Washington, July 16, 1915: Secretary of State Robert Lansing approved Morgenthau’s appeals to the Ottoman ministers but replied that the Department “can offer no additional suggestions,” asking only whether American citizens had been injured.
Context
Robert Lansing (1864–1928) was United States Secretary of State from 1915 to 1920. On July 16, 1915, he answered Morgenthau’s telegram 841 from Washington. Lansing approved the ambassador’s pleading with the Ottoman Minister of the Interior and Minister of War to stop the persecution of Armenians, and his attempt to enlist the German and Austrian ambassadors. Beyond that the Department “can offer no additional suggestions … other than that you continue to act as in the past.” His one specific question concerned the protection of American citizens. The reply marks the limit of the United States government’s response in the summer of 1915, and the gap that private citizens would fill that September by founding Near East Relief.
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Telegram 865, sent from the Department of State, Washington, July 16, 1915; Green Cipher; answers cable 841. Signed “Lansing.” NARA, RG 59, 867.4016/74; microfilm M353, roll 43, frame 0722. Classification canceled Jan. 8, 1958.
