No. 466.
Mr. Heap to Mr. Evarts.
Legation of the United States,
Constantinople, February 11,
1879. (Received March 3.)
No. 10.]
Sir: A convention between Turkey and Russia was
signed on Saturday last, the 8th instant.
I have not yet obtained a copy of the text of the treaty, but inclose an
abstract of its provisions.
As will be noticed, the questions of the guarantees and mode of payment
of the indemnity have been left for ulterior agreement, and it is
apprehended that they may become a source of future trouble.
The convention does not as a whole inspire confidence in the permanent
friendly relations between the two powers; but, even as a temporary
measure, the signature of the treaty, and the approaching departure of
the Russians, will give immense relief to the government, and permit it
to give its serious attention to other pressing matters which have been
too long neglected.
The stipulations regarding the evacuation of Turkish territory by the
Russians are stated in a proctocol. They agree to commence withdrawing
their troops in fifteen days after the treaty has been ratified by the
Czar, but I have been informed at the Russian embassy that General
Totleben has received orders to commence the evacuation forthwith, and
that the troops were put in motion yesterday.
I am, &c.,
G. H. HEAP,
Chargé d’Affaires, ad
interim.
Abstract of treaty between Turkey and Russia,
signed at Constantinople the 8th of February, 1879, N. S.
- Art. 1. Declares peace to be
established between the two empires.
- Art. 2. The stipulations of the
treaty of San Stefano that have not been modified by the treaty
of Berlin, to be carried out.
- Art. 3. The contracting parties
agree to execute in the manner following the prescriptions of
the treaty of San Stefano.
- Art. 4. The war indemnity to he paid
by Turkey is fixed, after deducting the value of the territories
ceded to Russia, at the sum of 802,500,000 francs, payable in
gold. The terms of the payment of this indemnity, as well as the
question of guarantee, to be settled later by the Sultan and the
Emperor.
- Art. 5. Agreement as to settlement
of indemnity for damage suffered hy Russian subjects, which are
not to exceed the sum of 26,750,000 francs in gold. These claims
will be presented at the Russian embassy within one year from
the signature of the treaty.
- Art. 6. Joint commission to be
appointed to fix the amount to be paid to Russia for the
maintenance of prisoners of war taken from Turkey. The sum
agreed upon by this commission shall be paid in seven years, and
in twenty-one payments, at the end of each four months.
- Art. 7. The inhabitants of
territories ceded to Russia shall have the right to select
subjection to Russia or Turkey. Those who decide for the Ottoman
Empire shall be allowed to emigrate and to sell their lands,
&c., within three years, after which those who have not sold
their real estate shall be considered as Russian
subjects.
- Art. 8. Amnesty to Russian and
Turkish subjects who assisted the enemy during the war, liberty
to families to follow the Russian troops when they evacuate the
territory they now occupy.
- Art. 9. All persons in prison or
under arrest in consequence of recent events in Roumelia to be
set at liberty.
- Art 10. The treaties and conventions
between Russia and Turkey before the war to be restored to
vigor.
- Art. 11. Suits between Russians and
Ottoman subjects to be concluded, and sentences of tribunals
already given to be executed.
- Art. 12. Ratification of the
convention to be executed in two weeks from the date of its
signature.
