trade of the allies and to prevent communication by sea with Russia. I think that self-interested designs of Germany are not unknown to the Turks, who are playing up to Germany, not with the intention of falling in with those designs, at any rate for the present, to the extent of making war, but in order to extract as much as possible from her. In the Ojjinion of many people, Germans are now in a position to take matters into their own hands, if they think that German interests demand it. If, however, the Turks' game is such as I have outlined above, it is undoubtedly a dangerous one. As is only natural, Turkish Government profess their ability to check any attempt on the part of Germany to take matters into their own hands, but it is not quite clear how they would be able to prevent it. No. J 09. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received Octoher 6.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, Octoher 6, 1914. MILITARY attache had a long interview with Minister of War yesterday, from which he derived the impression that his Excellency had ambitious Schemies in the Arab world and in Egypt. These may perhaps refer more to tiie future, and possibly measures are now being taken so as to prepatfe for the Eventuality of Great Britain being worsted in war with Germany ; meanwhile the way is being paved indirectly for present or future action. During the conversation, Minister of War disclaimed any intention on the part of the Turks of initiating, themselves, any offensive movements against Egypt, and pointed out that ordinary Syrian garrison had not been reinforced. 37 He said that, as in the case of bther troops -within the Empire, Syrian garrison had been fully mobilised. It was being equipped with necessary transport animals, &c., on a war scale, and it was being carefully trained with the help of the officers ot the German mission as elsewhere throughout Turkey. Eyerything, he said, depended on the political situation, for which he was not responsible individually ; and it was quite possible that the Syrian army corps might finally be moved in another direction, everi, perhaps, to Constantinople. He scouted the idea of individual Germans under- taking enterprises against the Suez Canal or elsewhere, but he p,dmitte4 that proposals had certainly been made to the Bedouin tribes to enlist their sympathies as supporters of the Empire in all eventualities. He defended the concentration of stores at Maan, Nablus, and Jerusalem, and he added that no troops, but only gendarmes, had been moved in the direction of Gaza. Nevertheless, he could not deny that some pf the measures taken were certainly precautionary against Great Britain, and in justifi- cation of this he pointed to the entrance of British men-of-war into the Shatt-el-Arab, to the arrival of Indian troops in Egypt, and to the presence of the British fleet in Turkish territorial waters outside the Dardanelles. Military attache said that, as far as the action of the fleet and of His Majesty's Government were concerned, this was due to infringement of neutrality by Turks, and Great Britain certainly had nob the slightest intention of making any attack upon Turkey. It was quite ridiculous tp suppose that the arrival of Indian troops in Egypt had anything to do with hostility to Turkey. Minister of War at once advanced such arguments as that Turkpy had maintained her neutrality ; that German ofiicers and men on auxiliary ships were entirely under Turkish control, indeed they were in the Turkish service. Military attache said that Turks could not be surprised that Great Britain should be preoccupied if Turkish troops were assembled further south than Jerus.'ilem or Beersheba on the one side, or Maan on the other. No. 110. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — (Received October 7.) (Telegraphic.) Gonstdntinople, October 6, 1914. HIS Majesty's consul at Basra telegraphs to-day as follows : — ■ "Vali says that he must obey the orders which he has received. He has communicated a copy of these to me. They are to the effect that the whole of the Shatt-et-4-rab .and sea within six ixiilps of the shore aye closed to warships, as tjiey are territorial waters, ^nj men-of-war disregarding this prohibition will be fired upon by the guns at Fao, Thes§ regulation^ will be enforced from to-morrow evening, Wednesday, 7th October. They are somewha,t obscure, but they mean that H.M.S. ' Egpi^gle ' in thp Kamn and H.M.S. ' D^lhousie ' at Abadan will be interned, unless they leave before the time fixed. . No other British man-of-war is this side of Fao, H.M.S. ' Lawrence ' is in the Shatt-el-Arab to the best of my belief. His Majesty's consul at Mohammerah ha,s been informed of the above." No. 111. Sir Edward Grey to Sir L. Mallet. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, October 7, 1914, BillTISH warships in the Sh^jbt-el-Arab. H.M.SS. " Espife'gle," " Odin," and " Dalhousiie " are not in Turkish waters. Th,er,e can be no question of their being ordered out of waters which are n,ot Turkish nor of their being interned by the Turkish Government. According to generally- accepted principles of international law, Turkish territorial waters extend to 3 mile§ out to sea from the coast. Two of His Majesty's ships are being instructed to keep outside the 3-mile limit, while the remaining ship is being told to remain at Mohammerah, which does not belong tq Turkey. Our long-established right to pass freely up and down Shatt-el-Arab at all times is not in question, and it must be recognised tbat we fully reserve that right. [1093] D 3 38 No. 112. Sir L. Mallet to Si7- Edward Grey. — {Received October 8.) Sir, Constantinople, September 22, ] 914. REFEERING to your telegram of 25th August,* in which I was authorised to convey to His Imperial Majesty a message from the King, on the occasion of my reception in audience after my return from leave of absence, I have the honour to state that I was received in audience by His Imperial Majesty yesterday. In view of the difficulty of conversing with His Majesty in an ordinary way, I prepared a written statement containing the message, and I read a separate statement of my own on the subject of the withdrawal of Admiral Limpus, having previously arranged with the Master of the Ceremonies, who was to act as interpreter, that this should be translated clause by clause as I read it. I enclose a copy of these statements which I read as arranged, subject to some slight modifications necessitated by the turn which the interview took. His Imperial Majesty seemed not only fully to grasp the sense of the communication, to which he listened with eager attention, but responded to it immediately with great vivacity and vehemence, showing a considerable grasp of the issues with which his country is now confronted. I was much impressed with the earnestness of His Imperial Majesty's repeated assurances of his desire and determination to maintain the ancient friendship between the two Empires and to avoid war with any Power. A memorandum is enclosed recording what passed at my audience. I have, &c. LOUIS MALLET * See No. 34. Enclosure 1 in No. 112. Communication read to the Sultan by Sir L. Mallet on September 21, 1914. (Translation.) MON Souverain m'a charg^ d'exprimer MY Sovereign has commanded me k votre Majesty son profond regret de ce to express his profound regret to your que les exigences d'une situation imprdvue Majesty that the exigencies of unforeseen aient force son Gouvernement k detenir les circumstances have compelled his Govern- deux vaisseaux de guerre destines \ la ment to detain the two warships in tended for marine Imp^riale. Sa Majeste le Roi se the Imperial Turkish Navy. His Majesty rend compte des sentiments douloureux the King is aware of the painful impression que cet acte a du inspirer k votre Majeste, that this action must have made upon your mais il espfere que la decision prise par son Majesty, but he thinks that the decision of Gouvernement de rendre ces vaisseaux k. his Government to return these vessels to la Turquie k la fin de la guerre actuelle Turkey at the end of the present war will suffira pour la convaincre que leur deten- suffice to convince you that their detention tiori ne fut motivde par aucune intention was due to no unfriendly intention towards inimicale envers I'Empire, qui est Y\6 avec an Empire bound to his by a friendship of le sien par une amitie plus que seculaire. more than a century. It is owing to the Cost parce que cette amitie n'a jamais ete fact that this friendship has never been rompue que mon Souverain espere que la broken that my Sovereign trusts that Turquie ne fera rien qui puisse emp§cher Turkey will do 'nothing to prevent son Gouvernement de donuer suite k cette his Government fiom acting up to this decision, qu'elle gardera une neutrality decision, that she will maintain strict and stricte et absolue pendant la guerre ac- absolute neutrality during the present war, tuelle, et que Ton ne tardera pas a mettre and that there will be no delay in putting fin k quelques faits contraires k la neu- an end to certain facts contrary to neu- trality qui ont provoqud quelque inquietude trality which have caused some anxiety as au sujet de I'attitude du Gouvernement to the attitude of the Turkish Government, ottoman. 39 Enclosure 2 in No. 112. Statement hy Sir L. Mallet with regard to Admiral Limpus on September 22, 1914. (Translation.) L'AMIRAL LIMPUS, qui, sous les ADMIRAL LIMPUS, who, under your auspices devotre Majesty, a rendu de si Majesty's auspices, has rendered such great grands services k la marine Impdriale, m'a services to the Turkish navy, has begged me pri^ de faire part h. votre Majesty de son to inform your Majesty of his regret that regret de ne pas avoir pu deposer ses hom- he was unable to pay his respects to your mages au pied de son trdne avant de quitter Majesty before leaving Constantinople, bonstantmople. Votre Majestd n'ignore Your Majesty is aware of the circum- pas les circonstances qui unt necessite son stances necessitating his departure from depart, du moment que lui et la mission the moment when he and the naval mission navalequilpresidait ont ^tdrel^gu^s^une under his command were relegated to a position oil lis ne pouvaient plus rien faire position in which they could do nothing pour le bien de la marine ottomane. Rap- further for the welfare of the Turkish navy, peld par mon Gouvernement dans ces cir- Recalled in these regrettable circumstances Constances regrettables, I'Amiral Limpus by my Government, Admiral Limpus was s est vu forcd de se rendre aux ordres de obliged to obey the orders of his superiors ses chefs et h. quitter Constantinople dans and to leave Constantinople within too un d^lai trop court pour lui permettre de short a space to be able to request an demander une audience de votre Majesty. audience of your Majesty. Enclosure 3 in No. 112. Memorandum. THE Sultan listened to my communication in silence until the Master of the Ceremonies translated the clause containing the words " quelques faits contraires k la neutrality." He then broke in with an eager disclaimer of any unneutral conduct on the part of Turkey. . On mj mentioning, as a specific instance, the retention of German oSicers and crews on board the "Goeben" and "Breslau," His Majesty explained with some lucidity that they had ' been kept for a short time to train ibhe Turkish crews. The " captains " available in the Turkish navy were unequal to the task, and it was necessary for that reason to do what had been done. The German crews would be sent away in " five or ten days," and the officers also. Only one or two of the latter would be retained. He would speak frankly, he said. Great Britain was a great Power with a great navy, and had no need of the two ships of the Ottoman fleet. Great Britain had taken them, but lie knew they would be given back at the end of the war. On my remarking that Great Britain wished to make absolutely sure of the position at sea, the Sultan again said that she was too great a maritime Power to need these ships, but he once more stated his conviction that they would be given back. Anyhow, he and his Government were not going to depart'from their neutrality. His Majesty repeated this more than once, saying that they knew that that was the only path of safety, and that his great desire was to keep the peace. He laid stress on the friendship between Great Britain and Turkey. This was the more striking, because the words were not put into his mouth, as might be supposed, by myself, the Master of •Ceremonies having quite failed to render the parts of my communication in which I dwelt on past relations between England and Turkey. When, referring to what the Sultan had said about the need for training his navy, I expressed regret that the British naval mission had not been allowed to complete that task. His Majesty did not seem to grasp the main point, but on my referring to the circumstances of Admiral Limpus 's departure, he broke in with some emotion, and said twice over that it was not by his wish that the admiral had left Constantinople without an audience. The admiral had not asked for one or come to the Palace. Had he done so he, the Sultan, would have postponed all other business in order to see him. I said I would convey this to Admiral Limpus. I also promised to communicate the Sultan's assurances, which I said I sincerely believed, to the King, who would be gratified at receiving them. Just before I took my leave. His Majesty- was good enough to express his warm personal regard, and made some further kind remarks about the value which he attached [1093] D 4 40 to his personal relations with rae. Tlje Sultan spoke throughout in the most homely language, but with great liveliness and point, and with obvious sincerity. His assurances about his desire to observe neutrality and remain at peace, rather lost than gained in force by the way in which the Master of Ceremonies (whose mind is slow and whose French is defective) translated them. His remarks on the embargo on the two ships were plainly, but not discourteously or resentfully, worded. No. 113. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received October 8.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, October 7, 1914-. BRITISH warships in Shatt-e]-Arab. Grand Vizier assured me this afternoon that Vali of Basra had been instructed to avoid all interference with His Majesty's ships in the Shatt-el-Arab. No. 114. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey.— (Received October 8.) (Telegraphic.) Gonstaritinople, October 7, 1014. THERE has been fighting during the last few days on frontier between Russian troops and Kurds supported by Turkish troops. Last night Russian Ambassador made strong representations to the Grand Vizier, and said that the Turkish Government must restrain the activities of their troops on the frontier. Furthermore, Russian consul had been arrested. Replying to these representations. Grand Vizier assured Russian Ambassador, in writing, that the consul should be released at once and that the fighting should cease. Russian Ambassador has certain information that Turks are being incited to fight by Germans and Austrians. His Excellency agrees with me that Grand Vizier is honestly exercising what influence he has in favour of peace, but it is doubtful if he has the power to restrain the military party under Enver Pasha. No. 115. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — (Received October 11.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, October 10, 1914. IT is highly probable that for some time past money has been sent to Syria mainly with the object of subsidising the Bedouins. It is also supposed that t,he Germans in Syiia have had sums of money with them. The following is the number of German military officers known to be in Syria at present : Seven who went there some time ago, of whom Colonel Kress von Kressenstein is one, four who arrived 2nd October at Damascus, and five more who arrived there on 6th October. My information is to the effect that seven more may since have arrived at Alexandretta. Meanwhile, another party of Turkish sailors is leaving Constantinople overland for Bagdad and the Tigris. Information has just reached me from Damascus to the effect that Colonel von Kressenstein had gone to Maan to inspect, but only two military trains with details and stores had left in the last two days. West of the Jordan no movements had taken place. Two railway vans of dynamite had left Damascus for Beirout ; 4,000 Mosul troops had reached Aleppo, but were waiting there for the present. No. 116. Sir Edward Grey to Sir L. Mallet. (Telegraphic.) _ _ Foreign Office, October 11, 1914. IT seems to me that the key of the situation lies in Constantinople It would be fatal to give way to Turkish demands beyond a certain point, especially in the Persian Gulf, but, nevertheless, I entirely share your view that His Majesty's Government 41 should avoid giving even a plausible cause of offence to Turkey, I think that our attitude during the past eight -vy^jBks has jshown irrefjitajaly tliat \ye desire to avoid a rupture with Turkey. No. 117. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey.—(Beceived October 12.) (Telegraphic.) _ Constantinople, October 12, 1914. I HAVE received note dated 11th October from Porte, of which following is substance : — From information received by Porte, two British men-of-war have one after the other passed up the Sbatt-el-Arab to anchor at Mohammerah. According to Treaty of Erzeroum, the town oj Mohammerah and its port belong to Persia, whilst Shatt-el-Arab is under Turkish domination. This principle was reaffirmed by Turco-Brifcish Declaration of 29th July, 1913, which specifies that from Nahr Nazaille, above Mohammerah, frontier follows river to sea, leaving under Turkish sovereignty river itself and all the islands except ten, and modern port and anchorage of Mohammerah. This port and the anchorage thus formed an enclave in Ottoman waters which must be traversed in order to reach them. Conse- quently men-of-war in question have not respected Imperial territory in penetrating into her internal waters an4 have disregarded neutrality of the Porte, whose duty it is not to allow passage of foreign men-of-war. On these grounds Ijh^ Porte asks me to cause instructions to be spnt to commanders of qien-of-war in question to leave the port of Mohammer9,h within eight days and to go to sea. No. 118. ■• Sir L. Mallet to Sir JUdward Grey. — {Received October 12.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, October 12, 1914. . , M^ .despatch of 4th October.* I have received note from the Porte in reply to my note of 2nd October respecting Turkish preparations against Egypt. It says that military activity in Syria is cpmmon to all provinces of the Empire, and is natural consequence of mobilisation, having no other object than to put Turkey on a footing to defend her neutrality. T««k«y'« position being one of simple and legitimate precautions, it will be readily pcognised that it would not be conceivable that she should change it in order to attack Egypt, which is one of her own provinces. The Porte -goes on to. observe that, although I have on several Occasions assured Grand Vizier that His Majesty's Grovernment have no intention of altering status of Egypt, yet declarati6n that Egypt is in a state' of war, dismissal of German and Austrian agents, who receive their exequaturs from the Porte, and above all arrival in Egypt of important contingents from India as well as other acts, have attracted serious attention of Imperial Government and have created real anxiety. Note concludes by reiterating to me assurance that Turkey has no hostile intentioij towards any Power whatever, and that military preparations have purely and exclusively defensive character. I think that it would be right to remind Grand Vizier that I have always made it perfectly clear that undertaking not to change the status of Egypt was conditional on Turkey maintaining strict neutrality. * Received on October 19. See No. 143. No. 119. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — (Received October 12.) /Telegraphic.) < Constantinople, October 12, 1914. THIS morning Turkish fleet left Constantinople and steamed into the Black Sea. 42 No. 120. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received October 12.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, Oetoher 12, 1914. I DO not think that we could now leave Mol)ainmerah without loss of prestige. In view of receipt of Vali's note respecting presence of British men-of-war in the Shatt- el-Arab, efPect of moving His Majesty's ships at the request of the Turkish Government, once they were sent to Mohammerah, might have led the Arabs to misinterpret the action of His Majesty's Government. I would not regard the note in the light of an ultimatum, though it is not impossible that Turks might close the channel, and thus prevent His Majesty's ships from going out, except in agreement with the Turkish authorities. General belief is that Germans are at present applying considerable pressure upon the Turks to take part in the war, but that the Turks are so far resisting. My anxiety is lest the resistance which the Minister of War is encountering from the Moderates should be weakened by any act on our part which could be interpreted as aggressive by the Turks. Enver Pasha is said to be in favour of immediate co-operation with the Germans. No. 121. . Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received October 13.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, October 12, 1914 MY telegram of 12th October.® I have informed Grand Vizier that I was surprised to receive his Highness's note, inviting His Majesty's ships to leave Mohammerah within eight days. I knew his Highness had no intention of creating difficulties, but it sounded almost like an ultimatum. Mohammerah was, as his Highness was aware, a Persian port. Grand Vizier replied at once that there was no question of an ultimatum. I explained His Majesty's Government's point of view, and he said that he was at present awaiting your reply to Turkish note. In the course of ensuing conversation, his Highness seemed as confident as ever that he was able to resist German pressure, and he repeated that he was absolutely determined to avoid war in any case. In reply to some observations of mine in regard to Turkish fighting recently reported in Persia, he said that strict orders had been sent that no Turkish troops were to cross the frontier. • See No. 117. No. 122. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received October 13.) (Telegraphic.) - Constantinople, October 13, 1914. CONSULAR officer at Basra telegraphs as follows :^ "I have been notified by Vali that H.M.S. 'Espi^gle' must be interned until the end of the war unless she departs from Mohammerah and the Shatt-el-Arab within eight days from the 11th instant. If she attempts to leave after the expiration of the said period, her passage through the Shatt-el-Arab will be stopped by force of arms. The ' Dalhousie ' departed several days ago. " I have informed His Majesty's consul at Mohammerah of the Vali's communi- cation." No. 123. Sir Edward Grey to Sir L. Mallet. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, October 13, 1914. YOUR telegram of 12th October.® Your Excellency should make the following reply to the Turkish note protesting against the presence of British men-of-war in the Shatt-el-Arab :— * See No. ] 17. 43 " As jregards the passage through the Shatt-el-Arab to and from the port of Mohammerah, His Majesty's Government maintain in principle the legitimacy of such passage, but express themselves quite ready to examine in a friendly spirit any representation that the Ottoman Government may make on the subject, if the Sublime Porte themselves strictly observe their neutrality, which they have gravely violated by continuing to retain the German officers and crews on the ' Goeben ' and ' Breslau,' in spite of all assurances and promises to the contrary. "His Majesty's Government are prepared to respond in a conciliatory spirit whenever the Ottoman Government shall have conformed, as a neutral, to the principles of international law prescribing the duties of neutral Powers. " As regards the presence of British warships at the port of Mohammerah, this is a a matter with which the Sublime Porte is in no wise concerned, since Mohammerah is not in Ottoman territory ; Porte have, therefore, no right to request their departure." No. 124. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received October 14.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, October 14, 1914. MOSLEMS in Aleppo district are reported to have been so inveigled and incited by German and Turkish deliberate official misrepresentations and falsehoods of every kind that masses seem to believe German Emperor has embraced Islamic faith, and that Germans are fighting for Islam against Russia. * No. 125. Mr. Gheetham to Sir Edivard Grey. — {Received October 15.) Sir, Cairo, September 30, 1914. I HAVE the honour to transmit to you herewith copies of two interrogjatories which I have received from the Adviser to the Ministry of the Interior, regarding the case of Lieutenant Robert Mors, a German employ^ of the Alexandria City Police, who was arrested on his return from leave, viS, Constantinople. He explained his return by stating that he had been excused from military service in Germany. I have, &c. MILNE CHEETHAM. Enclosure 1 in No. 125. Interrogatories of Lieutenant Mors. MULAZIM AWAL ROBERT CASIMIR OTTO MORS, Egyptian Police, examined, states : — " At Constantinople I was acquainted with a German official who was formerly in the German diplomatic agency in Cairo. This gentleman, whose name I must refuse to give, was in agreement with the Turkish Government on the subject of military operations in Egypt, and as he knew that I knew Egypt very well, he conducted me to Enver Pasha, the Turkish Minister of War. The latter questioned me on the military situation ; if it were true that the British had disarmed the Egyptian army, &c. I replied that I did not know, and thought it unlikely. I then left the presence of Enver, and he remained talking with the German official. I forgot to mention that he asked me if I would participate in operations in Egypt. I replied that I would only participate in open military action. I was afterwards informed by the German official that Enver had sent officers from the Turkish army to Egypt to prepare native public opinion for action in favour of Turkey. I also heard from the (ierman official that one of Enver's emissaries was an officer of the Egyptian army, but I did not know his name then. I must mention here that I understood from various things and from conversations that I overheard between the said German official and various people that he had the intention of sending printed matters and explosives to Egypt. I also understood that it was the Egyptian army officer who was charged with the 44 transport of these things, We were held up in the Dardanelles for six day^ owing to the wreck of a cargo boat. On the second we were stopped there ; the ' ^ash Reis ' (boatswain) of the ' Saidiph ' brought me a snriall leather bag (which I recognised as as being the property of the said German official), and told me that somebody on board had given it to him to give to the passenger in No. 7 cabin, viz., my cabin. At the same time the ' Bash Reis ' asked me if it belonged to me. I said ' Yes,' because I began to suspect that the contents of the bag were the explosives that I had heard about. I opened the bag and found it was half full of packing material ; and on probing it I found there were hard substances underneath. I thought that if I said that the sack did not belong to me it might be handed over to the ship's captain, and it would then be discoverea what the contents were, and an accident might even occur. I did not know at this time that the ' Bash Reis ' had guilty knowledge of the contents of the bag, and therefore told him that there was nothing in it. I then took it into my cabin to examine it, and found the two tin boxes which you seized. Whilst we were still in the Dardanelles— as far as I can remember it was the fourth day there — the Egyptian officer came to me and said in Arabic : ' Are you not the passenger occupying No. 7 cabin ? ' I said : ' Yes ; why ? ' and he said : ' Have you received the things ? ' (' Wasal-lak el shay?') I replied: 'Was it you who sent it to me?' He said: ' Perhaps ' (' Yimkin '). " I then said : ' What have such things to do with me ? ' He said : ' I cannot keep such things myself.' I then asked him who gave them to him. He replied; ' Fouad.' I do not know who this Fouad is exactly, but it is possibly Ahmad Fouad at Constantinople, whom I have seen with the German official, and who is an intimate .friend of Sheikh Abd-el-Aziz Shawisb, according to all reports. He then told me his name was Ahmad Hamuda, and that he had fought against the Italians in Tripoli. He showed me his card, on which was written : ' Ahmad Hamuda, Officer of the Egyptian Army.' I do not remember if the card bore his rank or not. I saw Ahmad Hamuda Effendi after leaving Piraeus, when he came and asked me what 1 had done with the tin boxes. I understood, from the way he put it, that he wanted to take them from me, but this is only an idea I had. I told him I had thrown them overboard. When we were anchored in the harbour, he again came and asked me to take his revolver ashore. I replied that I had my own revolver, and that I should be searched likp everybody else. He then asked me if they would search his wife. I said : 'Naturally; they have female searchers at the Customs.' " I had the intention of throwing the tin boxes overboard, but I was afraid tba,t they might explode on striking the water. I therefore procured some cord with which I meant to lower them into the water. I never got a chance, and I was afraid that the propeller would catch the cord, and the steamer might be blown up or damaged. " Another thing which deterred me was that I was afraid the boxes might float and be dangerous to shipping, so I postponed it until our arrival at Smyrna, where I telegraphed to the German official at Constantinople stating that two tin boxes with unknown contents had been handed to me, and I desired instructions. At Piraeus I received a telegram telling me to throw them overboard, which, for the reasons I have just given, I again postponed." Q. Have you any witnesses to prove that the boatswain gave you the bag containing the tin boxes?- — A. Yes; a certain Fortunato, the cabin steward, was present, and 1 gave him the bag with the packing after removing the tin boxes, asking him to throw the packing overboard. He did so. and returned me the bag. On arrival in port here I gave the tin boxes to Mohamed Ali, the purser, and asked him to keep them with him until he had a chance to throw them overboard without being observed by the various launches. I also recommended him not to throw them from the deck, but to descend the gangway and drop them into the sea carefully after weighting them with a piece of iron. I told him they contained dangerous substances, and to be very careful. I noticed he seemed afraid, and told him if he did not wish to do it he should give them back to me. He said he did not mind doing it, and if I wished he would pass them through the Customs for me without difficulty. Q. Why did you select Mohamed Ali for the mission ? — A. Because I heard at Pirieus that he was a Turkish agent. Q. From whom did you hear this ? — A. From a Turk at the German consulate at Piraeus. Q. How did you meet this. Turk? — A. He was introduced to me by the German vice-consul. 45 Q. What is hig iiame? — Ai 1 do not remeitiber. He gave me his visiting card, and i destroyed it. Q- Ho\^ did you approach Mohamfed Ali on the subject 1 — A. I showed him the visiting card of the Turk, to which he said at once, salaaming with his hand, " Ahlan wa Sahlan." Q. Where did you procure the map of the Suez Canal ?— 4' It was given to me by the Gerrttaii official. Q. Why did he give you the map?— I do not know. We were talking together, and he showed me the map. I admired it, and he told me to take it. ' Q. Where did you get the cypher found with your effects ? — A. I invented it with the assistance of the German official, for correspondence with him at Constantinople. Q. Where is the key to it ? — A. I destroyed it. Q. Can you tell me what it was? — A. It was to let him knt)w if 'the Egyptian army had befen disbanded ; if there wefe difficulties for me here to enter the country ; by what route I intended to return, &c. E. MORS. Alexandria, September 2'8, 1914. (2.) Bnqiiiry into Mors's Cdse, held on September 28, 1914. 1. Mors interrogated. Q. Can you explain this telegram (telegram addressed to " Prill, Bacos, Bulkely, Alexandria," from Schneider) ? — A. No. You mUst ask the French lady who i& staying with us ("il faut demander k Madeihoiselle chez nous"), as it is d private telegrtei of hers. It seems to be asking news ot fier health. Q. Who is Schneider ? — A. I do not know. Q. Who is^ Omar Fawzi and Suliman Askari ? — A. TWo officers I met in Coifetan- tinople whom the German introduced to irie. Q. Where did you meet them ? — A. At the hotel Tokatlian in Constantinople. |>. Wbat is the name of this German official ? — A. I do not know. Q. When was he in Cairo ? — A. Two yeairs ago. Q. Was this your first visit to Constantinople ? — A. Yes. Q. Did you know this gentleman before I—A. No. Q. You realise that your position is a serious oile I — A. Yes. Q. You refuse to give his naine ? — A. Yes. §. Can you telJ me ihe name of the Turk whohi you met in Alexandria ?— il. I must refuse, but if you suggest his name I will tell yoU if you are right or wrong. Q. Do you deny that the Gerinan official is Baron Oppenheim ? — A. Yes ; Oppenheim is at Berlin. Q, Do you know Baroii Oppenheirn ? — A. I have never Seen, but often hdard of liim. He is ovfer 50 years of age. According to Berlin opinion, he is merely k " Magueur," and of no importance. Q: Did you see Ezzedin Fawzi in Constantinople ? — A. No; he had left before I arrived. Q. What did he do there ? — A- I do not know. I heard from my sister-in-law that he had left for Constantinople. He was charged -v^^ith my private affairs. Q. Was not this rather a serious arrangement to make ? — A. No ; he Was ailways k great friend of mine. Q. Do you know his political opinions ? — A. No. Q. You appear to have had some previous knbwfedge of the preparation of explosives for use in Egypt ? — A. I heard in Constantinople that something of thb nature of explosives were to be prepared and sent to Egypt. Q. What was the ultimate destination of these thiligs ? — A. I dtih't know. I was only three, days at Constantinople. Q. Have these ej^plosives penetrated into Egypt ? — A. 1 don't know. Perhaps other emiSsTarieS arrived in Egypt at the sarne time aS I did. Q. Who is I'ahmy 6ey? — A. Mbhamed Bey Fahin^^, Master of Cexemonitis ih the .Khedive's household, who arrived in Constantinople in the" Saidieh." 46 Q. How did you get to know him ? — A. He rented our house three years ago. Q. Who sent you this telegram ? — -A. It was the answer to my telegram. Q. Why did you send the first telegram ? — A. To see if it were possible and advisable, in view of the reported state of things in Egypt, for me to return here, or if it would be better for my family to join me there. Q. Is this the bag you brought with you ? — A. Yes. Q. Who sent it to you ? — A. I do not know. The boatswain brought it to me saying it was for whoever occupied cabin No. 7. Probably Ahnned Hamuda gave it to him to give to me. ' Q. Did you see Enver Pasha in Constantinople ?— A. Yes. I had a conversation with him. Q. How was it that you had this conversation ?— A. The German official introduced me to Enver at the War Office. Q. What did Enver Pasha say to you ? — A. He questioned me as to the state of affairs in Egypt. Q. Is the German official a German naval officer ? — A. No. Q. Did Enver Pasha express any opinions ? — A. He said that he wanted a campaign against Egypt, should war break out, for which two army corps would be required. Q. What did he want you to do here ? — A. He asked me if I would help. Q. What did you reply? — A. I agreed to do so in the event of a military expedition. Q. Who gave you the idea that explosives were being prepared to be sent to Egypt ? — A. I suspected the German officer, whom I saw with an Egyptian Effendi unknown to me. Q. How did Ahmed Hamuda get to know you ? — A. He came to see me on the voyage — in the Dardanelles, I think. Q. Why did he trust you'? — A. I do not know. Q. Had you made no previous promises ? — A. No. Q. Whom did you see at the Piraeus ? — A. The consul, where I saw the telegrams and the Turkish gentleman who told me of Mohamed Ali, the purser. Q. Why did you send this telegram ? — A. Because I knew something was being prepared, and suspected that the bag had some connection with it. Besides there were several emissaries on board, and there had been many circulars in the hotels in Constantinople. Q. Who were these emissaries? — A. I do not know, but I heard that Sheikh Shawish had said there were thirteen who had left. Q. Will you explain how you knew of these preparations ? — A. Through the German official and various people I met casually at odd times. Tlie German official arrived in Constantinople from Berlin the day before me. Q. Did Omar Fawzi speak to you of Egypt ? — A. Yes ; he said he had fought in Tripoli and had been to Egypt where he had many friends. Q. Where did you meet the Turk at Pirseus ? — A. At the German consulate. Q. Have you ever visited Tchiboukli Palace ? — A. No. Q. Why did you write Omar Fawzi's name in the piece of paper ? — A. Because I had to meet him at the " Petit Champs," a restaurant in Constantinople, and I wished to remember. Q. Will you explain what the code found in your tarbush was ? — A. The references to cotton were information about troops, the best quality denoted British and the inferior Native soldiers. Kantars referred to the number of men. Certain phrases referred to the disarmament of Egyptian troops. " Suis dispose," T recollect, meant that I should return. Q. When did you want to leave the country? — A. As soon as possible, for I understood that all Germans serving under foreign Governments had to resign. Q. What did " venez par le premier bateau " mean ? — A. That things were in a dangerous state here. Q. And No. 15 ?— A. "Don't come to Turkey." Q. " Ne venez pas-tout arrange " ? — A. 1 have forgotten. Q. " Vene;5 de suite" ? — A. 1 have forgotten. * Q. " Bdbd va mieux " ? — A. I have forgotten — all this was made up hurriedly before I left Constantinople during the last half-hour when I was packing my luggage. I did not look at it again before I destroyed the key ; it is now three weeks since I left' Constantinople. Q. How is it that jqv, kfl^w some of the expressions and not others ? — A. In view 47 of what I have explained, it seems clear. Those referring to the " Santd de la famille " refer to Turkish officers, but 1 cannot remember the details. Q. Did it refer to their going to the Eed Sea ? — A. I don't know, but I have an idea it was with a view to finding out what difficulties were placed in the way of Turkish officers in Egypt. _ Q. Who was to have taken charge of the explosives here ? — A. The agents of Sheikh Shawish. Q. Who ?— A. I do not know. Q. Did you not know that the German official was going to give you these things ? — A. No. Q. How did you recognise the bag ?■ — A. I saw it in the hotel at Constantinople and recognised the repair which I had seen at a restaurant in the hands of an effendi. Q. How did you get to know so many people ? — A. I met them casually at the hotel and the German Embassy, where I called and learnt that it was difficult to get to Egypt. (^. How did you meet the German official ? — A. I met him at the embassy. 2. Boatswain interrogated. Q. Have you seen this bag before ? — A. Yes. I first saw it on board the " Saidieh " in Constantinople on the 3rd September with a sailor called Ah, who asked me to give it to the occupant of cabin No. 7. Q. Where was it given to you ? — A. I think on deck. I told Ali that he bad better give it to a steward in the first, class, which he did. The next morning Mors asked me who had given me the bag. Q. Why should Mors have asked you this? How was it that he connected the bag with you?- — A. Because I told the steward to give it to him, and perhaps he told JVIors so. Q. When did Mors speak to you ? — A. The next morning at about 8 A.M. He brought me the bag and asked me who gave it to me, as he wanted to give me a tip. I refused the latter as it was not I who brought the bag. Q. Who gave Ali the bag ? — A. He told me an Arab did so. Q. Was the latter on the steamer ? — A. I do not know. 3. Mors and Boatswain confronted. Q. (To Mors.) Who brought you this bag ? — A. This boatswain with the ste\vard, Q. Did you offer the boatswain a tip ? — A. Yes, but he refused it. Q. Why did you want to give it to him if the bag was not yours ? — A. I accepted the bag for the reasons I have already given you. Q. Why offer him a tip ? — A. For the sake of my friend, and because I did not want the matter exposed. Q. Who gave him the bag ? — A. I do not know, but it must have been Ahmad Hamuda. Q. (To the Boatswain.) Do you know Ahmad Hamuda ? — A. No. Alexandria, September 29, 1914. No. 126. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received October 15.) (Telegraphic.) ' Constantinople, October 14, 1914. THE whole of the Turkish fleet has re-entered the Bosphorus. The "Leros" and " Erissos," two German steamers which have been convoyed from Sulina by the " Breslau," sailed under the Turkish flag until they were inside the Bosphorus. The same thing was done on a former occasion, when two ships from Black Sea ports were similarly convoyed by the " Breslau." 48 No. 127. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Bdward &rey. — {Received October 15.) (Telegraphic,) Constantinople, Octoh&r 14, 1914. ABOUT BOO Moslem " fedahie," dressed in various guises, have arrived at Alfeppo in batches during past fortnight, their head being an officer related to Ottoman Minister of War; 400 of these came from Smyrna, where they had incited Moslems, against Greeks. At Aleppo they intrigued, with the aid of Committee of Union and Progress, with sheikhs against Great Britain. Discourses of a guarded an ti -British tendency were' pronounced in mosques. The last batch left Aleppo 1 2th Octbber by rail. Parties of thern have proceed to Hamaj Homs, Baalbek, Damascus, the Hauran, to incite sheikhs against Great Britain, and they are to continue their jdtirney south by Hedjaz Ilailway, and to find their way into Egypt to incite Mdglfems thiere. Many of the principal sheikhs of Aleppo seem now gained over to side of Germany. No. 128. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — (Received October 15.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, October 14, 1914. WITH the object of spreading the belief that Great Britain is the enemy of Islain, the German Embassy daily emits a stream of mendacity and calunlny, which is circulated throughout the coiihtfy by the Turkish newspapers, all^of those in the capital being in the pay of the German Embassy as a result of the large sums spent by it in corrupti(m both in Constantinople and in the provinces. No. 129. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received October 16.) (Telegraphic.) , , Constantinople, October 15, 1914. Son of Kurdish chief Issa, who is stated to have influence in Mesopotamia^ and who has been in Constantinople for instructions, is said to have left for Basra to work anti-English propaganda, and Other agents, including Germans, are said to be on their way to Afghanistan on similar errand. I learn that Zekki Pasha, commander of 8th corps; has lately received 5,0001. to, distribute amongst Bedouins, and that as much as 3i),000l. in gold left here by train on 12th for Syria. Senator Abdurrahman is Working among BedoTiins at Ma-an and Muntaz Bey on the west by Beersheba and Jerusalem. Party of Turkish sailors mentioned as having left here by train for I^asra are now stated to be on the way to Aka-ba with consignment of metal boats. Another lot of boats is at Rayak, possibly on the way to Beirout. Quantities of dynamite have been sent to the coast towns of Syria, probably to serve for mining purposos of land defence. This is in addition to sea mines which have been also forwarded. Numbers of " working battalions " (soldiers as yet untrained), are road constructing in southern Syria. All above and previous reports in a similar sense Show that there is vei-y considerable activity being directed in a sense hostile to us, and this activity is being worked by Gertoali infiufehc'd and agents in every conceivable direction. Probably Government as a whole have little control over these activities, but do not disapprove of them. As regards actual military preparations, German element has sufficient power to peiS'uade the aiithorities on certain points. German press is directing movement, and has obtained despd,tch of numbers of German officers to Syria to superintend prefiaratibn'S and training of corps there for war, concentration of stores and supplies at euitabte spots, preparation of lines of communication and defence of coast. 49 No. 130. , Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey.— {Received October 16.) npRMAxr 1 4. I, Constantinople, October 15, 1914. • , S^-^^J^AP^ pJots have been so extensive that it is conceivable that they may mbXer ^^ ^^^^^^® ^^*° ^gyP* whO' impersonating Indian soldiers, may cause 1 I^ substantiation of this I have to state that His Majesty's consul at Aleppo has learnt that a tailor m that town has been commissioned to make a variety of imlian costumes and head-dresses on design and measurement supplied by German No. 131. S^r H. Bax-Ironside to Sir Edward Grey.— ^Received October 16.) (Telegraphic^ Sophia, October 16, 1914. JNINETY-SEVEN cases of bullion passed through Eustchuk yesterday for Constantinople, accompanied by six Germans. This consignment was preceded by 200 other cases. In the last three weeks many heavy cases and stores have passed through same town. Armaments are believed to be sent through in the night. No. 132. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — (Received October 16.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, October 16, 1914. LOCAL authorities at Jaffa have distributed 10,000 rifles amongst Bedouins, each with 100 cartridges, 5,000 ten-shot to owners of horses and riding camels, and 5,000 single-shot to owners of baggage camels. Bedouins have been employed to dig wells, and Germans to fit them with motor pumps ; ovens have been built near frontier. It is believed that Bedouins' next move is to be towards Akaba. Horses and mules throughout the whole district are being requisitioned most energetically. No. 133. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — (Received October 17.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, October 16, 1914. MAJOE OMAE FEVZI BEY, son of Arimm Effendi, ex-Ggvernor-General of Damascus, accompanied by five German oiBcers, arrived at Aleppo 14th October from Constantinople bringing 25,000 liras. The ofiBcers passed for engineers, and are buying saddle horses to proceed to Bagdad vi^ Ana. From Ana they are to take two batteries of guns, which, together with money and loads of rifles and ammunition taken from Aleppo, they are to deliver to Ibn-el-Eeshid. Eailway trucks full of dynamite for Alexandretta and Damascus are expected to arrive from Constantinople. German officers of " Breslau " have already laid thirteen mines at Alexandretta according to report that has now reached me. No. 134. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — (Received October 17.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, October 16, 1914. MINISTEE of War, who is willing tool of Germans, \s now supreme. Minister of the Interior was most influential Minister before mobilisation, btit is so no longer. His [1093] ' K 50 position now is rather mysterious. Whilst taking advantage of European struggle to carry through so-called emancipation of Turks from foreign control, he is not supposed to be in favour of war, which he thinks would end badly for Turkey. If this diagnosis is correct, be and others like him are more or less powerless at present, and, though they declare their abihty and intention to stop military preparation*, evidently are unable to check them. No. 135. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received October 17.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, October 17, 1914. RELIABLE information reaches me that«mines are being sent to Basra, and will reach Bagdad in a day or two. No. 136. Sir F. Elliot to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received October 17.) (Telegraphic.) Atliens, October 17, 1914.- ONE Bouhadi Sadil has been discovered buying arms for importation into Egypt. He had already bought 700 Gras rifles and ammunition. I understand that two of this man's accomplices were recently convicted in Egypt. No. 137. Sir Edivard Grey to Sir L. Mallet. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, October 17, 1914. ANY attack upon H.M.S. "Espifegle" by Turkish authorities will be a wanton act of aggression, as she is not in Turkish territorial waters. You should inform Turkish Government that there is no present intention of her passing down the Shatt-el-Arab, but His Majesty's Government consider they have a rjght to claim that passage so long as " Goeben " and " Breslau," with German crews and officers, have free use of Turkish territorial waters and the Straits. ' ' No. 138. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received October 18.) (Telegraphic.) _ Constantinople, October 17, 1914. SINCE end of September following have reached Constantinople : — Six thousand nine hundred cases of Mauser ammunition, 540 cases of Mauser rifles, ISti'ucks of war material, and about 8OO,O0OL in bar gold. Arrival of a submarine in sections is expected shortly, and I am informed that such a consignment, together with two aeroplanes, left Rustchuk on 8th October. Two German ships were recently escorted from Sulina by "Breslau," and are reported to have brought submarine. But there is no evidence at present to prove this. No. 139. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. —{Received October 18.) (Telegraphic.) _ Constantinople, October 18, 1914. AliKOPLANE, three au-men, and several mechanics left Beersheba yesterday. Governor left Jaffa with a view to allaying panic. T IV. Fojl^^^^g is r^sum^ of a telegram from Minister of War to commandant at Jaffa which has come to my knowledo-e : ■ 51 ^ "On the approach of enemy warships destroy boats and lighters, kill horses break carriages, and destroy railway. Strictly guard telegraph. When surrender of town is demanded ask for time to consult Jerusalem. If Jerusalem instructs you not to surrender, oppose landing of the enemy by force of arms. See no looting of town takes place, and find suitable place to shelter your archives. Explain above to the population and arm them, taking oath from them. At signal not to surrender send away women and children. Hoist flag on konak and barracks so as not to have other places bombarded. Break enemy's flagstaff and remove insignia from the door of his consulate." No. 140. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Orey. — {Received October 19.) Sir, Constantinople, October 2, 1914. WITH reference to my telegram of the 22nd September* and your telegram of the 25th September, t I have the honour to forward, herewith copies of notes exchanged between the Grand Vizier and myself respecting the suppression of the British post offices in the Turkish Empire. .',.,„.. I have, &c. .. ... .A LDUIS MALLET. » See No. 86. t See Np. ,93. Enclosure 1 in No. 140. Grand Vizier to Sir L. Mallet. (Translation.) Constantinople, Ze 27 septembre, 1914., M. I'Ambassadeur, POUR ;faire suite a ma note du 9 courafat, j'ai I'honneur d'informer votre Excellence que par^uite de rabrdgation des, Capitula- tipns ^ compter du 1^'' ocfcobre, 1914, les bureaux deis postes . dtrangferei? fonction- nant provi^oirement dans I'Empire devront cesser le.urs operations k partir de cette date. . ; :. , Je prie, par consequent, votre Excellence de vouloir bien invitee les directeurs des bureaux de postes anglaises se trouvant en Turquie k agir ,en conformity des com- munications qui leur ont ^t^ faites par le Ministere Imperial des Postes et T616- graphes et doht copies' ont 6t6 ddjS. trans- mises h I'Ambassade de Sa Majeate bri- tannique en date 2 4 septembre, 1914. A^'euillez, &c . ■ • , SAID HALIM. Constantinople, September 27, 1914. Your Excellency, IN continuation of my note of thei 9th instant, I have the honour to inform ypi; that, in consequence of the abolition ©f the Capitulations as from., the 1st October, 1914, the foreign post offices provisionally existing in the Turkish Empire must cease working from that date. I accordingly request your Excellency to be so good as to request the directors of British post-offices in Turkey to act in con- formity with the communications addressed to them by the Imperial Minister of Ports and Telegraphs, copies of which have already been communicated to His Britannic Majesty's Embassy on the 24th September, 1914. ,, • ■ '■', : J,.- ..,.,..,. T'" Encldkire 2 in No.' 140.' , ., ., ,,■, j ", , ' 'J / ' ' •' ' ■ ■ ■ ■ ' :- • '''-•- '.■^''" -' - • Sir L. Mallet to Grand Vizier, ' M. le Ministre, ■ Constantinople, October 1, 1914. siu-:! HAVE the hoilotii' ^to acknowledge- the ' receipt ■ of the note dated 27th September, by which your Highness requests me to instmct -the directors of the British post office^-ie^atelished in the Ottoman Empire to act in accordance with the communications which have been addressed to them by officials of the Imperial Ministry [1093] — ■■"'■" —- , E-2 52 of Posts and Telegraphs with a view to their ceasing their operations from to-day onwards. The fact that a measure of such importance affecting an official department of His Majesty's Government should have been adopted in virtue of an unilateral decision of the Sublime Porte, and that effect has been given to the measure in so precipitate a manner, compels me to formulate the most express reservations both as to the procedure followed and as to the principle underlying the question. With a view to avoiding incidents of a public nature I have instructed the British post offices in the Empire to suspend their ordinary postal operations from to-day onwards. By so doing and by authorising a verbal exchange of views, in order to mitigate the inconvenience resulting from this suspension, I must not be considered to have prejudiced the question of principle. It will be for my Government to consider what further action shall be taken in the matter. I avail, &c. LOUIS MALLET. No. 141. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received October 19.) Sir, Constantinople, Oetoher 2, 1914. I HAVE the honour to transmit a copy of a note which I have addressed to the Sublime Porte referring to the repeated assurances which the Grand Vizier has given me that the German crews will be sent back to Germany, assurances which were confirmed to me by His Imperial Majesty the Sultan on the occasion of my audience of His Imperial Majesty on the 2 1st ultimo, and enquiring whether the Ottoman Govern- ment have the intention of fulfilling their undertakings, and, if so, on what date this will take effect. I have, &c. LOUIS MALLET. Enclosure in No. 141. Sir L. Mallet to Grand Vizier. Your Highness, Constantinople, October 2, 1914. ON the occasion of the audience which His Imperial Majesty the Sultan was graciously pleased to accord me on the 21st ultimo, I had the honour to convey to His Imperial Majesty a message from the King, my Sovereign, respecting the detention in England of the two Turkish vessels of war. I had previously communicated to your Highness the substance of this message, as your Highness will doubtless remember. His Imperial Majesty deigned in reply to charge me with his thanks to the King, my Sovereign, and whilst regretting that His Majesty's Government should have detained the vessels, which seemed unnecessary in view of the large naval supremacy of Great Britain, His Imperial Majesty said that he was unalterably determined to maintain the historic friendship between the two countries and on no account to depart from the neutrality which had hitherto been observed by his Government. Referring to a passage in the King's message, expressing His Majesty's regret at certain events which had seemed to impair that neutrality. His Imperial Majesty authorised me to inform the King that the services of the German admiral, officers, and crews of the German warships had been temporarily retained in order to train the Turkish officers and crews, but that the task was on the point of accomplishment, and that they would return to Germany within a few days' time. I replied that these assurances — which I had also received repeatedly from your Highness — would not fail to give great satisfaction to the King, coming as they did from the lips of His Imperial Majesty the Sultan himself. I now address myself to your Highness to enquire whether the Ottoman Govern- ment have the intention of repatriating the German officers and crews in accordance with the oft-repeated assurances of your Highness, which have now been solemnly confirmed by His Imperial Majesty the Srdtan. If such is their intention, I should be grateful if I might be informed of the date on which their departure will take place. I avail, &c. LOUIS MALLET. 53 No. 142. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received October 19.) ' ,- -TTi-T- Constantinople, October 4, 1914. a VI- ^^^ honour to forward herewith a copy of a note which I addressed to the bublime Porte, protesting against the abrogation of the Capitulations. I have, &c. LOUIS MALLET. Enclosure in No. 142. Note Verhale communicated to Sublime Porte. ^ His Britannic Majesty's Embassy has received instructions from His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to make the following statement to the Imperial Ministry for Foreign Affairs :— His Britannic Majesty's Government expressly confirm the protest against the suppression of the Capitulations which His Majesty's Ambassador addressed to the Imperial Minister for Foreign Affairs on the 10th ultimo. The regime of the Capitulations being founded on synallagmatic instruments the Porte cannot abrogate them by a unilateral act. His Majesty's Government therefore reserve their full liberty of action as regards the measures which the Ottoman authorities may have taken or may take in violation of the Capitulations and will demand diie reparation for any prejudice which their subjects may suffer in consequence of such measures. His Majesty's Government, desirous of maintaining the friendly relations which have hitherto existed with the Ottoman Empire, feel constrained to call the serious attention of the Porte to the consequences which may follow upon the adoption of the new policy upon which the Imperial Government would seem to have embarked. It is not in the interests of the Ottoman Government to alienate the sympathy of Great Britain, which constitutes a guarantee of present tranquillity and a pledge of future support. Constantinople, October 1, 1914. No. 143. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — {Eeceived October 19.) Sir, Constantinople, October 4, 1914. I HAVE the honour to forward herewith copy of a note which I addressed to the Grand Vizier protesting against certain military preparations in Syria. On the .2nd October I addressed a further note, copy of which is also enclosed, pointing out that no answer had been received either to my previous note or to two letters of the 25th and 26th on the same subject. I have, &c. LOUIS MALLET. Enclosure 1 in No. 143. Sir L. Mallet to Grand Vizier. (Translation,) Constantinople, Constantinople, le 23 septembre, 1914. September 23, 1914. Altesse, Your Highness, AU cours de notre entretien d'hier IN the course of our interview of m;3tin, j'ai jeu Thonneur de faire part k yesterday morning, I had the honour to votre Altesse de I'inquietude que m'in- inform your Highness of the anxiety that spifaiertt les noiivelles que jerecevais de la the news which. reached me from Syria in Syrie an suJGt des prdpaifatifs ^i]itair'e8 ?t regard to the military ^rd^Jarations and [1093] " ' ' E 3 54 des complots centre I'Egypte que Ton fait dans cette rdgion. Aussi longtemps qu'il s'agissait de pr^paratifs semblables h, ceux qui se sont faits partout dans I'Empire a la suite de la mobilisation gen^rale, je n'en ai rien dit k votre Altesse, bien que Ton pAt attacher une importance toute parti- culifere h, tout ce qui se faisait dans ce genre dans le voisinage de la frontifere ^gyptienne. De m6me ai-je jusqu'k present rejet^ comme des racontars in- vraisemblables les bruits qui me sont parvenus de plus d'une source, et d'aprfes Jesquels on projetterait un coup subit contre le Canal de Suez dans le but d'en rendre impossible le passage, quoique je sacbe que les ennemis de la Grande- Bretagne aient men^ des intrigues ay ant pour leur but d'emmener le Gouvernement de votre Altesse dans des aventures aussi foUes et m^me plus foUesque cela. Cepen- dant, je manquerais h, mon devoir envers mon Gouvernement, et je puis ajouter envers votre Altesse, si je ne la mettais pas au courant des derniers rapports qui me sont parvenus. II r^sulte de ces rapports que les esprits des Bedouins sont travallles par des agents provocateurs qui, encourages par le Gouvernement ottoman, voudraient les exciter contre I'^ngleterre. Les prdparatifs militaires, qui jusqu'k un certain moment ne diffl6raient pas dans leur caractfere de ceux faits dans les autres provinces de I'Empire, se sont transformes derniferement dans un mouvement vers le sud. On fait venir des troupes d'un centre aussi lointain que Mosul. Une activity gdn^rale rfegne partout, de Damas jusqu'k Maan. Une accumulation d'indices fait croire h. mon consul k Jerusalem que I'on projette pour ces jours-ci m^me une expedition en rhgle contre I'Egypte. J'aime k esp^rer que les rapports dont je viens de faire un r^sum^ pour votre Altesse interprfetent mal des faits qui en eux-m^mes sont indiscutables. Mais je r^pfete que je manquerais h, mon devoir si je ne faisais pas part k votre Altesse des graves preoccupations qu'ils m'occasionnent et I'impression qu'ils font sur le Gouverne- ment de Sa Majeste britannique, et si je ne la mettais pas en garde contre les conse- quences desastreuses qui resulteraient pour votre Gouvernement s'il suivait une voie si tiontraire k ses propres interdts que celle de se faire le complice de 1' AUemagne dans une attaque contre I'Egypte. Votre Altesse se rappellera qu'au com- mencement de la guerre actuelle Sir E. Grey chargea Mr. Beaumont de lui declarer que pourvu que la Turquie gard^t une plots against Egypt now going on in that province, w&s causing me. So long as it was a question of preparations similar^ to those made in other parts of the Empire, as a consequence of the general mobilisa- tion, I did not mention the matter to your Highness, although special importance might attach to all such doings in the neighbourhood of the Egyptian frontier. Similarly, I have been able up to the present to reject, as improbable tales, the rumours which have reached me from more than one source, according to which a sudden blow directed against the Suez Canal was being planned with the object of rendering it impassable, although I am aware that the enemies of Great Britain are intriguing with the object of leading your Highness's Government into adven- tures as insensate, and even more insensate, than this. I should, however, fail in my duty towards my Government, and I may add also towards the Government of your Highness, if I did not . bring to your Highness's knowledge the latest reports which have reached me. It appears from these reports that the minds of the Bedouins are being excited by professional agitators, who, encouraged by the Ottoman Government, are desirous of inflaming them against England. The military preparations, which up to a certain moment bore a similar character to those in the other provinces of the Empire, have lately changed into a converging movement towards the south. Troops are being brought from such distant centres as Mosul. General activity reigns every- where from Damascus to Maan, and cumulative evidence leads my consul at Jerusalem to the belief that an organised expedition against Egypt is in project for the next few days. I trust that the reports, the con- tents of which I have just summed up to your Highness, put a wrong inter- pretation on facts which, as such, cannot be discussed. But I repeat that I should fail in my duty, if I did not bring to your Highness's knowledge the grave pre- occupation which they cause me, and the impression which they make upon His Britannic Majesty's Government, and if I did not place you on your guard against the disastrous consequences, which would ensue for your Highness's Government, if they were to follow a course so contrary to their own interests as that of becoming the accomplice of Germany in an attack upon Egypt. Your Highness will remember that at the beginning of the present war, Sir E. Grey instructed Mr. Beaumont to give you the assurance that, provided that 55 nieutralitd stricte et absolue pendant la guerre et tant que des circonstances im- pri^vues ne surgissent pas, le Gouvernement de Sa Majesty britannique n'avait aucun d^sir ni intention d'Snnexer I'figypte ni de modi- fier son regime d'une fagon quelconque. J'eus Thonneur de confirmer cette assurance k votre Altesse peu de temps aprfes ma rentree ^^ Constantinople. Depuis lors, desireux d'^viter toute possibility de malentendu avec le Gouvernement Imperial, j'ai k plusieurs reprises appel^ I'attention de votre Altesse sur le caractfere conditionnel des assurances donnees par Sir E. Grey. - Or, je crois de mbn devoir de declarer encore une fois h, votre Altesse que mon Gouver- nement voit sous un jour des plus sdrieux les violations de neutrality sans pr^c^dent commises ddjk par le Gouvernement otto- man en gardant des officiers et des dqui- pagies allemands k bord des vaisseaux de guerre allemands et en prenaut dans son service plus tard beaucoup d'autres Alle- mands ayant le mSme caractfere militaire. Je ne trouve pas necessaire en ce moment de recapituler les details d'ehcore autres hearts de la neutrality commis par la Turquie en faveur des ennemis de la Gl-ande-Bretagne. Je n'ai pas besoin non plus d'insister sur des consequences qui pourraient en suivre, si pour mettre le comble k une situation tellement grave, mon Gouvernement acquerrait la convic- tion que le Gouvernement Imperial envisa- geait S^rieusement une attaque centre I'Egypte ou qu'il se pr^tait k des menees d^loyales coutre la siiret^ du Canal de Suez ou contre le regime actuel de I'Egypte. Votre Altesse pent elle-mlme appr^cier toute I'importance et toute la portiee possible de ces consequences. Yotre Altesse trouvera annexd a cette note un memoir e detail! ant les faits qui peuvent §tre consider^s comme le prelude d'une attaque contre I'Egypte. Je profite, &c. LOUIS MALLET. Turkey maintained strict and absolute neutrality during the war, and so long as unforeseen circumstauees did not arise, His Eritannic Majesty's Government had no desire to, nor intention of annexing Egypt, nor of modifying her regime in any way whatsoever. I had the honour to confirm this assurance to your High- ness shortly after my return to Constan- tinople. Since then, being desirous of avoiding any possibility of misunderstand- ing with the Imperial Government, I have repeatedly called your Highness's atten- tion to the conditional character of the assurances given by Sir E. Grey. Now, I hold it to be my duty to declare once more to your Highness that my Government take the most serious view of the un- precedented violations of neutrality already cdmmitted by the Turkish Government in retaining German officers and men on board the German warships, and by subse- quently taking into their service nume- rous other Germans in a similar military capacity. It does not seem to me necessaiy at this -moment to recapitulate the details of still further departures from neutrality committed by Turkey in favour of the enemies of Great Britain. Nor need I insist on the consequences which might ensue if, to add the last touch to so grave a situation, my Government were to become convinced that the Imperial Government were seriously meditating an attack against Egypt, or that they were a party to disloyal intrigues against the security of the Suez Canal, or against the present regime in Egypt. Your Highness can judge of the whole importance and possible extent of these consequences. I enclose in this note a Memorandum, . enumerating in detail the facts which can be considered as indications of a forth- coming attack upOn Egypt. I avail, &c. LOUIS MALLET. Memorandum. (Translation.) D'un rapport en date du 18 courant, il From a report dated the 18th instant, it r^sulte que les autorit^s ddployaient tous appears that the authorities were using all leurs eftbrts pour exciter les tribus their efforts in order to excite the Bedouin bddouines contre I'Angleterre, en la repre- tribes against England by representing her sentant comme I'ennemi de I'islamisme, et as the enemy of Islam, and that 30,000 que 30,000 hommes appartenant k ces men belonging to these tribes were ready tribus etaient pr^ts h, se soulever. Un to risei, A supplementary report states rapport compldnentaire porte que les insti- that the instigators of this movement are gateurs de ce mouvement sont Muntaz Muntaz Bey, an ofiicer of the army, Essad Bey, officier k Tarm^e ; Essad Choucair, Shoucair, deputy or former deputy, and a ■ .[1093] E 4 56 depute ou ancien depute ; et un certain Beheddine Bey, aidds de plusieurs autres personnes et appuyes par les autorit^s locales taut civiles que militaires. Le rapport ajoute sans reserves qu'aprfes le bruit qui courait, des tribus devaient s'armer tout de suite pour marcher centre I'Egypte. II r^sulte d'un autre rapport du 18 courant qu'un mouvement militaire de Damas vers le sud etait attendu pour environ le 20 septembre ; que les troupes de Mosul ^taient en route pour Damas ; que Ton preparait de grandes provisions de vivres ; que Ton avait assemble 3,000 chameaux k Maan ; et que deux officiers d'dtat-major dtaient rentr^s d'Akaba aprfes avoir etudid la possibility d'un mouvement h, travers le ddsert. Ce rapport se complete par un autre de la mSme date portant que Ton projetait d'envoyer un grand nombre d'hommes de Homs h. Damas par cherain de fer, entre le 20 et le 23 septeinbre, et que Ton s'attendait k une grande concentration vers le sud. D'un troisifeme rapport re^u postdrieure- ment il r^sulte qu'encore 5,000 chameaux avaient ^t^ rdquisitionnds a Maan ; que tout le materiel roulant de la partie sud du Chemin de Fer du Hedjaz se trouvait concentre k Deraa ; et que les troupes de Mosul dtaient parvenues k Tel-Abiad prfes d'Alep. Un rapport en date du 2 1 courant declare qu'il y avait one accumulation d'indices ^tablissant presque la certitude qu'une attaque centre I'Egypte sur une grande dchelle aurait lieu dans un avenir trfes proche ; que les troupes marcheraient des deux c6tes, par Akaba et par El-Ariche ; et que I'en preparait une grande quantity jle choses n^cessaire pour leur transport k , travers le desert. Un autre rapport de la in^me date porte que des chameaux et des hommes sent arrives de Homs k Damas ; que Ton s'attendait k I'arrivee de trente bataillons au courant de la semaine ; que le chef d'dtat- major de Damas s'dtait rendu h, Maan ; et que des chefs des tribus bedoiiines ^talent partis pour le sud aprfes avoir confdr^ avec le Vali. Constantinople, le 23 septembre, 1914. certain Beheddine Bey, aided by several other persons, and witli the support of the local, civil, and military authorities. The report adds categorically that, according to current rumour, these tribes vrere to arm immediately in order to march on Egypt. From a further report dated the 18th instant, it appears that a military move- ment from Damascus towards the south was expected about the 20th September ; that the Mosul troops were on their way to Damascus ; that large stores of food- stuffs were being prepared ; that 3,000 camels had been collected at Maan ; and that two staff officers had returned from Akaba after studying the possibility of a move- ment across the desert. This report was supplemented by another of the same date to the effect that it was intended to send a large number of men from Homs to Damascus by rail, between the 20th and 23rd of September, and that a great concentration converging towards the south was expected. From a third report, which was received subsequently, it appears that another 5,000 camels had been requisitioned at Maan ; that all the rolling-stock of the southern section of the Hedjaz Kailway was being concentrated at Deraa ; and that the Mosul troops had reached Tel-Abiad, near Aleppo. A report, dated the 21st instant, stated that there was cumulative evidence to show almost certainly that an attack against Egypt on a large scale would take place in the very near future ; that the troops, would advance on both sides by way of Akaba and by way of El Arish ; and that a large provision of things necessary for their transport across the desert was being prepared. A further report of the same date stated that camels and men had arrived at Damascus from Homs ; that thirty battalions were expected to arrive during the week; that the chief staff officer from Damascus had proceeded to Maan ; and that the chiefs of the Bedouin tribes had left for the south after a con- ference with the Vali. Constantinople, September 23, 1914. Enclosure 2 in No. 143. Sir L. Mallet to Grand Vizier. Your IJigbnosB, Constantinople, October 2, 1914. IN my communication of the 23rd September and subsequent letters of the 25th and 26th, various military and other preparations in Syria, initiated by the Ottoman Government, were brought to the notice of your Highness, as likely to cause apprehension to His Majesty's Government. To the rei^rcseututious ni^de iji thesp communications, no written reply has yet 57 been received, and it appears that not only has the verification of the details already given been confirmed, but further news of a disquieting nature has noysr arrived. For instance, the transport of food-stuffs, military stores, and material of war to Maan continues. As this place is in no wise a Turkish military centre in peace, and has no connection with a mobilisation of the Syrian divisions in their ordinary stations, but is, on the other hand, in proximity to the Egyptian frontier, His Majesty's Government would desire to be informed why it is considered necessary to make the preparations in question, which are evidently for the maintenance of a considerable body of troops, or for their transit further in the direction of Akaba. 2. Similar preparations are also apparently being made on the road Jenim-Nablus- Jerusalem, and the collection of a camel corps at the latter place was announced yesterday. These measures tend to show a projected concentration of troops on the limits of Syria to the west, and again in proximity to the Egyptian frontier, 3. The above steps have latterly coincided with the sudden arrival of Colonel Kress von Kressenstein and six other German officers, with the result that it is openly rumoured in Syria that the J erusalem division is preparing to move towards Raf a and that of Damascus towards Akaba. 4. From Beirout arrive reports thai; the inhabitants are retiring inland, and from Haiffa that the customs and railway staff have also been transferred from the coast. These measures are stated to be taken as precautionary steps against the hostile action of the British fleet, which is expected to ensue on the movement of Turkish forces against Egypt. 5. In view of all these circumstances, it is undoubtedly the case that it is fully believed in Syria that an offensive movement against Egypt is contemplated by the Ottoman authorities, and, although His Majesty's Government do not necessarily share this view, they cannot but regard any continuance of the military movement in anything but the most serious light. 6. Apart from recognised military measures, the movements of a German engineer belonging to the Bagdad Railway with a large consignment of explosives destined for an attempt on the Suez Canal has already been brought to your Highness's notice in my letter of the 25th ultimo. Not only have the movements of this individual been confirmed, but the departure of a German naval officer named Hilgendorff is now also announced with the same purpose. This individual has left Petra with a party of eight Germans, ostensibly on a shooting expedition, but with a large amount of stores, including explosives, and intending to meet another similar party journeying viS Haiffa-Amman. As both these parties are acting from neutral territory with the avowed intention • of committing acts hostile to Great Britain, it is incumbent on the Porte to secure their apprehension, coupled -with an assurance that all necessary steps will be taken to put an end to any enterprises of this nature. I have been repeatedly assured by your Highness and by other members of the Ottoman Government that Turkey is firmly determined to maintain an attitude of strict neutrality during the European war. To these assurances I hav.e been unfortunately obliged to reply that the Ottoman Government have failed in several most essential particulars to maintain their neutrality, and I would now desire to point out, with all the emphasis at my command, that, if these preparations continue, only one conclusion can be deduced — namely, that the Ottoman Government are taking preliminary steps to send an expedition against Egypt and that they are conniving at the preparation of a plot against the Suez Canal on the part of German subjects, who are either in the Ottonian service or are acting independently. I cannot too earnestly impress upon your Highness the absolute necessity of putting an end to this situation of uncertainty at the earliest moment possible, in order that those relations of confidence and sincerity may be restored between the two Governments which it has constantly been my object to foster. I avail, &c. LOUIS MALLET. No. 144. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received October 19.) Sir, ^ Constcintinophf Odtoh&r 6, 1914. I HAVE the honour tb forward herewith cbpy of a note which I have addressed tb thb Grand Vizier rbferring tb the circular notb* e'nclDseti in my immediately succeeding * See EncloSUr-e in No. 145. 58 despatch, recently received from the Sublime Porte, defining the rules which they propose to apply during the war in order to defend their neutrality, expressing my satisfaction that they should have adopted views in regard to the use of wireless in neutral waters, by belligerent merchantmen, identical with those of His Majesty's Government, and enquiring when they propose to dismantle the wireless apparatus on the " Corcovado." I have, &c. LOUIS MALLET. Enclosure in No. 144. Sir L. Mallet to Grand Vizier. YoxiT Highness, Constantinople, October 2, 1914. I HAVE received a note verbale from the Sublime Porte dated the 28th ultimo defining the rules which the Government of your Highness propose to apply during the present war in order to secure respect for their neutrality and to enable them to perform what they recognise to be their duty as neutrals. I propose to reply to this circular in detail, biit in the meantime I desire at once to express my satisfaction that the Imperial Government should have adopted views which, in so far as the installation of wireless stations on land and the use of wireless apparatus by belligerent merchantmen in neutral ports and waters are concerned, are identical with those of His Majesty's Government. I have had the honour to discuss this question on frequent occasions with your Highness during the last few weeks, in special reference to the notorious case of the German vessel " Corcovado," amongst others. The "Corcovado'* has since the beginning of the war lain at Beicos, almost opposite to the British Embassy, and has, in gross violation of ihe laws of neutrality, which should have been enforced by the Ottoman Government, regularly received and transmitted, and still, so far as I am aware, continues to receive and transmit, wireless messages in such a way as to serve as a base of radio-telegraphic communication for the general purposes of the German Government. In deference to the wishes of your Highness, I have hitherto confined my remon- strances to verbal representations, but in view of the circular note now received from the Sublime Porte defining the attitude of the Government of your Highness in regard to the question, I feel at liberty to address to your Highness a formal note asking, on - behalf of His Majesty's Government, that the Ottoman regulations maybe applied without further delay to the " Corcovado " and other vessels which still fly the German flag, or which flew it at the beginning of the present war, and that their wireless installations may be at once dismantled. I feel convinced that your Highness will see the justice and the propriety of this step. I .avail, &c. LOUIS MALLET. No. 145. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — (Received October 19.) Sir, Constantinople, October 6, 1914. I HAVE the honour to forward herewith copies of notes from and to the Sublime Porte on the subject of the Turkish regulations for belligerent warships in Turkish territorial waters. I have, &c. LOUIS MALLET. 59 Enclosure 1 in No. 145. 'Note verhale communicated hy Sublime Forte LE Ministfere des AflFaires fitrang^res, en vue d'observer ses devoirs de- neutrality pendant toute la dur^e des hostilitds, porte les dispositions qui suivent k la connais- sance de I'Ambassade d'Angleterre : l._ L'entr^e dans les ports, rades eteaux territoriales ottomans est interdite aux navires de guerre des Puissances bellig^- rantes, sauf pour cause d'avarie, ou k raison de r^tat de mer. Dans ces cas, ils ne devront r^sider que le strict temps materiel n^cessaire pour r^parer lesdites avaries, ou pour attendre que I'^tat de la mer soit amllior^. 2. Tout navire bellig^rant qui deman- derait ^ entrer dans un port ou dans une rade ottomans pour cause de ravitaillement en combustible ou approvisionnement, pourra y ^tre autorise a la condition d'en obtenir I'autorisation de I'autorit^ Imp^riale locale, apres avoir dtabli les motifs de son arriv^e; de ne r^sider plus de vingt- quatre heui-es dans lesdits port ou rade et de n'dtre k la fois pas plus de trois unites du m§me pavilion dans le m^me port ou rade, 3. Les ports de Smyrne et de Beyrouth sont interdits auxdits navires, ainsi que les eaux int^rieures dont I'accfes est barre soit pa/r des mines sous-marines, soit par d'autres moyens de defense. 4. Si le navire de guerre ne quitte pas les eaux ottoraanes k I'expiration des d^lais pr^vus plus haut, le Gouvernement Ifiapdrial prendra les mesures qu'il jugera ndeessaires pour rendre le navire incapable de prendre la mer pendant la durde de la guerre. 5. Les batiments de guerre sont tenus de respecter les droits . souverains de I'Empire ottoman, de s'abstenir de tons actes contraires h, sa neutrality, de ne point se livrer dans les eaux territoriales otto- manes h, des actes d'hostilit^, y compris la Qapture et le droit de visite. - 6, Si des ■ navires de guerre belligerants ennemis se trouverit simultan^ment dans le m^me port ou rade ottoman, il doit s'ecouler au moins 24 houres entre le depart du navire d'un bellig^rant et celui du navire de I'autre bellig^fant ennerai, I'ordre de depart etant ddtermind par celui des arrivdes, ^ moins que le b4ti- ment arrivd le premier ne soit oblige de rester en raison des causes prevues iplus haut sur 'No. 1. De m^me un b^timeut de (Translation.) THE Ministry for Foreign Affairs, with a view to the observance of their duties of neutrality throughout the hostilities, brings the following regulations to the notice of the British Embassy : — 1. Entry to Turkish ports, roadsteads, and territorial waters, is forbidden to war- ships belonging to belligerent Powers, except in the case of damage,- or by reason of' the state of the sea. In these cases they may only remain strictly the length of time actually necessary for the repair of the said damage, or to wait until the state of the sea has improved. 2. Every belligerent vessel, which shall ask permission to enter a Turkish port or roadstead for purposes of refuelling or revictualling, may be authorised to do so, on condition that the authorisation of the local Turkish authority is obtained, after having declared the reasons for her arrival ; that she does not remain more than twenty-four hours in the said port or roadstead ; and that there be not more than three vessels un^er the same flag simultaneously in the same port or road- stead. 3. The ports of Smyrna and Beirout are prohibited to the said ships, as are the inland waters, access to which is barred either by submarine mines or by other defensive means. 4. If the warship does not leave Turkish waters within the period provided for above, the Turkish Government will take such steps as they may deem necessary to render the vessel incapable of putting to sea during the war. 5. Warships are expected to respect the sovereign rights of the Turkish Enipire, to refrain from all acts pre- judicial to Turkish neutrality, and not to commit any hostile acts in Turkish terri- torial waters, including capture and the right of search. 6. If enemy belligerent warships happen to be simultaneously in the same Turkish port or roadstead, at l6ast twenty-four hours must elapse between the departure of one belligerent warship and that of the other enemy belligerent warship, the order of departure being decided by that of arrival, unless the vessel which arrived first be obliged to remain for reasons fote- seen above in No. 1. Similarly a bel- ligerent warship may only leave a Turkish 60 guerre belligdraut ne peut quitter un des ports ou rades ottomans que 24 heures aprfes le depart d'un navire de commerce sous pavilion de son adversaire. 7. Dans les ports et rades ottomans non interdits les b&timents de guerre des belli- g^rants ne pourront r^parer leiirs avaries que dans la mesure indispensable a la security de la navigation et ne pourront accroltre, d'une manifere quelconque, leur force militaire. Les autorites Imp^riales ottomanes constateront la nature des repa- rations h. faire ; elles devront Ite exdcutees le plus rapideraent possible. 8. Lesdits batiments ne pourront s'y ravitailler que pour completer leur appro- visionnement normal du temps de paix. Toutefois, etant donn^es les circonstances exceptionnelles de la guerre actuelle, les autorites Imp^riales pourront r^duire cet approvisionnement, suivant les n^cessit^s des lieux, au stricte n^cessaire pur suffire k se rendre dans un port stranger neutre le plus proche une premiere fois, et refuser tout approvisionnement en cas de retour une seconde fois de batiments d'une mdme nation bellig^rante. 9. Ces navires ne peuvent prendre de combustible que pour gagner le port le plus proche de leur propre pays, ou de celui dont Tad ministration est confine k leur Gouvernement, ou du pays allie, au choix de I'autorit^ Impdriale locale. Les restrictions pr^cddentes concernant les approvisionnements seront applicables au combustible. 10. Les r^glements sanitaires, de pilotage, de douane, de port et des phares ottomans devront 6tre observes et respect^s par les batiments de guerre des belli g^rants. 11. Est d^fendu d'amener des prises dans un des ports ou rades ottomans (non interdits) sauf pour cause d'innavigabilitd, de mauvais ^tat de mer, de manque de combustible ou de provisions, auquel cas, autorisation devra Stre demand^e aux auto- rites Imp^riales locales ; celles-ci I'accor- deront aprfes constatation de la cause pr^citee. La prise devra repartir aussitot que ladite cause aura cess^ ; I'approvi- sionnement en combustible et en provision se fera dans les conditions pr^vues pour les navires de guerre. Aucun tribunal des prises ne peut 6tre constitud par un bellig^rant ni sur le sol de I'Empire ni sur un navire dans ses eaux territorial es. 12. Est inter dit aux bellig^rants de faire des ports et eaux ottomans la base d'opera- tions navales contre leurs adversaires ; d'installer sur le sol et dans les eaux territoriales des stations radio-teiegra- phiques ou tout appareil destin^ k servir commfe moyfen dfes cymmunication aVet; les port or roadstead twenty-four hours after the departure of a merchant vessel under an enemy flag. 7. In non-prohibited Turkish ports and roadsteads belligerent warships may only repair their damages to such an extent as is consonant with the safety of navigation, and may not increase their military strength in any manner whatsoever. The Turkish authorities will verify the nature of the repairs to be made ; these must be carried out as quickly as possible. 8. The said vessels may only revictual up to their normal supply in peace time. Never- theless, in the exceptional circumstances of the present war, the Turkish authorities may, in the first instance, reduce this supply, according to the requirements of the districts, to what is strictly necessary to reach the nearest neutral foreign port, and may refuse all supplies in the case of a second return by vessels of a like bel- ligerent nation. 9. Such vessels may only take in suffi- cient fuel to reach the nearest harbour in their own country, or of a country the administration of which is entrusted to their Government, or of an allied country, at the discretion of the local Turkish authority. The preceding restrictions con- cerning supplies will be applicable to fuel. 10. The Turkish sanitary, pilotage, customs, port and lighthouse regulations must be observed and respected by bel- ligerent warships. 11. It is forbidden to bring prizes into any of the (non-prohibited) Turkish ports or roadsteads, save in the case of impossi- bility of navigation, of roughness of the sea, lack of fuel or provisions, in which case permission must be asked from the local Turkish authorities ; the latter will grant it after verification of the aforesaid cause. The prize shall be required to leave as soon as the said cause shall have ceased to exist ; the taking in of fuel and pro- visions shall be carried out in accordance with the conditions laid, down for warships. No Prize Court may be established by a belligerent either on Turkish territory or on a vessel in Turkish territorial waters. 12. Belligerents are forbidden to make Turkish harbours and roadsteads a base for naval operations against their ad- versaries ; to erect on land or in territorial waters any wireless telegraphy station or installation destined to serve as a means of cbmrnunicatibn with b'sUig'er'ent 61 forces belligdrantes sur terre ou sur mer ; forces by land or sea ; to establish depdts of d'etablir des dep6ts de combustible soit sur fuel either on Turkish territory or on ships le sol ottoman, soit sur des navires station- stationed in Turkish territorial waters, n^s dans ses eaux territoriales. 13. Les dispositions qui prdcfedent ne 13. The above provisions in no way d^rogent en rien au rdgime des D^troits, supersede the regulations governing the qui reste le mdme, tel qu'il est ^tabli par Straits, which remain as established by les trait^s internationaux. international treaty. 14. Le droit international gdn^ral est 14. Greneral international law is appli- applicable dans toutes les questions non cable in all questions not provided for in prdvues par les dispositions qui pr^c^dent. the abov6 regulations. Constantinople, le 28 septembre, 1914. Gonstantinople, September 28, 1914. Enclosure 2 in No. 145. Note verhale communicated to Sublime Porte. HIS Britannic Majesty's Embassy is in. receipt of the note verbale of the Imperial Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the 28th September, in which are set forth at length the rules laid down by the Imperial Ottoman Government with a view to securing proper respect for their neutrality during the present hostilities in Europe. In the preamble to this note verbale the Imperial Ministry states that the rules contained in it have been adopted in order to enable the Imperial Government to discharge their duties as neutrals. The rules themselves indicate a conception of those duties closely in accord with the general principles held by His Majesty's Government. It is all the more, therefore, a matter of surprise to His Majesty's Embassy that the practice of the Ottoman Government should have hitherto been so entirely at variance with these principles. Rule 1 prohibits the entrance into Ottoman ports of belligerent warships, except in case of damage or on account of the state of the sea, and requires their departure as soon as circumstances permit. Rule 2 prescribes that no belligerent warship, even though authorised for special reasons to enter an Ottoman harbour, shall remain more than twenty-four hours.. These rules were not applied by the Imperial Ottoman Government when they allowed the German warships " Goeben " and " Breslau" to enter the Dardanelles and to remain in Turkish waters for an indefinite period, on the pretext that a sale, as to the genuineness of which no evidence exists, had taken place. Neither did the Imperial Ottoman Government apply to these ships the provisions of Rule 4, which requires that vessels which have exceeded a visit of twenty-four hours shovdd be incapacitated from taking part in any hostilities during the war, as both these vessels, which remain under German control, are notoriously in a state of complete preparation to proceed to sea. Rule 5, which prohibits the performance of acts prejudicial to Ottoman neutrality, including acts of capture and search, was violated in a flagrant manner by the " Breslau," when it visited and searched British ships in the Dardanelles shortly after its arrival in those waters. The Imperial Government have never demanded any public satisfaction from the Government whose ship committed this indefensible outrage on their neutrality. By thus condoning the act of the " Breslau," the Imperial Govern- ment failed signally in their own duties as a neutral. The Imperial Ottoman Government have not applied the provisions of rule 7, prohibiting foreign war vessels from increasing their military value in an Ottoman port. where they are only permitted to make such repairs as their own security demands and within the shortest possible period of time, nor the provisions of rule 8, regarding the prohibition of all revictualling, &c. , of belligerent warships returning a second time to to the same Ottoman port. The " Goeben " and the " Breslau " remaining, as has been said above, under German control, have been repaired under the auspices of the official representatives of the German Government, have put to sea under German command, and have been revictualled at German expense on returning from the various cruises in the Black Sea. By tolerating these violations of their own rules, the Turkish Government have again failed in their duty as neutrals. The Imperial Ottoman Government have further neglected the obligation to prevent foreign warships from making an Ottoman port a base of naval operations against their 62 enemies ; from installing wireless stations on land or in territorial waters, to serve as a means of communication with the belligerent forces on land or sea, obligations which are clearly recognised by the adoption of rule 12. The flagrant violation of this rule by ships like the "General," the " Lily Eickmers," and the " Corcovado," has not been checked by the Imperial Government. They have, indeed, departed from their duty as neutrals, not merely by tolerating the proceedings of those ships, but they have in some cases facilitated them, by allowing German ships to fly the Ottoman flag, as a result of illegal and fictitious transfers. The special case of the " Corcovado " has formed, the subject of a separate communication, to which His Majesty's Embassy trusts that an early reply will be returned. Finally, rule 13, which states that the status of the Straits is unaffected by the measures taken by the Imperial Government, has been violated by the _ Ottoman authorities themselves, who, in violation of a series of international acts, have interfered with the free passage of the Dardanelles by British merchant vessels. In the presence of the facts set forth above, it is impossible for the Imperial Ottoman Government to maintain that they have hitherto observed that duty as neutrals, the performance of which the Imperial Minister for Foreign Affairs declares them to have had in view when drawing up the rules embodied in its circular note of the 28th September. If, after consecrating their recognition of these duties by an official communication, the Imperial Government should continue to. tolerate the use of its territory by German ships and agents for purposes connected with the war. His Majesty's Embassy will feel itself constrained to protest with renewed vigour against what it cannot but consider a partial and unneutral attitude on the part of the Imperial Ottoman Government, and must reserve to His Majesty's Government complete liberty of action. If, on the other hand, the object of the communication is to prove that the Imperial Government are prepared to embark on a new line of action, His Britannic Majesty's Embassy will have the utmost satisfaction in taking act of an assurance in that sense and bringing it to the knowledge of His Britannic Majesty's Government. Constantinople, October 4, 1914. ' No. 146. iS'n' L. Mallet to Sir Edimrd Grey.-^lfieceived October 19.) Sir, Constantinople, October 6, 1914. ^ I HAVE the honour to transmit herewith copy of a note I haye addressed to the Grand Vizier on the subject of the measures the Porte propose to tike against British warships in the Shatt-el-Arab, expressing the hope that no action' be taken; which might have serious consequences. I have, &c. LOUIS MALLET. Enclosure in No. 146. Sir L. Mallet to Grand Vizier. Your Highness, Constantinople, October 4, 1914. I HAVE just received a telegram from His Majesty's consul at Basra stating that the Vali has written to him saying that the Porte have communicated to me the measures which they propose to take against a British man-of-war which is in the Shatt-el-Arab unless it leaves within twenty-four hours, and that the Shatt-el-Arab from Fao to Gurna is inland water, like the Dardanelles, and closed to foreign warships. I am instructed by His Majesty's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to enquire on what grounds the Sublime Porte base "their objection to His Majesty's ship remaining in Mohammerah, a Persian port? In the meantime I would express the hope that your Highness will instruct the Vali without loss of time to avoid taking any measures against a British man-of-war which might have serious consequences at this critical period. As a matter of fact, H.M.S. "Odin" left the Shatt-el-Arab some days ago, and I am not aware what British ship has taken her place. ■ ,-•.- I avail, &c. , . . LOUIS MALLET. 68 'No. 147. .(Sir L. Mallet to, Sir Edward Grey. — {Received October 19.) Sir, Constantinople, Qctoher 6,, 1914. I HAVE the honour to forward herewith copy of a note addressed hy me to the Imperial Ottoman Government on the 5th instant with regard to the hostile attitude of the Ottoman press towards Ctreat Britain and British interests. I also enclose Copy of a letter I addressed to Talaat Bey on the previous day on the same subject. 1 have, &c. LOUIS MALLET. Enclosure 1 in No, 147. ;i ,,(. ,, Sir L. Mallet to Grand Vizjcr. Ybiir 'Highness, "^ Constantinople, October 5, 1914. . I HAVE on several occasions complained to your Highness of the hostile tone of the Qttor^an press towards Great Britain and British interests, and I have frequently represehled to yoiir Highness and to the Minister of the Interior tte unfavourable impression which His Majesty's Government wiU derive of the sentiments of the Ottoman Government fi-om the deliberate misrepresentations and the malicious accusations of the organs of public opinion. Your Highness has assured me 'from time to time of your regret that the press should display so hostile a spirit towards my country and to the cause for which we have taken up arms, and owing to your Highness's intervention I most willingly admit that there have been short .periods during which it has displayed a greater moderation in the volume and frequency of its abuse. Your Highness has also begged me not to attach too great an importance to the newspapers, which you have assured me do not' influence public opinion to any appreciable extent, and are not therefore deserving of . serious attention. In ordinary circumstances I .should have been in agreement with your Highness, except in regard to thet extent .of j the harm done by these irrespoAsible writers, a matter of which I am incompetent to judge, but It must be remembered that the Ottoman Empire is now living under martial law, and that vigorous -press censorship is enforced — apparently in the interests of Germany — which has rendered the publication of news from British sources difficult, and the public expression of opinion favourable to England -impossible both at Constantinople and in the provinces. The press articles of which I complain are, therefore, authorised and approved by the press censor, or in other words by the Ottoman Government, whose views they must be held to teptesent. "This state of :'affairs is the more grave, as' one of the main objects which certain newspapers have had in view, has been to misinform public opinion in this country, as to the true character of British rule in India and British control in Egypt, and as to the attitude of the populations of those countries towards Great Britain. It is, however, difficult to reconcile these hostile utterances with those of your Highness, who has always assured me of the friendly sentiments of the Ottoman Government' towards Great Britain, and of their desire and intention to maintain good relations with His Majesty's Government. In these circumstances, I am at a loss to know what I should report to my Govern- ment, who will doubtless desire to know why the Ottoman Government permit the publication of inflammatory articles against Great Britain if their sentiments are weU- intentioned. I would call your Highness's special attention to two articles which have appeared in the " Terdjuman-i-Hakkikat " of the 16th (29th) September and the 19th September (2nd October). The first of these articles gives an entirely untrue account of the action of the British fleet outside the Dardanelles, which it accuses of preveniting -merchandise from coming into the port. The object of these accusations is to mislead public opinion with regard to the intentions of Great Britain, and to hide the real reason for , the presence of the British fleet, which, as is well known to your Highness, is the retention of the German officers and crews. >■ ' The' second article which I enclose* not only misrepresents the motives which induced my Government to embark on the present war, but characterises England as the enemy of small nations, declares that she wishes to drive the Moslem Powers into * Not printed. 64 a holy war against Germany, and traduces the character of British control in Egypt. Both articles are only examples of the innumerable utterances of a similar kind in which the " Terdjuman-i-Hakkikat " and other papers indulge. I will not weary your Highness with other specimens in Turkish, but to prove how varied are the attacks made on my country and my Government with the' express sanction of the authorities responsible for the press, I enclose a copy* of a paper called the "Defense nationale," a French organ which is specially distinguished for its virulent and calumnious attacks on Great Britain, and which, while purporting to represent authorised military opinion, is in reality, as your Highness is doubtless aware, produced by a person of non-Ottoman and non-Moslem origin and of most disreputable antecedents. I venture to beg your Highness, who has laboured unceasingly and devotedly in the interests of peace, to give instructions to the responsible authorities not to allow the publication in future of articles so totally at variance with what your Highness has repeatedly declared to be the policy of the Imperial Government. I would at the same time beg of your Highness to secure publicity for the enclosed statement which I have prepared, the object of which is, as your Highness will see, to correct one of the most specific calumnies recently published. I avail, &c. LOUIS MALLET. * Not printed. Enclosure 2 in No. 147. Statement. THE statement made in the "Terdjuman-i-Hakkikat" of the 16th (29th) September that the British and French fleets outside the Dardanelles have prevented the importation of merchandise into the port of Constantinople is an entire misrepre- sentation. The allied fleet has never in a single instance interfered with the export or .import trade of this country. The retention of the allied fleets in the neighbourhood of the entrances to the straits is solely due to the continued presence of the German admiral, officers, and crews on the warships recently sold to Turkey, and to the officering of the rest of the Turkish fleet by Germans. Enclosure 3 in No. 147. Sir L. Mallet to Talaat Bey. (Translation. ) Constantinople, Constantinople, le 4 octohre, 1914. Octoler 4, 1914. Men cher Ministre, My dear Minister, SAURIEZ-vous m'expliquer pourquoi la CAN you explain to me why the censor censure a supprimd une partie importante suppressed an important part of the speech du dlscours pronone^ derni^rement par recently made by the Agha Khan ? I'Agha Khan ? Je vous transmets une copie du discours I enclose a copy*" of the speech, showing sur lequel est marque la partie suppriuide. the part that was suppressed. Would you Voudriez-vous le faire imprimer dans les please have it printed in the Turkish press ? journaux ottomans ? II n'est que juste It is only right that every opinion should qu'on public dans un pays neutre toutes be published in a neutral country, les opinion^. Je vous signale aussi un article qui a I would also draw your attention to an paru dans le " Terdjuman-i-Hakkikat " du article which appeared in the " Terdjuman- 2 octobre, qui est mensonger et plein de i-Hakkikat " of the 2nd October, which is malveillance pour la Grande-Bretagne. untrue and full of malevolence towards Great Britain. Puisque la presse est censur^e, je ne As the press is censored, I can only puis qu'en conclure que les sentiments conclude that the sentiments of Agha-olu d'Agha-olu Ahmed sont approuv^s ou Ahmed are approved or inspired by the inspires par le Gouvernement. Dans tous Government. In any case, so long as the les cas, le Gouvernement est responsable censorship exists the Government are * Not printed. 65 tant que la censure existe. Dans les cir- clearly responsible. In the circumstances, Constances, k qui dois-je croire ? Car le whom can we believe ? For the Govern- Gouvernement parle avec 'deux voix dif- ment speak with two conflicting voices, f^rentes, mais toutes deux officielles. both of which are none the less official. Bien sincferement k vous, LOUIS MALLET. LOUIS MALLET. No. 148. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Orey. — {Received October 19.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, October 19, 1914. NEW Governor-General of Basra with six army officers, including two German officers, also six naval officers, including two Germans, and 150 Turkish sailors with three columns of ammunition, arrived at Alexandretta on morning of 18th October by railway from Constantinople. Their final destination is believed to be Basra. I am also informed that Maan is their true destination. No. 149. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Orey. — (Received October 19.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, October 19, 1914. WITHIN last few days following have passed through Adana in direction of Syria: 450 gendarmes with 600 sailors, of whom 200 were German, 52 German naval and military officers, a commandant of police, 45 civilian officials, of whom two were German, 10 engines, and 3 or 4 automobiles, said to contain German officers. No. 150. Mr. Gheetham to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received October 19. ) (Telegraphic*.) Cairo, October 19, 1914. I AM informed that Bimbashi Gamil, staff officer in Turkish army, Khoga (Imam) Ali Haider, Khoga (Imam) Amin, and Khoga (Imam) Rustom, have left Smyrna in order to carry on a Turcophile propaganda in India. No. 151. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Orey. — (Received October 20.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, October 19, 1914. IT is pretty clear that naval parties are on their way both to Akaba and the Persian Gulf, as well as smaller groups to Syrian coast ports. There are plenty of German reserve mercantile marine officers available, in addition to " Goeben " and " Breslau " officers and others who have subsequently arrived. Although there is at present no actual confirmation of arrival in Constantinople of Austrian officers and sailors, this is regarded as also possible. It is very likely now that consignment of mines has actually got as far as Maan. At Akaba it is not impossible that floating mines may be let loose penetrating into the Red Sea; in Persian 'Gulf defence of waterway will no doubt be prepared. Consul at Damascus reports that fifty Germans arrived at Akaba quite recently. These are believed to be wounded from East Africa. [1093J F 66 No. 152. Sir L. MaiUt to Sir Edward Grey. — (Reeeiiaed October 22.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, Octoher 21, 1914. BATTERY of six guns which left Constantinople on 1 1th instant, and which I think were heavy guns, have, together with aeroplane, arrived at Alexandretta and left for the south. Since 18th October there have been no movements of troops to or from Damascus. Some trucks of ammunition went round by rail to Nablus Sidi, and cases of rifles arrived from Aleppo. No. 153. Sir L. Mailet to Sir Edward Grey. — (Received Octoher 22.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, October 21, 1914. IT should not be forgotten that one of the elements in the situation that cannot be overlooked is possibility of coup d^Etal by Minister of War, supported by Germans. No. 154. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received October 22.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, October 22, 1914. A MANIFESTO, the authorship of which is attributed to Sheikh Aziz Shawish, is being secretly circulated at Beirout. Manifesto bears alleged signatures of ten representatives of Moslem countries under foreign rule. It incites Moslem soldiers to mutiny in their respective countries in defence of Islam, and bids them desert the allies and join Germany. Whole tenor is faEatical and inflammatory. No. 155. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey.- (Received October 22.) (Telegraphic.) _ _ Constantinople, October 22, 1914. MY immediately preceding telegram. I understand that several thousand copies of manifesto are to be smuggled into Egypt and India and other Moslem countries through Syria. No. 156. Sir Edward Grey to Sir L. Mallet. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, October 22, 1914. GERMAN officers now on frontier seem bent on forcing matters. General Officer Commanding Egypt anticipates Arab raid at any moment at their instigation. No. 157. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — (Received October 23.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, October 22, 1914. I HAVE seen the Russian Ambassador again this morning. He is sure that unless Turks mean to betray Germans, the possibility of which he does not exclude, they will make war on Russia on receipt of first half of a sum of 4,000,000L which Germany is providing. It is currently reported about 1,000,OOOL has already arrived. 67 Russian successes on Vistula will spur on Germans to further efforts here, but it is difficult to say whether it will increase or diminish chance of Turkish participation in the war. Virulent attacks and propaganda against Great Britain seem to show Government are anxious to justify themselves in public estimation if war breaks out, and it may indicate that they mean to provoke war themselves, as they are aware that we shall not do so. No. 158. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Orey. — {Received October 22.) (Telegraphic.) _ Constantinople, October 22, 1914. _ ^ ONE of objects of press campaign here now is to prove that Great Britain is aiming deliberate blows at Islam, as such, and a statement is being circulated here that British Government ai-e preventing pilgrimages from Egypt this year. One form of this statement, is that a Fetva has been issued prescribing that as Egyptian Govern- ment cannot protect pilgrims there shall be no pilgrimage. It is insinuated that this Fetva has been extorted by British. No. 159. , Sir Edward Grey to Sir L. Mallet. (Telegraphic") Foreign Offi^ce, October 23„ 1914. MINING of the Shatt-el-Arab. Your telegram of 17th October.* The ancient right of free navigation of the river was solemnly affirmed as late as 29th July, 1913, in article 1 of the Anglo-Turkish Agreement signed on th-at day. It is a right which His Majesty's Government cannot allow to be nullified by the mining of the channel. They will be forced to regard any attempt to lay mines in the river as an act of open hostility and provocation to this country, and they must reserve to themselves the right of taking their own measures, if necessary, to maintain the freedom of navigation. You should make a representation in these terms to the Turkish Government, and add a firm protest against the apparent intention of blocking the international waterway of the Shatt-el-Arab, which offers the only means of access to the port of Mohammerah and the neighbouring Persian littoral. * See No. 135. No. 160. Sir Edward Grey to Mr. Gheetham. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, October 23, 1914. I HEAR that Turkish Minister at Sophia has left his post for Germany. Reported object is to arrange with German Government for stirring up of Moslem fanaticism in India, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunis. No. 161. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received October 24.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, October 23, 1914. TWENTY projectors, 10 electric mines, 4 electric motors, 500 cases of Mauser ammunition have arrived vi4 Rustchuk, in addition to arrivals already reported previously. [1093] G 68 No. 162, Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received October 24.) (Telegrapliic.) Constantinople, October 23, 1914. VERY large quantities of bar gold have recently arrived. Nearly a million's worth was taken to Deutsche Bank three nights ago under escort, and there is information that previous consignments have been similarly conveyed. It is probable that between two and three millions have arrived altogether. No. 163. Sir Li. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — (Received October 24.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, October 23, 1914. GERMAN named Kellerman has just left Aleppo for Haifa or the south. 2,000 camels, 1,500 water-skins, 400 bicycles, all canvas and canvas bags, together with food-stuffs, are being requisitioned in Aleppo. Information goes to show that an Arab raid has been possible during last few weeks, and contingency has certainly to be watched. No. 164. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — (Received October 24.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, October 23, 1914. LAST night Minister of Marine sent me message to say that neutrality would be maintained by Turkish Government. He gave same assurances in categorical terms yesterday to French Ambassador, and said that Minister of Interior's views were the same. Ambassador said that it was reported that an agreement existed with Germany to go to war on certain terms being fulfilled. Minister of Marine denied this absolutely, and also declared that Turkey was not going to war. My French colleague then enquired what was meaning of preparations in Syria and of all the violent talk about Egypt. Minister of Marine replied that England was treating Egypt as if it belonged to her, whereas it formed part of Ottoman dominions. Turks were indifferent about India, Tripoli, and Tunis, &c., but Egypt was on their frontier, and they felt about it as French did about Alsace-Lorraine. They would do nothing officially, but would shut their eyes to any agitation which was directed against English occupation of Egypt. Continuing, he referred to a proposal which he had made me a fortnight ago, to the effect that England and Turkey should now sign convention on lines of Druriimond- Wolff Convention, providing for evacuation of Egypt by British troops at end of war. It is quite true he made this suggestion. I did not report it at the time because it was so entirely unpractical. This shows that Germans are turning all their attention to Egypt, and are inciting the Turks against us, so that we must expect to have a considerable amount of trouble on frontier. Turkish newspapers are full of Egypt just now and of our high-handed proceedings. It is, e.g., announced to-day that we have closed El Azhar mosque. There is no doubt that Germans are at bottom of this, and are inciting religious fanaticism of Turks against us. No. 165. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey .—{Received October 24.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, October 23, 1914. UNITED efforts of Germans and Ottoman Government at Haifa are being concen- trated on arousing anti-English feeling amongst the Moslems ; German consul is touring the district with this view. The worst offender is the Ottoman Telegraph Agency. Yesterday, for example, it announced that the Ameer of Afghanistan will start a Holy War, and that he is invading India. 69 No. 166. Sir Edward Grey to Sir L. Mallet. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, Octoher 24, 1914. YOUR telegram of 23rd October® gives the impression that Turkey considers sending an armed force over the frontier of Egypt as being in some way different from acts of war against Russia. You should disabuse the Turkish Govern- ment of any such idea, and inform them that a military violation of frontier of Egypt will place them in a state of war with three allied Powers. I think you should enumerate to Grand Vizier the hostile acts of which we complain, and warn him that, if German influences succeed in pushing Turkey to cross the frontiers of Egypt and threaten the international Suez Canal, which we are bound to preserve, it wiU not be we, but Turkey, tha,t will have aggressively disturbed the status quo. The following is a convenient summary of Turkish acts of which we complain, and which, combined, produce a most unfavourable impression. You might' send it to Grand Vizier : — "The Mosul and Damascus Army Corps have, since their mobilisation, been constantly sending troops south preparatory to an invasion of Egypt and the Suez Canal from Akaba and Gaza. A large body of Bedouin Arabs has been called out and armed to assist in this venture. Transport has been collected and roads have been prepared up to the frontier of Egypt. Mines have been despatched to be laid in the Gulf of Akaba to protect the force from naval attack, and the notorious Sheikh Aziz Shawish, who has been so well known as a firebrand in raising Moslem feeling against Christians, has published and disseminated through Syria, and probably India, an inflammatory document urging Mahommedans to fight against Great Britain. Dr. Priiflfer, who was so long engaged in intrigues in Cairo against the British occupation, and is now attached to the German Embassy in Constantinople, has been busily occupied in Syria trying to incite the people to take part in this conflict." * See No. 164. No. 167. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received Octoher 26.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, October 25, 1914. WHOLE fleet has been at Kadikeui since 20th October. " Breslau " took seventy mines on board yesterday, and had steam up in company of mine-layers "Nilufer" and " Samsun." There is fairly sure evidence that no submarine has yet arrived in parts or otherwise. No. 168. Sir G. Buchanan to Sir Edward Grey. — (Received October 27.) (Telegraphic.) _ Petrograd, October 26, 1914 FORTY-TWO Germans, disguised as tourists, are said to have arrived at Aleppo. They are members of General Staff and of crews of " Goeben " and " Breslau." It is believed that they have 150 mines with them. Some of the ofiicers are bound for Bagdad and Basra', others for Beirout and Tripoli. 70 No. 169. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received October 27.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, October 27, 1914. ENVER PASHA, Jemal, and Talaat Bey, are making every preparation for an expedition against Egypt, which is evidently novi^ their uppei-most tliought. A majority of the Committee are, hovt^ever, said to be against war, and are shovsring considerable opposition to the scheme. 1 am unable to vouch for this, but the news appears to be fairly well authenticated. Halill Bey started for Berlin this morning, and he is said to be about to negotiate with the German Government. It seems difficult to explain his journey on any other hypothesis than that the Turks wish to postpone any decisive action. No. 170. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received October 28.) (Telegraphic.) Gonstantino'ple, October 27, 1914. IT is now clear that, with exception of Minister of War, Turkish Government are seeking to temporise. I have reliable information that on the 22nd October Austrian Ambassador urged immediate war on Minister of Interior and Halill. Both these oflBcials maintained that it would be wiser to 'wait until the situation in Egypt and Caucasus cleared .before moving, and suggested it would be time enough to move in the spring. They were not sure that, if they went to war, Italy might not join the allies. Austrian Ambassador retorted that spring would be too late, and that it was essential to Germany and Austria that Turkey should declare herself with them at once. His Excellency was clearly greatly dissatisfied at their attitude. Enver Pasha, on the other hand, whom Austrian Ambassador saw subsquently, said that he was determined to have war, whatever his colleagues might desire. Turkish fleet would be sent into Black Sea, and he could easily arrange with Admiral Suchon to provoke hostilities. Fleet has, in point of fact, to-day gone into Black Sea, so it is impossible to foretell what is in store. No. 171. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received October 28.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, October 28, 1914. PORTE regrets that owing to pressure of military requirements they are unable to accept wireless telegraphy messages sent from England for His Majesty's Embassy. No. 172. Mr. Chectliam to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received October 28.) (Telegraphic.) Cairo, October 28, 1914. 1 HAVE received reliable information that some German officers unsuccessfully endeavoured to persuade commandant of Turk post to attack our post at Kossaimo, and that, on making further efforts with this object, they were arrested and sent to Beersheba. If true, story shoM^s desire of Germans to precipitate matters. No. 173. Mr. Cheetham to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received October 28.) (Telegraphic.) Cairo, October 28, 1914. TWO thousand armed Bedouins are advancing to attack the Canal, and ha^e watered at Magdaba, which is 20 miles inside Egyptian frontier, 26th October. 71 No. 174. Sir Edward Grey to Sir L. Mallet. (Telegraphic.) ^ Foreign Office, October 28, 1914. IT is reported that four Turkish gunboats are intending to proceed from Alexandretta. You should warn Turkish Government that, as long as German officers remajn on" Goeben " and " Breslau " and Turkish fleet is practically under German control, we must regard movement of Turkish ships as having a hostile intention, and, should Turkish gunboats proceed to sea, we must in self-defence stop them. As soon as Turkish Government carry out their promise respecting German crews and officers and observe the Imws of neutrality with regard to " Goeben " and " Breslau," and free the Turkish fleet from German control, we shall regard Turkish ships as neutrals, but, till then, we must protect ouj?selves against any movements that threaten us. ' ' No. 175. ■Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received October 29.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, October 28, 1914. ON 26th October a special train left Aleppo for Jerablus with two German and four Turkish naval officers and 100 Turkish sailors, with large quantities of ship's tackle and accessories. No. 176. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey,. — {Received October 29.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, October 29, 1914. I HAVE seen the Grand Vizier and informed him that, in spite of his assurances, the Bedouins had crossed the frontier and were in occupation of wells of Magdaba, 20 miles within Egyptian territory. I reminded him of the warning which I had , addressed to him on the receipt of instructions contained in your telegram of 24th October,® and asked him for explanation. His Highness- replied that he had instructed Minister of War, after representations which I had made to him, on no accoujit to allow movement of any force across the frontier. If it were true, he would give immediate orders for recall of Bedouins, but he did not believe accuracy of the information. I replied that it was necessary at such a crisis that I should speak quite frankly, that it was a' matter for public notoriety that there were divisions of opinion in the Cabinet, that his Highness was not master of the situation, and that, if Minister of War and extremists had decided upon an expedition against Egypt, his Highness could not prevent it. Grand Vizier replied that I was absolutely mistaken, and that, if it came to that, military party would not act without full assent of the Government. I said that in that case the time had come to put them to the test, and that unless expedition were immediately recalled, I could not answer for the consequences. As it was,, I might at any moment receive instructions to ask for my passports, in which case Turkish Government would be at war with the Triple Entente at a time when German official communiques admitted defeat on the Vistula. * See No. 160. No. 177, Sir G. Buchanan to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received October 29.) (Telegraphic.) Petrograd, October 29, 1914. RUSSIAN gunboat at Odessa has been sunk, and Feodosia bombarded by Turkish fleet. Turkish offi'cors who were sent on shore to demand surrender of Novorossiisk were arrested by prefect and ship left without taking further action. " Above information just communicated by Russian Government. [1093] H 72 No'. 178. Mr. Boherts to Sir Edwai'd Grey. — {Received October 29.) (Telegraphic.) . Odessa, October 29, 1914. BEFORE dawn this morning two or three Turkish torpedo-boats raided Odessa harbour and sank Russian gunboat " Donetz." French ship " Portugal " damaged ; two of the crew killed, two wounded. Russian steamships " Vitiaz " and " Liazaref " and " Whaupao " damaged. Some loss of life was caused iia the town itself by shell fire. No. 179. Sir Edward Grey to Sir L. Mallet. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, October 30, 1914. IN view of hostile acts that have been committed, Russian Government have instructed Russian Ambassador to leave Constantinople with all his staff. Should his Excellency leave, you should yourself send in a note to the Sublime Porte to say that His Majesty's Government have learnt with the utmost surprise of the wanton attacks made upon open and undefended towns of a friendly country without any warning and without the slightest provocation, and that these acts constitute an unprecedented violation of the most ordinary rules of international law, usage, and comity. Russia has shown the utmost patience and forbearance in face of repeated violations of the rules of neutrality by Turkey, and in face of most provocative acts, amounting in reality to acts of hostility, and in this attitude of restraint her allies. Great Britain and France, have co-operated. It is evident that there is no chance of a return to a proper observance of neutrahty so long as the German naval and military missions remain at Constantinople, and such a situation cannot be prolonged. Unless, therefore, the Turkish Government will divest themselves of all responsibility for these unprovoked acts of hostility by dismissing the German military and naval missions, and fulfilling their often repeated promises about the German crews of the " Goeben " and; " Breslau," and will give you a satisfactory reply to this effect within twelve hours from the date of tlie delivery of the note, you should ask for your passports and leave Constantinople with the staff of the embassy. No. 180. Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edivard Grey. — {Received October 31.) (Telegraphic.) Constantinople, October 30, 1914. RUSSIAN Ambassader asked for his passports this afternoon and I and my French colleague have followed suit. Minister of the Interior, in conversation with a neutral colleague this afternoon, practically admitted that Turkey had thrown in her lot with Germany. I have had a very painful interview with the Grand Vizier, who had been kept in the dark as to his colleagues' intentions, and who will doubtless be set aside to-night. No. 181. Mr. Gheetham to Sir Edward Grey. — {Received November 2.) Sir, _ Cairo, October 20, 1914. WITH reference to my despatch of the 30th ultimo,* I have the honour to submit copits of further interrogatories of the German spy, Robert Mors. I have, &c. (For Mr. Gheetham), ROBERT GREG. * See No. 125. 73 Enclosure in No. 181. Further Interrogation of Lieutenant Mors. MULAZIM AWAL ROBEET MOES, recalled and te-examined, states : - "I arrived in Constantinople on the evening of the 4th September, 1914, and put up at the Hotel Germania^. I met M. Curt Priifer there, and he introduced me to Omar Fauzi Bey, the Turkish staff oflacer who asked me to call upon him at the War , Office. I did so on the 6th September. He questioned me on thestate of Egypt and on the chances of success of a native rising in this country. He mentioned that the German diplomatic and consular officials had been expelled, and that all German subjects had been arrested and were to be deported. He also asked me if I knew M. Dusreicher, who, he declared, had also been sent out of the country. He stated likewise that he had heard that the Egyptian army and police had been disarmed, and asked me if it were true, to which I replied that 1 thought it was very improbable. He then told me he had emissaries in Egypt fomenting trouble, to prepare the way for a Turkish invasion, and to compel the British to split up their forces. In reply to my enquiry, he explained that two bands of native marauders were to be organised in each Imdiria, to attack the railway, and commit outrages on the property of British subjects, &c. These bands were to be recitiited from the malefactor class, and there would be a Turkish officer in every province to direct their operations. Each band would be cornposed of from ten to fifteen men, and when an important coup was contemplated in any Imdiria the two bands Would unite, the idea being to oblige the British to scatter their forces all over the country. Fauzi Bey said he had a list of fifty Egyptian army and police officers, from whom he expected either active or passive assistance. Four strong bands of Bedouins were also being formed to operate in the Suez Canal zone, two east and two west. Each band was to be fifty strong. Fauzi Bey made a rough sketch of the Canal to explain to me the r61e of these Bedouins. He said the British had detached posts at intervals along the Canal, Two of the most isolated of these would be attacked simultaneously and, if possible, annihilated. The intermediate posts would then go to their assistance, whereupon the third and fourth troops of Bedouins would raid the weakened points and fire on the steamers in the Canal. The instructions given to the bands were to retire into the desert if the post attacked was strongly reinforced, and then to return and attack another post, &c. " Fauzi Bey asked me if I would help to carry out these plans, and suggested that I should assist a Turkish officer who was already in Alexandria to carry out these komitajis operations in that district. If not, I could take part in some way in the military operations to be undertaken in Egypt. I replied that, as an officer, I could have nothing to do with th'e komitajis part of his programme, which, from a, German point of view, was beneath the dignity of an officer, but that I was quite disposed to participate in military operations against Egypt' on condition (1) I was granted the rank of offibier in the Turkish army, (2) that the German Ambassador approved of my decision, arid (3) that I was not required to start before my family arrived from Egypt. At this stage of our conversation a Bedawi sheikh arriyed, and I rose to take my leave, but Fauzi Bey begged me to remain. The sheikh talked to Fauzi Bey on the Canal part of the pro- gramme, and I gathered from their remarks that it had already been discussed between , them. I should mention that the sheikh on arriving asked the Bey if he could speak in my presence, to which Fauzi assented. They then discussed plans for destroying the embankment between the fresh- water canal and the Suez Canal, in order to cut off the drinking water supply of Ismailia and Suez. I asked the sheikh how he proposed to divert the fresh- water canal into Suez Canal. He replied that with 200 men and sufficient dynamite he could do it in thirty-four hours. ' Fauzi Bey interposed that he could easily have 1 ,000 kilog. of dynamite if he required it, I asked the sheikh sarcastically if he meant to employ Bedouin or fellaheen on the job, to which he replied, somewhat nettled, that it did not matter which. The sheikh left us arid Fauzi Bey, and I continued our conversation. I asked him how he was going to organise a revolution in Egypt without arms, and mentioned that the Arms Law had been vigorously applied since two years ago. He replied that he had a sufficient quantity of arms in the country, and in any case arms could be smuggled through with ease. I reverted to the subject of the fresh-water canal, remarking ' that I thought it an absurd project, to which he replied that he believed it quite practical and that the sheikh was a man of intelligence and sen?e. He went on to say that it was not the only means which he had with which to deal [1093J ^ H 2 74 with the Canal problem. A wealthy Turk had presented the Government with a steam- ship which sailed under the Italian flag and was commanded by an ex-officer of the Turkish navy. This ship was to take a full cargo of cement from an Italian port and her manifests were to be made out for Massowa. The captain was to submit to any search by British warships without demur, and on reaching Port Said to steam at full speed down the Canal. He was then to sink her by one of three methods, viz.: (1) to collide with a British ship ; (2) to provoke a British warship to sink her by ignoring signals : (3) to sink her himself. Fauzi Bey told me he had a trustworthy Egyptian officer who was leaving for Egypt by the first Khedivial mail steamer to take part in the operations there and to bear instructions to his agents. I afterwards spoke to Dr. Priifer about Fauzi's Canal project. He did not seem to approve, but gave me the map of the Suez Canal. I met Fauzi again at the passport office as I was about to embark on the steamship " Saidia." He only greeted me, and said he hoped to see me back soon. He is the officer whom I mentioned in my former evidence as having seen me at the quays and who may have overheard my cabin number." Q. Who are the police officers in league with Fauzi Bey? — A. He did not give me their names. I mentioned the names of several officers of my acquaintance, but after scrutinising the list he gave me a negative answer. ' Q. Do you know the names of any of the army officers who figured on the list ? —A. No. Q. Who were the officers despatched to Egypt in connection 'with the organisation of the komitaji bands ? — A. I do not know ; they left for Egypt before me. Q. Who was the Bedawi sheikh who discussed the fresh-wa,ter canal project ? — A. I do not know his name. He was a man of about 50 years of age, with a full grey beard. He was about my height, but broad-shouldered and stout. He spoke educated Arabic without a Bedawi or Maghrabi accent. Q. Who was the officer in Alexandria with whoin you were to co-operate ? — A. He gave me no inkling as to who he was. Q. Did Enver Pasha speak to you on the subject of military operations in Egypt, the destruction of the Canal, &c. ? — A. Yes, on the day before I sailed, when I called upon him with Dr. Priifer and the officer of the " Lorelei." He questioned me on public opinion here, whether the natives would revolt against the English if the Turks marched against Egypt, and suggested that I should see Fauzi Bey on the subject. I replied that I had already seen him, and I recapitulated what he had told me. Enver Pasha replied that there would be certainly something for me to do in Egypt when the time came for action there if I was then still disposed to accept. He also asked me if I spoke Arabic. Q. Did Fauzi Bey mention the name of the Egyptian officer who was leaving for Egypt by the first Khedivial mail steamer ? — A. No ; but in the light of subsequent events I believe it was Hamuda Efiendi. Q. When you told Fauzi Bey that you were disposed to participate in military operations against this country, did he accept your offer ? — A. Yes ; but it was agreed between us that this should take effect after I returned from Alexandria with my family. Q. Then why were you given the detonators to take to Egypt ? — A. I do not know. I am convinced that Hamuda Effendi was the person designed for the enterprise connected with the detonators. I do not think that this mission was connected with the subject which Omar Fauzi Bey discussed with me. I think it must have been a secret between Sheikh Abd-el-Aziz Shawish, Drs. Ahmad Fuad and Priifer, and Hamuda Effendi. Q. Have you no idea what Hamuda was to do with the detonators ? — A. I knew they were 'for use with bombs to be manufactured in this country. Q. How do you know that ? — A. Because once I found Sheikh Shawish sitting with Dr. Priifer in the latter's room at the Hotel Germania. They were copying in Arabic a receipt for making bombs. The paper from which Sheikh Shawish was copying contained directions, a list of the component chemicals, and a sketch of a bomb in the right-hand bottom corner. I heard them mention that it was to be given to the Egyptian officer, and Sheikh Shawish said to me in Arabic " Hua zabit aryak." Q. To what use were the bombs to be put ? — A. I have no idea. E. 0. C. MOES. 75 No. 182. Telegram communicated by Count Menckendorff on November 2. (Translation.) M. SAZONOF tdl^graphie en date du M. SAZONO.F telegraphs on the 1st 1" novembre, 1914 : November, 1914, as follows : " Le Charg^ d' Affaires ottoman vient de me lire le t^ldgramme suivant du Grand Vizir : ' Vous ^ prie de dire au Ministre des Affaires Etrangferes que nous regrettons infiniment qu'un acte d'hostilit^ provoqud par la flotte russe . ait compromis relations amicales des deux pays. Vous pouvez assurer Gouvernement Imperial de Russie que la Sublime Porte ne manquera pas de donner k la question la solution * qu'elle comporte et qu'elle adoptera des mesures prppres k prdvenir un renouvelle- ment de faits analogues. Vous pouvez declarer dfes h, present au Ministre que sommes d^cid^s a ne plus permettre k la flotte Imperiale de passer dans la mer Noire et que nous espdrons que la flotte russe, h. son tour, ne viendra plus croiser dans nos parages. J'ai le fernie espoir que le Gouvernement Imperial de Russie voudra bien faire preuve en I'occurrence du mSme esprit de conciliation au nom des int^r^ts communs des deux pays.' " J'ai rdpondu au Charg^ d' Affaires de Turquie que je donne le dementi le plus catdgorique k ce qu'il venait de me dire au sujet d'une initiative d'hostilites k la charge de la flotte russe ; je lui dis que je craignais qu'il 6tait trop tard pour n^gocier ; que pourtant si la Sublime Porte se d^cidait au renvoi imm^diat de tout le personnel militaire et marin allemand, on y pourrait penser et que des pourparlers ne seraient pas impossibles pour une satisfaction que la Turquie aurait k donner pour I'agression illdgitime de nos c6tes et. les d^g4ts com- mis. " J'ai autoris^ Fahr-Eddin h. exp^dier un t^l^gramme chiffre en ce sens, lui faisant pourtant observer que sa demarche ne changeait rien k la situation cr^ee. Fahr- Eddin recevra demain ses passeports, et la r^ponse du Gouvernement ottoman pourra 6tre transmise par I'organe de I'Ambassade d'ltalie." " The Turkish Oharge d' Affaires has just read me the following telegram from the Grand Vizier : ' I request you to inform the Minister for Foreign Affairs that we infinitely regret that an act of hostility, provoked by the Russian fleet, should have compromised the . friendly relations of the two countries. You can assure the Imperial Russian Government that the Sublime Porte will not fail to give the question such solution as it entails, and that they will adopt fitting measures to prevent a recurrence of similar acts. You can declare forthwith to the Minister that we have resolved no more to allow the Imperial fleet to enter the Black Sea, and that we trust that ths Russian fleet, on their side, will no longer cruise in our waters. I have the firm hope that the Imperial Russian Government will give proof, on this occurrence, of the same spirit of conciliation in the common interests of both countries.' " I replied to the Turkish Charg^ d' Affaires that I most categorically denied what he had just said respecting the initiation of hostilities by the Russian fleet ; I told him that I feared it was too late to negotiate ; that nevertheless, if the Sublime Porte decided upon the immediate dismissal of all the German military and naval officers and men, it might be possible "to consider the question, and that discussion might not be impossible to reach some basis of satisfaction to be given by Turkey for the illegal act of aggression against our coasts and for the damage thereby inflicted. " I authorised Fahr-Eddin to send a cypher telegram in this sense, but pointed out to him at the same time that the representation he had made in no way altered the situation. Fahr-Eddin will receive his passports to-morrow, and the reply from the Turkish Government can be sent through the Italian Embassy." No. 183. Sir E. Grey to Sir F. Bertie, Sir G. Buchanan, and Sir G. Greene. g-j,; Foreign. Office, November 3, 1914:. THE Turkish Ambassador called on the 31st ultimo and enquired whether this Department could give his Highness any information regarding the telegrams which had appeared in the press on the subject of a Turkish attack on certain Russian ports. 76 Sir A. Nicolson informed his Highness of what had actually occurred in the Black Sea. Tewfik Pasha expressed surprise, and enquired tv^hat he should do in the extremely difficult position in which he now found himself. Sir A. Nicolson assured his Highness that His Majesty's Government would treat him personally with all respect and consideration, and that he would be given notice if it became necessary for diplomatic relations between Great Britain and Turkey to cease. On the 2nd instant Tewfik Pasha again called and communicated to Sir A. Nicolson the text of a telegram which he had just received from the Grand, Vizier, a copy of which is enclosed herein. Sir A. Nicolson replied, and he was sure that I would agree with him, that he strongly demurred to the statement in the last^ paragraph of ih6 Grand Vizier's telegrana, to the effect that "His Majesty's Government had provoked a rupture of diplomatic relations." It was absurd to state that we had done so in view of the indisputable fact that Turkish siiips had bombarded the ports of one of our allies, and had burnt and sunk a British steamer lying peaceably in a friendly port. Furthermore, there were active, not to say feverish, military and other preparations directed against the Suez Canal and Egypt. If the Ottoman Government were as desirous as they asserted of maintaining friendly relations with Great Britain they should at once dismiss the GeiTiian naval and military missions. I am, &c. E. GREY. Enclosure in No. 183. Text of Telegram to he communicated to Sir Edward Orey on hehalf of Said Halim Pasha. (Translation. ) i JE suis trfes peind de voir que, par suite I AM much grieved that, in consequence de I'incident deplorable survenu dans la mer of the deplorable incident that has occurred Noire, le Gouvernement britannique a in the Black Sea, the British Government ddcide de rappeler son Ambassadeur k have decided to recall their Ambassador Constantinople. from Constantinople. Ainsi que je I'ai ddclar^ h. maintes re- As I have many times declared to Sir prises k Sir Louis Mallet, je tiens ferme- Louis Mallet, I am deeply desirous to ment au maintien des relations d'amiti^ maintain the relations of friendship ex- existant entre nos deux pays etje travaille isting between our two countries, and I toujours k ce qu'elles ne soit compromises am working without cease in order that en aucune fagon. they may not be compromised in any way, Je regretterais done beaucoup, si un I should therefore much regret if an incident, dli k des circonstances impr^vues, incident, due to unforeseen circumstances, etait consider^ par le Gouvernement de Sa were to be considered by His Britannic Majesty britannique comme une cause de Majesty's Government as a cause of conflict conflit entre les deux pays. between the two countries. Par consequent, j'aime k esperer que le Consequently, I hope that His Majesty's Gouvernement Royal voudra bien, en Government will be willing, in witness of temoignage de son desir rdciproque de their reciprocal desire to maintain intact garder intact les relations amicales des the friendly relations of the two countries, deux pays, mettre fin un moment plus t6t to put an end, at the earliest possible k la rupture des relations diplomatiques moment, to the rupture of diplomatic qu'il vient de provoquer. relations which they have just provoked. Constantinople, le 1" (14) novembre, 1914. Constantinople, November 1 (14), 1914. No. 184. Sir Edward, Orey to Sir G. Buchanan, Sir F. Bertie, and Sir C. Greene. Sir, Foreign Office, November 4, 1914. TEWFIK PASHA called upon me this afternoon, and informed me that he had received instructions to, ask for his passports, as His Majesty's Ambassador had already left Constantinople. n I expressed to Tewfik Pasha my personal regret at our official relations being terminated, as he had always acted in a loyalj straightforward, and friendly manner, and I had much appreciated the intercourse which we had had together during the past_ few years. I informed Tewfik Pasha that if his Government wished that hostilities between the two countries should cease, the only chance was to dismiss the German naval and military missions, and especially the officers and crews of the " Goeben" and " Breslau." So long as German officers remained in complete naval and military control at Constantinople, it was clear that theyi would continue to make war against us. I am, &c. E. GREY. 3 O W a ;<- Si w CO O o 5! a ^ ^ O D o 21 ^ C! O o w