Mr. Secretary of State: As you will be pleased
to see, on reading the dispatch herewith inclosed in copy and dated the
first of this month, the Sublime Porte, being desirous of affording an
additional guarantee to the principle of order, contemplates
interdicting the passage of the Straits of the Dardanelles and of the
Black Sea to vessels carrying dynamite or other dangerous
substances.
The imperial Government attaches an especial importance to this question
and permits itself to count upon the benevolent concurrence of the
Government of the United States in this relation.
[Inclosure.—Translation.]
Saïd Pasha to
Aristarchi Bey.
Sublime Porte,
Ministry of
Foreign Affairs. [November 1,
1882].
Mr. Envoy: At this time, when the plots of
anarchists and subversive ideas are visible in different parts of
Europe under the most varied forms, and seem often to seek to defy
the severest measures, a rigorous vigilance is imposed upon those
whose mission it is to preserve order. Already several Governments,
conscious of the perils
[Page 892]
and obligations which flow from this situation, are seeking by all
means a reaction against those whose action, although circumscribed
within certain limits, may by successive steps invade states now far
removed from the danger.
In this movement, which has been occasioned by such legitimate
apprehensions, the imperial Government believes that it would fail
in its duty if it did not for its part take the measures indicated
by the circumstances.
A passive attitude on our part would be the less justifiable since
the geographical position of the Empire imposes upon us obligations
and precautions of an especial nature.
With these ideas in view, the passage through the Straits of the
Dardanelles and the Black Sea of vessels laden with dynamite or
other dangerous substances attracts above all our serious attention.
The imperial Government has studied the question under all its
phases; a long experience has led it to the conclusion that the
interdiction set upon the entry into the Empire of such substances
cannot be completely efficacious unless it be also forbidden to the
vessels bearing them to traverse the straits.
It may, perhaps, be objected that this prohibition would constitute a
measure implying a restriction of the treaties of commerce which
stipulate the liberty of transit of goods destined for foreign
countries. Such an objection, if it be raised, could not better be
set aside than by a clear and precise affirmation of the intentions
of the imperial Government. We have not the slightest intention to
hamper commercial transactions; our aim is that, under cover of the
freedom of transit, there be not committed abuses which might
occasion the greatest dangers, and which, in any case, would
subserve criminal projects. The extension of this freedom to
articles prohibited in the Empire offers exactly the inconvenience
which it is designed to set aside, once for all in the general
interest.
I have pleasure in hoping that the Cabinet of Washington,
appreciating the controlling reasons which have prompted our course,
will be pleased to consent that the passage of the Straits of the
Dardanelles and of the Bosphorus be forbidden in future to vessels
laden in transit with dynamite or other dangerous materials of a
like nature.
Accept, &c.,
