File No. 704.4167/5
The British Ambassador (Spring Rice) to the Secretary of State
Washington, August 31, 1914.
[Received October 3.]
No. 301]
Sir: The information which reaches His Majesty’s Government from Constantinople shows that events are taking place there which may lead to a coup d’état and involve Great Britain in war with Turkey. In case this contingency should unfortunately occur His Majesty’s Government would wish that if possible British interests in that country should be entrusted to the diplomatic and consular representatives of the United States, and that British subjects and property may receive their protection during the period of hostilities.
I have received Sir Edward Grey’s instructions to ask if your Government would have the kindness to consent to this request, and I venture to express the hope that I may receive a favourable reply.
I have [etc.]