New-York tribune., 1901-08-22
PRICE THREE CENTS.
RUPTURE WITH THE PORTE
FRENCH AMBASSADOR BREAKS OFF DIP
LOMATIC RELATIONS.
NJ CoNsTANs ACCUSES THE SULTAN OF d.
PLICITY-TURKISH AMBASSADOR RE-
MAINS IN PARIS AT HIS POST

constantinople. Aug. 21-The French Ambas-
sador. NJ. Constans. has given notice, TO the
Sultan's First Secretary that all diplomatic re-
lations between France and Turkey are broken
off. and that the ambassador has informed his
government to this effect.
NJ Constans communicated direct with the
Sultan because the latest negotiations were
transacted with the Sultan personally.
The ambassador justified his action on the
ground that the Sultan broke his direct. per-
sonal promise, given to NJ Constans, at an
audience in the Yfdiz Palace on Thursday. re-
garding the purchase OF the quays and the set
tlement of the disputed French claims. The
Foreign Minister also gave formal assurances
that the agreement would be carried out. So in
view Of this double breach Of faith. NJ. Con-
stans holds that it is impossible for France to
continue diplomatic relations with Turkey.
The dispute between France and Turkey which
mas eliminated in rupture of diplomatic reIa-
uons, is of long standing II concerns various
claims against the Turkish Government preferred
by French citizens. of them being that of a
company which built. under Turkish concession,
a number OF quays and warehouses at Constanti-
nople- II was agreed that the company should
have the option of selling out to the Turkish Cow
ernnent Some time ago that government seriously
interfered with the administration OF the quays
and warehouses. TO the detriment of the company,
ana ldtely dld so 10 much greater extent because
OF the fears OF the Sultan that assassins. seeking
to take his life. would be landed those qlays
The company therefore decided to act upon it's
option and sell out to the Turkish Government
After much urging the Turkish Government last
week. so ii reported. promised TO purchase the
quays, as agreed. and to raise loan OF 100000
for that purpose. and TO adjust the other claims.
The French Ambassador insisted that this promise
should be fulfilled by of Monday last. August
ls. under penalty of a breaking of Of diplomatic
relations. The Turkish Government appears to
have failed fulfil It's promise; hence the rupture
reported In this mornings dispatches
Such action on the part Of France does not neces-
sartly mean war danger OF Indeed. it
IS scarcely conceivable that Turkey will be mad
as 10 provoke hostlities with a power immeasur-
ably her superior. II may be Of interest to note,
however. the naval strength Of the two countries
for a between them would be entirely naval
and would doubtless consist of the passage of the
Dardaneues by French feet and the occupation
of the front Of ConstantinopIe.
The French navy is the second IN the world in
size, strength and effectiveness. It contains 80
batteships first class cruisers, p protected and
torpedo gunboats destroyers, 1876 first class tor
pedO boats and 10 submarine boats. These were the
figures at the last returns, but many vessels
then building, and some of them probably
classes are in fine order and ready for instant use
There in the nearly 2OOO officers and As 600
The Turkish navy contains nominaIly 1O2 ves-
obsolete in design and construction. and are so
out of order as be little better than worthless.
The navy is manned by 1900 men, sadly lacking in
training and discipline.