‘Cyprus.’ [‎17r] (33/184)

HISTORY OF CYPRUS.
27
the property, funds, and lands belonging to mosques, cemeteries, Mussulman
schools, and other religious establishments existing in Cyprus.
“III. That England will pay to the Porte whatever is the present excess
of revenue over expenditure in the island ; this excess to be calculated upon
and determined by the average of the last five years, stated to be 22,936
purses, to be duly verified hereafter, and to the exclusion of the produce of
State and Crown lands let or sold during that period.
“ IV. That the Sublime Porte may freely sell and lease lands and other
property in Cyprus belonging to the Ottoman Crown and State (Arazii Miriy 6
v 6 Emlaki Houmayoun) the produce of which does not form part of the
revenue of the island referred to in Article III.
“V. That the English Government, through their competent authorities,
may purchase compulsorily, at a fair price, land required for public improve
ments, or for other public purposes, and land which is not cultivated.
“ VI. That if Russia restores to Turkey Kars and the other conquests
made by her in Armenia during the last war, the island of Cyprus will be
evacuated by England, and the Convention of the 4th of June, 1878, will be
at an end.”
“No. 6 .
“ The Marquis of Salisbury to Sir A. II. Layard.*
“Berlin, 17, 1878.
“ Sir,—I have under my consideration the proposed Annex to the Con
vention enclosed in your despatch of the 7th inst., and I authorize your signing
it with the following modifications :—Articles 3 and 4 must be so worded
as to prevent the Porte from claiming as average revenue under the 3rd
clause the yield of land which it has let or sold under the 4th.
“ I prefer to omitJClause 5, as when published it may tend to frighten
away capitalists who will not understand it. Surely, in the present condition
of the Porte’s finances, it is quite superfluous.
“ Your Excellency should add a clause to this effect :—‘ The English
Government may purchase compulsorily, at a fair price, land wanted for a
public improvement, or land which is uncultivated.’
“ I am, &c.,
“ Salisbury.”
“No. 7.
“ Sir A. II. Layard to the Marquis of Salisbury.—{Received June 23).
“ (Telegraphic.)
“Therapia, June 22 , 1878.
“The Grand Vizier still wishes for a written engagement that if t
Island of Cyprus is at any future time evacuated, England will not claim
from Turkey compensation for public works and improvements.”
“No. 8 .
“ The Marquis of Salisbury to Sir A. II. Layard.*
“Berlin, June 23, 1878.
“ Sir,—The question of compensation for improvements and public works
involves so many difficulties that I should not like to authorize you to sign an
* Substance telegraphed.