Francis to Hamilton Fish, May 18, 1872

No. 196. Mr. Francis to Mr. Fish.

Sir: Referring to may dispatch, numbered 52, of the date of May 11, I inclose herewith translations of communications furnished me by the Greek government for my information, to show that the Turkish authorities are responsible for the existence of brigandage on the border and adjacent provinces, both in Turkey and Greece.

• The communication from Colonel Plessas, commander of the Greek forces in Phthiotis and Eurytania, represents that the measures of joint co-operation of the Greek and Turkish troops for the pursuit of the brigands in both countries utterly failed in consequence of obstacles interposed by the Turkish military forces, and that, on their part, there never was anything like earnest co-operation for the accomplishment of the object aimed at, namely, the extirpation of the brigands.
• The dispatch of Mr. Pervelis, Greek consul at Larissa, in Turkey, conveying intelligence of a capture made by the brigands on Turkish soil and the exaction of ransom to secure release. Mr. Pervelis charges the Turkish authorities with carelessness, if not guilty indifference, in its policy with respect to brigandage.

I have been informed by reputable citizens here, outside of official circles, that Colonel Plessas is an honorable and efficient military officer, whose representations may be relied upon as perfectly truthful.

The official reports presented tend to confirm the assertion that brigandage, the great plague of Northern Greece, and which at times menaces the public security of Attica, has its headquarters, its place of secure refuge, in the Turkish provinces adjoining the border of Greece, and in the absence of proper efforts on the part of the military authorities in Turkey, by co-operation with the Greek troops or otherwise, to destroy the brigand bands, it is impossible to crush out the evil.

So far it is believed that none of the brigand bands have crossed over into Greece this season, and the Greek military forces are on the alert to prevent their incursions into this kingdom; but if they are allowed immunity and practical protection on the Turkish side, security cannot be assured against their occasional raiding across the border into Greece.

I have to repeat, however, that, with a military escort always tendered by the Greek government to persons who desire to make excursions to the northward of this capital, they have the best possible guarantee of safety.

I am, &c.,