In the enclosed [For copies of both letters see Doc.1915-06-17-DE-001.] petitions, supported by the managing boards of the German Mission for the Orient and the German-Armenian Association, Dr. Lepsius, with whom Your Excellency's obliging telegram of the 9th inst. was used confidentially in an appropriate manner, refers to his wish to make a personal visit to Constantinople.
It is far from Mr. Lepsius' mind to cause the Porte any kind of difficulty. He believes, however, that his appearance in Constantinople, even if it does not achieve anything at all, would alleviate the apprehensions of the pro-Armenians in Germany and be regarded by the Armenians themselves as proof that Germany does not propose to sacrifice its cause to the political constellation. It would be unfortunate if the sympathy, which our alliance with Turkey enjoys among large circles of the population, would suffer under the Armenian question. We must also endeavour not to lose the Armenians' trust completely, both in our own interests as well as in Turkey's.
Thus, I would appreciate it if Your Excellency was successful in overcoming the Porte's resistance to Dr. Lepsius' journey. The personality of this easily tractable gentleman should offer a guarantee that he will not undertake anything in Constantinople, which would not meet with the approval of Your Excellency and the Turkish statesmen. After hearing the elucidations given here by Dr. Lepsius, the mistrust which Dr. Liparit's activities caused in Sofia is unfounded.
I would be grateful to Your Excellency for once again examining this matter and sending a telegraphic reply at your earliest convenience.