Stamatiades , Esq., Vice-Consul General, Constantinople to D. Stamatiades, June 23, 1877

Mr. Maynard to D. Stamatiades.

Sir: A recent dispatch from the Department of State transmits a copy of a correspondence between the Department and the president of the board of delegates of American Israelites, respecting the reported situation of the Hebrews in the Turkish provinces, especially those now the theater of war, and directs me to give such instructions to our consular representatives the provinces as will be, in my judgment, in view of the peculiar exigencies of the situation at present, best adapted to secure to our Israelites the desired protection. A telegram of subsequent date from the State Department disapproves of the course of one of our consuls in giving protection to certain Jews in the vicinity of his consulate.

In conformity with these directions, will you please instruct all the consular officers of your jurisdiction to observe carefully the condition of the Hebrews within their consular districts, and any instances of persecution or other maltreatment to report without delay to the legation, calling the attention to them unofficially of the governors or other Ottoman authorities. At the same time they will not take them under the charge of their consulates, or extend to them the protection due only to American citizens.

I am, &c.,