File No. 594/24–25.
Minister Gummeré to
the Secretary of State.
American Legation
Tangier, March 25,
1908.
No. 337.]
Sir: Referring to my unnumbered dispatch of
March 5, 1908, I have the honor to report that I have received a letter
from the grand vizier, in reply to the letter addressed to him by
myself, a copy of which was inclosed in the said dispatch, regarding the
nonfulfillment of the promises made to me as to the securing of a
suitable house for our missionaries at Mequinez, and demanding
assurances that the said promises be carried out as soon as possible. In
his said letter the grand vizier assures me that as soon as order is
reestablished at Mequinez, strict orders will be given as to the
fulfillment of the promises. A translation of the said letter is
herewith inclosed. With the assurance that any further instructions in
the matter will be faithfully carried out,
I am, etc.,
[Page 642]
[Inclosure.—Translation.]
The Minister for Foreign
Affairs to Minister Gummeré.
Foreign Office
Tangier, March 17,
1908.
After compliments. We have received your excellency’s letter dated
the 5th instant, reminding us regarding the negotiations which took
place between us on the occasion of you mission to the Holy Court at
Fez, and concerning the matter of a suitable house for your citizens
at Mequinez, and to facilitate them in the way of securing the same;
explaining the negligence and foolishness on the part of the
governor of said city, though he had been instructed by shereefian
orders to do what was necessary in the matter; and that on behalf of
your Government you renew the demand to secure the above-mentioned
(suitable house) as soon as possible in accordance with previous
letters from the Maghzen addressed to your excellency, etc.
We have taken note.
We have brought the above to the knowledge of our master the Sultan,
whom may God preserve, and he commanded me to answer your excellency
that His Majesty has not forgotten to carry out as soon as possible
the promises made to your excellency on the subject, but owing to
the present situation of which you are aware, we must necessarily
wait until order is reestablished at Mequinez and neighborhood, when
strict orders will be given so as to fulfill what has been agreed
with your excellency.
In peace,