Fuad to E. J. Morris, June 18, 1867

Fuad Pacha to Mr. Morris

Sir: I have the honor to communicate to you, enclosed, a law clothed with the imperial sanction, granting to foreigners the right of property in real estate in the Ottoman empire.

The imperial government, in abolishing all distinction between Ottoman subjects and foreigners in the holding of real property in Turkey, has sought to give a larger development to the public prosperity, and to render more productive the relations of Turkey with other-countries. The realization of this aim must contribute to their reciprocal advantage.

For the reason, however, that the accession of strangers to the right of property is destined to favor and facilitate their establishment in the Ottoman territory, the Sublime Porte has-been obliged to occupy its attention with the probable consequences of this new situation, in view of the particular regime enjoyed by foreigners under the provisions of the ancient treaties. It should, in fine, consider and regulate the practical conditions for the exercise of the right of property by foreigners, for the purpose of preventing the difficulties and misapprehensions to which the application of this new law may give rise.

It is in this spirit of precaution and solicitude that I have the honor to submit to you the draft of the protocol enclosed, which will form an international agreement between the imperial government and the friendly powers, and the acceptance of which will secure to their respective subjects the immediate enjoyment of the right of real property, as provided for by the law in question.

This protocol will remain open for the reception of the successive adhesions of the friendly powers who desire that their subjects shall profit by the advantages of the new law.

In submitting to you this communication I do not hesitate in expressing the conviction that the government of the United States of America will appreciate the views of public policy and the liberal sentiments which have inspired the imperial government in this important; measure, and that it will willingly give its adherence to the particular provisions which are-its indispensable sequence.

I beg you, sir, to accept the assurance of my perfect consideration.