PREFACE

This is the second book compiled of documents from the Turkish Military History Archives showing the hostility provoked by the Armenian militants and the atrocities committed by them toward the Ottoman State and the Turkish Moslems of Anatolia during the First World War years. The facsimiles of the original documents in the old Turkish script together with their modern Turkish transcriptions in Latin alphabet were published in the periodical "Military History Documents" No. 8311983 by the Military History and Strategic Studies Department of the Turkish General Staff. The English translation of the Documents is presented to enlighten the world public opinion on the real nature of the historic facts and to encourage research activities in this field.

Necati Ozkaner

In other words, the purpose of publishing these documents is not to revive the hatred and enmity continuously fanned today by distorting the past but to demonstrate in an unbiased way the baselessness of the genocide allegations. Documents published herein again reveal in a catalogue the Armenian atrocities and massacres perpetrated on Turkish people during the First World War years. The documents also very explicitly demonstrate the just and fair treatment accorded by the Ottoman Administration to all citizens. irrespective of their religion, race, sect or any other consideration.

We hope that this book, by exhibiting the realities will bring common sense to the issue and help eliminate distortion of the facts.

Necati OZKANER
Director General of Press and Information

DOCUMENT NO: 1893 (89)

 
Decoded Message from Mustafa Bey, Governor of Bitlis
Dated 5 September 330 (18 September 1914):

Recent decision and instigations of Armenian strategists envisage the following moves: To preserve their loyalty in peace to the Administration pending the declaration of war. If war is declared Armenian soldiers in the Ottoman Army will take shelter on the enemy side with their arms. If the Ottoman Army advances. to remain inactive, if the Ottoman Army retreats, to form armed bands and hinder transport and communications. The above information based on documentary evidence was filed from Provincial authority of Mus.

Section 216 (19)

Info. noted and filed to Section 1 for action

Director Section 2
A. Muhtar

Archive No : 4/3671
Cabin No : 163
Drawer No : 1
File No : 2811
Section No : 26
Index No : 28

DOCUMENT NO: 1895 (91)

SECRET
No : 87

Horasan
24/25 September 330
(7/8 October 1914)

TO: THIRD ARMY COMMAND -- ERZURUM

Ahmet who was dispatched to Russia had to return tonight at seven o'clock as he came across with the patrol from Mecingred. Related to issues requested in the coded message of your high command dated 14 September 330 (27 September 1914) the following information is submitted herewith:

1. A part of a map is submitted in enclosure.

2. Information on the military position in Russia:

In Hendere there are some three thousand Saltats (Russian Soldiers) together with eight mobile artillery guns and ammunition. The guns are in Heridere. A number of soldiers with two guns and some ammunition is in Serbasan village. In upper Mecingred there are some 200 Saltat and around 70 or 80 Cossack soldiers. Soldiers also exist in Karaurgan, their number, however is unknown. In Sarikamis there are some 3000 soldiers, out of which some 800 are Cossacks and the remainder are Saltats. There are over 30 mobile artillery guns drawn by three double-horse units each. In Kosakilise there are about 200 soldiers. The number of soldiers in the Revan direction is unclear, some soldiers in this region and in the Gumru region have been sent to the German border, the sources said. The informant said his friend. Arshak had been to Kars and observed ditches dug around Kars, wide enough for people to move in about and with the tops covered. They have also laid rails in parts of Kars, using trains for transport. The number of workers employed in digging the ditches exceeds forty thousand daily, while, the number of soldiers in Kars is around 15,000 out of which some three thousand are regulars and the remainder reserves. Reserves are equipped with bolted rifles. There are also some two thousand Cossacks with Mauser-type rifles. In Karakurt there are 300 Cossacks and 750 reservists with four artillery guns. The Commander of Caucasia is the same, name unknown, Commander of Kars is Zivemn and Commander of Sarikamis is Bratov. A new commander is expected from Russia, the informant learnt. Armenians in Russia are registering as volunteers to join the war, arms and bread to be supplied by Russia and horses and clothing by themselves. Leaders for drafting volunteers are Aramalis from Papsin of Bitlis in Sarikamis and an Armenian named Antranik in Kars. Antranik had reportedly proceeded to Tiflis to conscript volunteers from among the Christians there, after conscripting a number of volunteers from Kars. All Armenians in Russia will join the volunteers. Russia promised to allocate some of the lands to be captured from the Ottomans to them. Arshak, friend of the informant was was taken by force to Kan by volunteers to join them.

Third Regional Commander

(Signature)

Archive No : 4/3671
Cabin No : 163
Drawer No : 2
File No : 2818
Section No : 59
Index No : 2-15

Coded Message No: 319 Dated 7 October 330 (20 October 1914) from Amad Border Battalion in Eleskirt to the 9th Army Corps.:

1. The great majority being from Armenians of our land and army deserters, over 8000 Armenians gathered in Kagizman.

2. Their formation is some sort of guerilla band. They are armed by the government and their needs are supplied by the people on the basis of war commitments.

3. Kosti from Karakilise, Aramis from Central Eleskirt and lpik from Bacli village of Eleskirt are the leaders of the gangs.

4. Ten more Plaston companies arrived in Kagizman in the last four days. Total forces in Kagizrnan are estimated at 15,000.- This information was furnished by a reliable Moslem from Kagizman through a special messenger.

Battalion Commander
Hakki

Certified true copy
Seal, 9th Army Corps
Staff Section
9 October 1330 (22 October 1914)

Archive No : 4/3671
Cabin No : 163
Drawer No : 2
File No : 2818
Section No : 59
Index No : 2-39

DOCUMENT NO: 1898 (94)

Provincial Authority
Erzurum
Correspondence Section

No: General : 27285
Special : 658

Hour: 10.5

TO: THE THIRD ARMY COMMAND

Dear Sir,

Further to our letter No: 271441540 of 11 October 1330 (24 October 1914).

One of the armed bands which raided the mail was captured in the vicinity of Of. Also captured were Agop, son of Keshis and Agop son of Ohannes, both from the Araksa village of lspir and Yumra, Sihak from Pulur of Bayburt and Ohannes from Rüstü village, according to information from the District Governor of Bayburt.

We are awaiting your orders in this regard.
15 October 1330 (28 October 1914)

Governor a.i. of Erzurum
Cernal

Section 3 15/16 (28129)
Document No: 2121

File (16129)
Nuri

Archive No : 4/3671
Cabin No : 163
Drawer No : 2
File No : 2820
Section No : 69
Index No : 1-9

DOCUMENT NO: 1900 (96)

". . . . . Erzincan
27/28 October 330
(9/10 November 1914)

THIRD ARMY COMMUNICATIONS ZONE INSPECTORATE
Staff Section
Branch : 1
3838
TO: THE THIRD ARM COMMAND ERZURUM

Summary: Some of the persons who raided the Erzurum mail confessed their crime, while some others are likely to be found guilty upon their investigation; however, the seized money was not recovered.

From persons who raided the Erzurum Mail, Strak from lzaska Village of Yumra subdistrict, enlisted man at Third Construction Battalion of Bayburd, AWOL and concurrently under custody at Gümüshane; Sükrü from Sarasor Village of Akcaabad, enlisted man at the 1st Bn. 12th Reg. lXth Corps, AWOL and concurrently under custody at the provincial centre have confessed their crimes. Although Strak has denounced Agop, son of Artin and Osbek son of Sisman from lzaska village (both AWOL and under custody in Bayburd) for being involved in the raid, and Sükrü denounced Süleyman, son of Faik from Yanika village of Macka district of also being involved, investigations proved Süleyman innocent and he was released.

Further Agop, son of Malkon and Ohannes, son of Sacan from Rahanoglu family from lzaska village, both AWOL and concurrently under custody at the provincial centre, are likely to be found guilty upon investigation. The seized money could not be recovered. Investigation running. Based on the statement of Fixed Gendarmerie Regiment Command.

Third Army Communications Zone
Acting lspector
(Colonel)
(Signature)

Section 3: 7 (20) dated
File. 7/8 Dated (20/21 )
Nuri

Archive No : 4/3671
Cabin No : 163
Drawer No : 2
File No : 2820
Section No : 69
Index No : 1-14

 
SUBLIME PORTE
(Ottoman Government)
Ministry of Interior
General Directorate of Security

SECRET

No: General . . . . .
Special 2086 (Correspondence)

DIRECTORATE OF INTELLIGENCE OF GENERAL HEADQUARTERS

1. Reliable sources reported irregular communication of the Istanbul Armenian Patriarchate with the Etchmiadzin Catholicos through the Italian Embassy. Requested to conduct extensive and secret investigation on the method of this communication which is likely to facilitate and effect transmitting of our most important secrets and our military position to Russia.

2. Despite the censorship of correspondence and communication with foreign countries, Armenians have been reportedly carrying on external communications in transit, and also passing out information under coded words and sentences of which the meanings are known only to themselves, this being a very useful way of communicating on their part. Requested that all concerned are instructed to take necessary measures related to cables of this nature. 18 January 1330 (31 January 1915).

Director General for Security
Ismail
Abdullah

Section 2: 5900
18 January 1330 (31 January 1915)
Branch 2/18 (31) dated

Archive No : 1/2
Cabin No : 113
Drawer No : 3
File No : 521
Section No : 2029
Index No : 2

Holdwater: The Catholicos of Etchmiadzin had already pledged his support to the Czar in the summer of 1914, with the terrorist Armen Garo as his agent. The Patriarch, Zaven, was certainly in cahoots.

DOCUMENT NO: 1903 (99)

(The following lengthy report has already been featured on TAT; the translation below is much better.)

OFFICE OF THE ACTING SUPREME COMMAND OTTOMAN ARMY
Section
No:

Continued from Format One (Last Part)

The moment for Turkey's collapse is fast approaching, it is being declared everywhere. Parliament Member Papasian and Viremian came to Erzurum, bringing along with them the conclusions of the general congress held in Istanbul, to proceed with their arrangements. An assembly was held in Erzurum with the participation of the Dashnak delegates arriving from the Caucasus.

The form of understanding reached with the Russians regarding promises that Armenians will be given independence in territories to be annexed from Ottoman land was discussed at the Erzurum meeting. The Congress approved the Russian-Armenian agreements and resolved the following in summary, to be transmitted to the committees:

1. To preserve loyalty in tranquility pending the declaration of war. but to carry on with the preparations for arming with weapons being brought from Russia and others to be obtained locally.

2. If war is declared Armenian soldiers in the Ottoman Army will join the Russian army with their arms.

3. If the Ottoman Army advances to remain calm.

4. Should the Ottoman army then retreat or come to a standstill position, to form armed guerilla bands and begin programmed operations behind army lines.

Following the dissolution of the congress, after taking its resolutions, Parliament Member Viremian visited the Governor of Erzurum and proposed the following:

"Should the Ottoman Government declare war on Russia and attack Caucasia, the Ottoman Government must make a concrete promise on the establishment of Armenia, in order to propagate the arrangement for cooperation of the Armenians there with the Turks."

This approach of Viremian to the Governor of Erzurum after signing the above four-article resolution of the Congress, had two particular purposes:

1. If the Ottoman Army ends the war victorious to continue preserving national aspirations.

2. To mislead the Ottoman Government and thus protect and conceal the secret Armenian Organisation against any search or investigation. After setting their affairs in Erzurum as explained above, Viremian and Papasian, accompanied by some of the leading Dashnak Committee leaders, proceeded to Canakkale Monastery, assembled the Armenian people of the region and conveyed the Congress resolutions. Papasian stayed in Mus to lead the activities there and Viremian proceeded to Van accompanied by his friends.

The Third Army was informed about these developments. The Governor and subordinate commanders were instructed to be vigilant.

Information reaching the Third Army on the arrangements by Armenians in Russia and in Turkey until war was declared follows:

1. Moslem dwellings in towns and villages East of the border in Russia were being searched, all weapons confiscated and issued to Armenians.

2. A huge amount of arms and ammunition was being stored at Oltu, Sarikamis, Kagizman and Igdir regions to be used in arming Armenians West of the border, in Turkey, with those living in towns and villages close to the border in particular. The son of Russian General Loris Melikov, accompanied by Melkon and Ohannes, both leading Dashnak figures, proceeded to Van on 27 September 330 (10 Oct. 1914) through Abaga to decide on the future arrangements and the weapons to be distributed in the Van and Bitlis regions.

3. Russian consuls in Iran, after promises that an Armenian will be established in territories to be annexed from Ottoman land, have reportedly armed Iranian Armenians, with those of Rumiye and Salhas in particular, and deployed them over the border.

4. A group of Dashnak Committee leaders of Caucasia and in Turkey have been organising Armenian guerilla bands in the border region as follows:

a. Six thousand Armenians, comprising mostly Armenians from Pasinler, Erzurum, Eleskirt. Hinis and Malazgirt and army deserters, have assembled in Kagizman, to be armed by Russians and their rations to be supplied from the people under war commitment arrangements with the help of Russian civil servants and Armenian leaders. 3500 of these were sent to Iranian Azerbaidjan on 18 October 330 (31 October 1914), while the rest are in Kagizman.

b. According to reliable information, a 1500 strong cavary band was formed from Armenians fleeing from Oltu, Kars, Sarikamis and Trabzon, 1000 of which proceeded to Igdir to be deployed in the Bayezid region, while the 500 were sent to Oltu for proceeding to Hodicor.

c. The major part being Armenians of Bayezid. Van and Bitlis and army deserters, and Armenians of lgdir, some 6000 Armenians assembled in Igdlr and were organised in guerilla groups and armed, according to soldiers from Russian border companies who sought refuge and other sources.

d. Armenian guerilla bands are being organised at Biyecek Church in Koni direction of Maku and bands established at Salhas prepare to proceed tu Van.

5. The leading organiser for Kars, Sarlkamis and Bayburd regions are well-known, Antranik, Ershan from Bayburd and Aram from Bitlis, organisers for the lgdir region are Pharmacist Rupen Migirdician from Ercis, Portakalian, and Surpin, Dashnak delegate from Bayezid.

6. Intelligence bureaus have been established in each of the towns of Trabzon, Erzurum, Mus, Bitlis, Van and, in the rear, Sivas and Kayseri, to inform the Russian Army on the position, movements and operations of the Turkish Army.

7. Of the firearms and ammunition smuggled from the border, the surplus has been stored at Karahisar, Sivas and Kayseri.

8. An Executive Board has been established in Batum comprised of Russian, Armenian and Greek members, to facilitate the import of arms, ammunition and explosives into Turkey, to provoke rebellion in the Black Sea region under Turkish control, utilising the services of Armenians and Greeks there and for intelligence on the Turkish Army for the Russians. The following information is from the files of the Third Army on the attitude and moves of Armenians on Turkish territories up to the declaration of war with Russia:

1. From Armenians with conscription obligations those in towns and villages East of the Hopa-Erzurum-Hinis-Van line did not comply with the call to enlist but have proceeded East to the border to join the organisation in Russia.

2. The Third Reserve Cavalry Division proceeded to its assembly in point of the Yagan lsigi - Yanan Koprijkoy area and a great number of Russian weapons were uncovered in the houses of Ovanis, son of Manuk at Koprukoy and of Papas at Yagan. In Hasankale. Russian weapons were uncovered in various houses, and the perpetrators were court-mantialled As its seems, the first stage of the Congress Resolutions is being implemented

3. Strak, son of Eksi from lzaksa village of Yumra, with a 25-man group led by the son of Aralik, murdered Moslems who happened to be in the solitary places of Hodicor and also raided the Trabzon-Erzurum mail cart near Gumushane, murdering the cart driver and seizing the mail and escaping. Several of his accomplices were captured and prosecuted before a courtmartial, and it become clear that they are members of the band which came to Oltu.

4. Russian outposts opposite our border posts at Hehas. Kotek, Pasin Kara Kilisesi, Gurcu Bulak and further to the south are being replaced by Armenian guerilla patrols. The raid by a 20 strong cavalry troop led by Kegork from,Malatya, who deserted from the Pasin Kara Kilisesi Border Battalion with his weapon, the abortive attack by Armenian gangs on the Kotek Border Battalion from Gurcubulak direction, the raids by 500-strong Armenian gangs led by Pharmacist Rupen and Surpin from Bayerid around Moson, made it clear that they were all aimed at initiating Ottoman-Russian hostility and that the Armenians were to serve as the vanguards of the Russian Army.

5. Some Armenian soldiers in our units, particularly those in units in the border regions, have fled to Russia with their weapons.

6. Moslem soldiers on sick leave in their villages which happened to be around Armenian villages have been murdered. In this way. Third Lieutenant Sabri from the Artillery Battalion of the Lazistan Regional Command was brutally murdered and his corps was dismembered and buried in the garden of his house by his Armenian landlord Bedros at Hosmasa village. The murderer resisted the gendarmerie detachment which went to the village to arrest him and after losing hope of escaping, he committed suicide. It was not possible to uncover the accomplices.

This and many similar individual cases are reported every day.

Judging from the above mentioned preparations and plans, it was acknowledged by the Third Army that a rebellion was being plotted. In fact, plans for a rebellion were under way in suitable regions and arms, ammunition and explosives were being stored for future use. As it will be explained below, the principal centres for the rebellion were, among the Eastern provinces, Van, Bitlis, Erzurum, Karahisar and to a secondary degree Sivas, Kayseri and Diyarbakir. As it became evident from the confessions of Armenians before courtmartial in Sivas later on, the Armenians had already designated general inspectorates, war commanders, and guerilla leaders and had ordered the registration of all males above 13 years of age at the Dashnak branches who would consequently be armed according to the same orders.

A look at the principal centres for rebellion shows that locations on the supply line were selected. As a matter of fact, with the proclamation of mobilisation, the Ottoman Government annexed the majority of the gendarmerie forces to the mobile army and the Kurdish region was left to the jurisdiction of the second grade gendarmerie. It was therefore assumed that, the rebellion would necessitate the deployment of part of the forces to the region of the Kurds, putting the army in a very difficult position.

When conflicts arose between Turkey and Russia, it was observed that units of the Russian army started aggression on the border. A Plaston brigade from the Russian army along with the First Cossack Cavalry Division was sent to the Id, Kotek. Pasin Kara Kilisesi and Bayezid direction in support of the Armenians which were also reinforced by machine guns and artillery. All properties in Moslem villages were plundered by these passing gangs, all Moslems including babies in the cradle were massacred. Hearing of these atrocities and inhuman acts of Armenian gangs, inhabitants of other villages in the areas were escaping, leaving behind women and children. In a short time, Erzurum. Van and Bitlis became centres of misery. In fact, the Moslem youths in these regions were conscripted for military service, leaving behind only aged, women, children and disabled who fell victim to the Armenian cruelties and atrocities or to poverty.

The Armenian atrocities reported by the Eleventh Army Corps will be noted. The Second Section could not find the Report. Sadik Bey has the draft report of the Third Army. The list of the Refugee Committee will be added to this.

The position of the Ottoman Army in the Caucasian Front on the date of declaration of war:

Units attached to the Third Army: The Ninth, Eleventh Army Corps and the 13th. Army Corps to arrive from Baghdad. First, Second Third and the Fourth Reserve Cavalry divisions, the Second Regular Cavalry Division and Van and Erzurum Gendarmerie Divisions to be established. Those units which had completed their mobilisation supplies, could not all reach the assembly zone. These units included in the Table of organisation of the Third Army, as it will be seen on the attached No. 1 sketch, were either on the move or in the Erzurum area.

Ten days before the declaration of war, upon orders from the Acting Supreme Command, winter regions were allocated for the units proceeding to the assembly zones, and the units arriving were on their way to their settlement points. Accordingly, the political decision of the Government was not yet certain. The Third Army, believing that a winter war would not be desirable, obliged Moslem people in the border region who anticipated migrating to remain in their homes.

This was the position of the Third Army during the above mentioned horrible Russian operation for bringing the evils of war to Turkish land. The Russians succeeded in reaching the Hasankale vicinity in their first stride. Pending the completion of strategic preparations, the Third Army was withdrawing its units from the border region, taking advantage of the Erzurum fortress, and decided to set up its resisting operation at the Hoyukler Line beyond Erzurum. In view of the four-day resistance of the forward Second Cavalry Division, which blocked the Russian advance, and as it became clear after reconnaissance that the enemy consisted of Armenian gangs, one Plaston brigade, and the Cossack Cavalry Division only, it was decided to deploy the main body of the Third Army. Thus, the Turkish Forces repulsing Russian forces advanced all the way up to Zivin fortified positions.

The attitude of the Armenian officers, doctors and enlisted men in the Turkish Army and of the Armenian people behind the front lines:

Advancing all the way to the East of Erzurum. Armenian gangs moved all Armenian villages with all their families to Russia, forcing those capable of using arms to join them. And, while withdrawing, as explained above, they resorted to every inhuman act and atrocity toward the Moslem villages, burning the villages to the ground, murdering the people. Armenian enlisted men in the Turkish army were taking this opportunity to flee to the Russian Army with their weapons. Officers and doctors, were also joining the Russian Army, taking with them much information about the Turkish army. It was observed on many occasions that in the most critical moments of the battle, positions of ammunition, batteries or the reserve positions were shown to the Russians. In this context, Kirkor, son of Ohannes from Gumushane, was seen showing the Pazacur position to the Russians. He confessed his crime at a courtmartial. Again during the most critical moments of the battle, some Armenian enlisted men were inciting Turkish enlisted men to flee, creating confusion in the battle lines. Armenian people behind the lines, did not hesitate to murder wounded soldiers who were sent back for treatment. Further, they had constant communication with Armenians in the Russian Army, informing them of the position and state of the Turkish units, and deciding their stand and position accordingly. Such coded messages were seized from spies many times. A few of the numerous documents showing evidence of spying on the position and state of the Turkish Army and supplying arms and ammunition to the Armenian people living in Turkish territories are underlined below:

Translation of a letter seized in the lining of the coat of (....) on his way from Van. The letter is written to the Dashnak Committee in the Armenian language:

"Our Dears (This is a form of address among committee members) Your letter was received on time. The properties known to you and to us where shipped via your designation (means arms, ammunition, bombs). It is difficult to ship you properties without risk. Roads are blocked. Clashes. have begun in the borders. As it seems, the operation will be joined. Uncle Shekyager is the "nom de plume" of the leader in Bursa, who fled. He does not cherish the same feelings. You will appreciate this? He had placed many immobile things around us. Arrival of mobile things continue. We have plenty of goods here and we know the shortage you suffer there. We are all affected by the death of Dervish: If ours does not reach you immediately dispatch vour messenger. Write about kind and number of troops in movement. (Asks information about Turkish army units).

Friendly regards
Minarian

Inhabitants of Armenian villages secretly moved to villages in areas with an Armenian majority, leaving behind only old and disabled Armenians in the evacuated villages.

The first rebellion started in the province of Bitlis. The strongest forces of the committees were in the Hizan district and the Karkar area of Bitlis, both bordering Van and Mus. The mutiny started during the past 15 days in various sections of the town by murdering the limited number of soldiers and gendarmes. An account of the happenings follows:

On 27 January 1330 (9 February 1915) two gendarmes sent to the Sekur Village of Karkar in the Hizan District were driven away from the village, being told that Government orders will henceforth not be obeyed. An eight-strong gendarme force was sent to the scene, but remained under strong fire from Armenian committees fortified positions in the village. Six of the gendarmes were killed, two succeeded in escaping. Further, no information was received from two gendarmes dispatched to Korsor village. A great number of Armenian gangs assembled in Korsor, Sekur and Arsin villages, starting raids on Moslem villages in the area, committing murders and atrocities. In the Karkar region, a group of gangs attacked the district capital of Hizan, in an effort to capture the town.

The rebellion expanded, Armenian gangs attacking Hizan were forced to halt by the resistance of the gendarmes and armed people in the town.

A strong detachment led by the Gendarmerie Regiment Commander of Bitlis was dispatched to the scene, while a message was transmitted to Van, to dispatch another unit from Van and one from Gevas. The unit dispatched from Gevas was ambushed on its way to Hizan and six gendarmes were killed in an armed clash with the Armenian gangs, one gendarme was wounded. The detachment continued to advance after being reinforced. The units dispatched from Van and Bitlis recovered the Kapan Yolu and Arnis villages from Armenian occupation and broke the siege of Hizan. The units continued their operation towards Ahkis. After two days of armed clashes, the Ahkis and Bigeri villages were recovered but the insurgents escaped.

On 4 February 330 (17 February 1915) the detachments assembled at Tasu village, turning over to the threatening insurgents. After one day's strong resistance, the village was recovered. This was followed with the recovery of the Korsu and Sigor villages, after a two-day battle. Many Russian uniform caps and Russian material and equipment, abandoned by the insurgents, was found. It was also observed that the villages were turned into fortified field positions. The corpses of the two gendarmes murdered in Sigorvillage were uncovered, their eyes gouged out, their lungs taken out from ripped chests and their heads smashed. The marked mare of Van Committee Leader Ishan was found during the recovery of Viris village. Among the corpses were also those of Vahan, one of the famous committee leaders of Van, son of Kesis from Humnis village, and of Kalon from Sekur village. This makes it clear that Vahan was specially sent from Van to lead the rebellion. The start of the rebellion in the above places, soon ignited revolts in the plain villages of Mus. On 28 January 1330 (10 February 1915) that is to say just one day after the start of the rebellion in Hizan, a gendarmerie detachment on its way, came under fire around Serunek village of Mus, and was forced to an armed clash which ended with casualties and loss of horses. Supporting detachments dispatched from Mus under the command of three officers, reached the scene and surrounded the insurgents. Nine of the Committee members were captured dead. Others succeeded in escaping. On the same day, the house where the sub-district head and the Gendarmerie detachment stayed in the Kumes village of Aksan, was surrounded by the insurgents after an eight-hour armed clash, nine gendarmes were brutally killed and the house was set on fire by the Armenian gangs. The sub-district head and one of the gendarmes escaped in the dark of night, after fighting his way out through the flames of the building. The detachments from the Mus Depot Regiment dispatched to capture the perpetrators came under fire and after two-day armed clashes the insurgents escaped. The presence of Dashnak Mus Committee Delegate Rupen and one of the leading Dashnak Committee figures of Mus, Esro, at the scene of the Kumes incident, and, as it became clear afterwards that the operation of the insurgents was led by these two Armenian figures, clearly shows the actual face of the rebellion. As a matter of fact, following the Kumes incident. Rupen and Esro did not return to Mus. They stayed with their gang and continued to threaten the Government here and there.

Upon learning that the perpetrators of the Kumes and Seronik incidents were hidden in the Arak Monestary of Mus, a gendarmerie detachrnent was dispatched under the command of 2nd Lt. Ahmet on 12 February 330 (25 Februay 1915). While the detachment was approaching the monastery, it came under severe fire from the front and the flanks. Lt. Ahmet and four of the gendarmes were killed, while the rest of the detachment continued the armed clash until night and were obliged to withdraw after dark. A second stronger detachment from the Mus Depot Regiment was dispatched on 14 February 330 (27 February 1915) as in reinforcement but the Committee gang had already escaped, evacuating the monastery. They had always maintained their occupation of the monastery as one of their shelters.

Further, on 13 February 330 (26 February 1915) four gendarmerie patrols, were attacked while eating their lunch on the river bank near Kelikozan, by the people of Kelikozan, and brutally murdered, their corpses were cut into pieces with axes and buried at a one hour distant place. With the sudden loss of the four gendarmes, authorities already assumed that they had been annihilated by the committee. The investigation gave clues and traces which led the investigators to the Kelikozan area, uncovering the murder. The perpetrators were captured and put on trial before a military court. As a matter of fact, without any hesitation, they confessed their crime and all the brutality. Similar incidents followed.

The immediate suppression of the rebellion on the spot by Government forces surprised the committee gangs, bringing relative calmness in Bitlis. Armenians of Bitlis realized that the Government's strength was superior to the committee's. The protection by the government of lives and properties of Armenians who were not involved in any armed clash was very effective and leading Armenian personalities both in Mus and Bitlis who had no links with the Dashnaks, openly condemned the happenings.

Parliament Member Papasian was in Mus, commanding the operation from the Centre. As the conclusion of the developments was contrary to his line, he immediately approached the Government, saying that perpetrators of the Hizan, Kumes, Serenek and Monastery incidents were ignorant army deserters, and that the clash at the Monastery was because the army deserters sheltering there fired their weapons in fear of the attack of the Gendarmerie, claiming that the Dashnak Committee had no involvement at all in the incidents, and that they were ready to assist the Government. He was afraid that the plot for a rebellion would be uncovered by the Government. He went on to send letters to the Armenian Patriarch in Istanbul, with a different version of the happenings. Here was the explanation of the Patriarch based on the information received from Parliament Member Papasian:

"With the assignment of Yasar Ceto and Mehmet Emin recently for the preservation of public order, Armenians became victims of disasters and with the killing of the bailiffs of Halsi, Hunz and Ruhte villages by gendarmes, the inhabitants were so upset, that in retaliation they killed the four gendarmes. Also two gendarmes were killed in retaliation for the killing of a boy by gendarmes in Zigo village and of four of eight army deserters while being taken to the centre. If the people were obliged as a last resort in protection of sacred things to resist the aggression of the gendarmerie, this cannot be described as a revolt and the burning and plundering of houses of the people and attempts to kill the people is incompatible with justice ..."

Upon this application of the Armenian Patriarch. Istanbul requested the Third Army Command to investigate the matters and if things had really happened as reported above, the perpetrators must be severely punished. It was also reported from Elazig that it was the Director who caused the Meksi incident. Upon the request from Istanbul, the Third Army Command ordered the Eleventh Army Corps Command in Elazig to send an Investigation Group led by Colonel Veysi Bey, Acting Commander of the 33rd Division.

Here are the conclusions of the investigation:

1. The assignment of Yasar Ceto and Mehmet Emin as officials for public order was completely baseless. In fact, Yasar Ceto, together with his men, volunteered to Azerbaidjan in the initial stage of mobilisation and was killed in the Hoy Battle three months before the incidents in question happened.

Mehmet Emin was ambushed by Armenians on his way to Azerbaidjan also three months ago, was wounded and is currently under treatment.

2. There was no Armenian village bailiff killed in Bitlis Province.

3. As to the boy the Patriarch claimed to be killed in Zigo Village: There is no village within the Bitlis Province with the name of Zigo and the killing of a boy by the Gendarmarie was completely unfounded.

4. It was clear that the actions were not retaliation or moves of legitimate self-defence as the Patriarch claimed, but were absolutely audacious aggressions.

As it was clearly understood the conclusions of the investigation. referring to officials related to public order (Yasar Ceto) who was killed. long ago not making clear the place for which the persons were assigned the duty of preserving public order, and claiming the murder of a boy in a village which does not exist on the map, are sufficient to judge the degree of accuracy of the allegations.

As a matter of fact, the Van and Karahisar rebellions which followed made it clear that the purpose was to create confusion, leading to dispersion of the Government forces and a sudden strike in Van. All the incidents were followed by the general rebellion in Van.

Sukru
Van

Archive No : 112
CabinNo : 113
Drawer No : 4
File No : 528
Section No : 2061
Index No : 2.21-18

Holdwater: The above reflected pretty good intelligence! The bit where the Patriarch got caught with his pants down (with the made-up village of Zigo) was very amusing. The Parliamentarian Papazian shed very important light on the treachery of his people, in an article he had written, representing the kind of traitorous "Armenian intellectuals and cultural leaders" arrested on April 24.

DOCUMENT NO: 1906 (101)

Ministry of Defence
Department of Correspondence
Coding Section

CODED CABLE FROM ELAZIG TO THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

Hadji Abdul Aziz Effendi, responsible for the group sent from Silvan to Mus, accompanied by five gendarmes, was confronted with a nine-man Armenian band around Murz Village four hours' distance from Bitlis. After a two-hour armed clash, five Armenians escaped, four were captured (dead) together with four short Russian... three sword belts, 380 rounds of ammunition. 100 Ottoman Liras found on one of them was delivered to the Bitlis provincial authority. The above information was submitted by the coded message of Division Command in Mus on 16 March 1331 (29 March 1915) and was conveyed to the Army and to the Army Corps. 17 March 1331 (30 March 1915)

Acting Commander Eleventh Army Corps
Hakki

Public Order 72/18 March 331 (31 March 1915)

Public Order Section
18.1.331 (31 March 1915), K.A.E.

Info. to Ministry of Interios. To be returned after info. (18.1.331) (31 March 1915)

Hakki Cemal
(seal)
Section: 331/3
Independent Public Order Section
Hereby returned 18.1.331
(31 March 1918)
Ismet

Archive No : 4/131
Cabin No : 149
Drawer No : 4
File No : 2287
Section No : 12
Index No : 6-16

 

SEAL (Not clear)
No : 35

TO THE THIRD ARMY COMMAND

Honourable Commanding General,

After leaving Istanbul by train on January 29 and arriving in Ulukisla, I have continued following the rear-line communications programme issued by the Special Service Deportment. Several days before our arrival in the 300-dwelling Armenian village of Purek of the Susehri District of Sivas (province), in other words on February 12, two horses were taken from the village to carry two sick enlisted men of the Zaro comrnandos up to the communication Zone. Agop, the Moughtar (headman) of the village, revolver in hand, led and incited the people, all armed with revolvers, and attacked the Commandos, forcing them to take shelter with the unarmed recruits of the training centre, after which they attacked, wounding two enlisted men. District Governor Ahmet Hilmi, Mobile Gendarmerie Unit Commander Salim and Stationery Gendarmerie Unit Ziya and Public Prosecutor Fuat, the same mob of Armenians attacked the gendarmes, murdering one gendarme and escaping to the mountains from where they continued their raids. They were later suppressed and investigation started. In this way the following information was obtained:

The Karahisarisarki Flag and attached organisations of the Dashnaksoutiun Committee, have been arming 111 Armenian youths in the Sivas region ever since the Proclamation of the Constitution, bringing together an armed and equipped contingent of some 30,000 men in the region when mobilization was declared. Of these 15,000 men were sent to Russia while 15,000 remained ready for a rebellion upon instructions from Russia. Sources said they are capable of carrying on with the revolt for 30 days, with sufficient ammunition for 1000 rounds per man daily. A 30-men War Command has been designated by the Committee headed by Armenian Bishop of Karahisar for the Karahisarlsarki region. Investigations have been extended. When our designated battalion arrived in the said village, the investigation committee persistently requested our assistance the investigation. During the one-night investigation, some 100 Greek gras (a type of rifle) were captured and delivered to the investigation board against receipt. Throughout, district and sub-district governors representing the Government explained that all Armenian villages are armed, ready for a rebellion. As their forces were not sufficient for the necessary inquiries and searches, they asked for our assistance. During our search in these places, escorted by sub-district governors of Ezbider (Refahiye) and Agvanist (Karahisar) and District Governor of Refahiye, we uncovered some 1000 weapons which we turned over to the local authorities against receipt. Proceeding from Erzincan, accompanied by sub-district governor of Pulur (Bayburt) and Commander of the Training Unit of Kesanti village, we uncovered some 40 weapons in the said villages and in Pulerik, Kaleverik, Hendi, turning them over to the district authority of Bayburt against receipt.

As it was explained earlier, the investigation related to the Purek village has shown that arms have been supplied in preparation for a rebellion, each individual Armenian guarding these as carefully they guard their lives. Each Armenian owned one or more weapon, with abundant ammunition, apart from arms and ammunition stored in depots. Printed rebellion leaflets and programmes were also seized. It became evident that only in the Sivas and Erzincan regions, the number of arms possessed by Armenians is around 30,000. It is worth noting that during brief searches on over-night stays in these places more than 200 weapons were uncovered. An extensive search, is therefore likely to end up with large quantities of armaments. Awaiting your orders. Section 3 27/28 Date

Special Service Volunteers Battalion
Commander
(Signature)

To the First Section for comments
29 Days
(Signature)

Archive No : 113671
Cabin No : 163
Drawer No : 2
File No : 2818
Section No : 59
Index No : 1-59, 1-60

DOCUMENT NO: 1908 (104)

 

No: 1011

CODED MESSAGE FROM PERTEV BEY, ACTlNG COMMANDER 10TH ARMY CORPS (SIVAS) RECEIVED ON 7.2.331 (20 APRIL 1915)

Annex to Coded Message No 713 of 26 March (8 April):

1. The Gendarmerie detachment dispatched to Horasan village to look for army deserter Armenian Mirad upon suspicion did not find the deserter but captured a crate of 'Gra" rifles (a type of Greek rifle) a crate of bombs and dynamite. Searching continues.

2. In searches conducted by the Government at Tuzlasar village of Hafik yesterday, 16 crates of weapons, 20 bombs, and a crate of brand new blue uniforms were uncovered and confiscated. During the search, 30 partisans together with two persons from the gang of Armenian Mirad from Gokdin village, opened fire on gendarmerie guards on the outskirts of the village but succeeded in escaping in the dark. The detachments have been reinforced and searches continue. All mobile gendarmes have been deployed on the scene. As to the infantrymen in the centre, their Schneider type weapons can hardly cope with the Manliher weapons possessed by the Armenians. It was therefore considered inappropriate to utilise the infantry in the centre as this would result in a high number of casualties.

It is requested that sufficient cavalry and infantrymen are dispatched from the garrison as soon as possible. As many of the Armenians hide weapons, bombs and dynamite in their homes and many are armed, action is necessary accordingly. For this, 20 armed cavalry men from Depot Cavalry company were dispatched to the scene. It has been ordered to assign all trained men of the Depot Battalion at Hafik under the order of the Government and every measure is taken to suppress the upheaval.

Section: 1
8 (21 ) Date

Archive No : 4/3671
Cabin No : 163
Drawer No : 2
File No :. 2820
Section No : 69
Index No : 3-10

DOCUMENT NO: 1910 (106)

 

INTERROGATION OF CHAKCIAN KlORK (Continued)

Who was with him in the house ?
Some army deserters. I don't know their names.

What is your job ?
I am a clerk.

Does your son come home at nights ?
No, he never comes. I don't know where he stays.

Where is he now ?
I don't know where he is.

When did you throw the seven military uniforms which were recovered from the well during the search today?
I have no information about this. There has bean nobody at our home for five or six days. Our home was empty with the door open.

Who threw the uniforms into the well?
I don't know. Mehmet Effendi (military police) told me that they had learnt from the informant denounced. Who ever is the informant may be he threw the uniforms in. I have no information whatsoever.

Tell us the truth ?
Our home is deserted.

Where was your son then ?
He was in the street then.

At home ?

Did you give food or goods to these deserters any other time ?
No, as I said before, I gave them food and bread only one day.

Does your wife have any information about the uniforms in the well ?
No, she doer not.

Now seal your statement.
I have no seal. Let me put my fingerprint. 9 (22) date

Aforesaid women Luaik
(Fingerprint)

Drafted by Assistant Police Commissioner
Signature (Seyit lbrahim)

Interrogation statement of aforesaid woman Lusik's
husband Chakcian Kiork. 9 April 331 (22 April 1915)

Where is your son Dikran now ? Where was he before ?
I have not seen him for five or six days. He is an army deserter. He is hiding in the houses.

You should have known by now where your son is and sent him food ?
No, I don't know his whereabouts.

Today these seven sets of khaki uniforms (jackets, trousers and Enveriye (head gear attributed to Enver Pasha) of Armenian Army deserters were recovered from the well in sacks
You have seen these. Who brought them and threw them into the well?'
I don't know. I have no information

You a while ago admitted that you have given food to the deserters from mobilisation forces ? What way and how ?
One of the deserters with three friends asked for food and bread. I gave them cooked spinach and bread, they took it away.

Interrogation statement of Mrs. Lusik, daughter of Kirakos, wife of Chakcian Kiork. Armenian from Hasirli section of Diyarbakir, father of Dikran, involved in the case of uncovered uniforms of Armenian soldiers deserting from the Fifth Army Corps. 9 April 331 (22 April 1915).

Your name - Name of father ?
My name is Cusik. I am wife of Kiork.

Your age ?
60 years old. I live in Hasirli section.

Name of your son ? How old is he ? His profession ?
His name is Dikran, He is around 30. He is a shoemaker.

Where were you yesterday and last night ? Was your son with you?
Yesterday I was in the house of my daughter Haiganosh. At night I stayed at the house of Minosh, sister of my husband. My son Dikran was not with us.

For how many days have you not seen your son?
He left on Wednesday, saying he will surrender to the Government. I don't know his whereabouts now. Give me time to go and look for him. When I find out, I will come and let you know.

Did your son have good relations with army deserters ?
I have no information. He was wondering around houses.

You have a seal, can you write ? Sign your statement.
I have no seal. I can write. I sign. 9 April 331 (22 April 1915) Chakcian Kiork.
(Date and Signature.)

Archive No : 5/1920
Cabin No : 204
Drawer No : 3
File No : 4608
Section No : 1
Index No : 33, 331-1

Holdwater: While reading the account of the above interrogation, I could not help thinking of the "Armenian song" (accessible in the red box entitled "Addendum (10-06)" near the top of this page), where the withholding of information was considered a patriotic duty.

No: 10327
CODED MESSAGE RECEIVED FROM GOVERNOR OF SIVAS, MUAMMER BEY on 9/10.2.331
(22/23 April 1915) :

C. 8.2.331 (21 April 1915)

1. The places within the province with a high Armenian population are Karahisar, Susehri, Hafik, Dirigi and Gurun, Gemerek, Amasya, Tokat and Merzifon.

2. To date a great number of prohibited weapons and dynamite have been seized in searches in villages around Susehri, at Tuzhisar and Horasan villages of Hafik and at Ulalas sub-district of the Central region.

3. Armenians have organised and armed a 30,000 strong force from this province, of which 15,000 this way or the other joined the Russian Army while the remaining 15 (thousand) have been assigned with the mission of occupation in the rear, should our Army fail to be successful (May God forbid). These have been confirmed with the interrogation statements of the arrested suspects.

4. It has been felt that Armenians are preparing for a rebellion in the spring, when sheltering is possible in the mountains. This has been confirmed by the captured arms and explosives during the Van incident and with the flight of some of the leading figures of the committee.

5. Upon reports that Mirad, a leading Dashnak figure was hiding at Tuzhisar village, I dispatched a contingent. During an armed clash several of the Armenians were killed and about 20 surrendered, the rest escaped. Follow-up operations continue.

6. Upon request from stationed and mobile gendarmerie for support, a strong detachment was sent toward Hafik. Villages expected to take part in the rebellion have been cleared by the military of materials, vehicles and means of attack and defence.

7. The provincial authority has been authorised to invite all men up to 40-50 ages for military service and take all necessary precautions. We are gratified for this permission, however, as most of the people of that age are sick or disabled, their presence would make hospitals more crowded. In fact, only men of that ages are left in villages now, because of mobilisation. Their conscription would mean the evacuation of the villages and would have negative effects on the morale of the people. I therefore consider it appropriate to delay this move for the time being, after arming those able, pending their call when needed. Two artillery guns, would be sufficient for the purpose, if sent here.

Section : 1
10 (23) dated

Archive No : 4/3641
Cabin No : 163
Drawer No : 2
File No : 2820
Section No : 69
Index No : 3-45.3-46


Holdwater: The "Mirad" from Point 5 must be "Murad." In addition, Vahakn Dadrian attempted to discredit Point 3's report concerning the 30,000 traitorous Sivas Armenians.

DOCUMENT NO: 1913 (109)

TELEGRAM
OTTOMAN GOVERNMENT TELEGRAPH ADMINISTRATION

Cable No : 258
Origin : Elaziz
No : 934
Number of words : 120

TO THE ARMY COMMAND

Based on information derived from the interrogation of those who had not complied with conscription and deserters in Diyarbakir, the house of Artin, son of Bogos, was searched and in a built-in section the following weapons and ammunition and materials were uncovered and confiscated: Seven Mauser rifles, one Bulgarian Menliheri weapon, one British Martini rifle, several pistols, 16 fused and 30 unloaded bombs, a great number of fuses, twenty two okes (1 oke: 1282 grams) of dynamite powder, 40 okes of gun powder, plenty of rifle ammunition and a manual of instructions on explosives. Aforementioned Artin has been arrested. lnfo. submitted to Army corps. 15 (28)

Acting Commander
11 th Army Corps
Hakki

Archive No : 4/3671
Cabin No : 163
Drawer No : 2
File No : 2820
Section No : 69
Index No : 1-21

File
16.2.31 (29 April 1915)
Section: 3/1652-16/29) dated

DOCUMENT NO: 1915 (111)

SUBLIME PORTE MINISTRY OF INTERIOR
Coding Office

Source of Origin: Kayseri
Date of cable: 1 May 02.24
Arrival : 1 May / 04.30

ISTANBUL MARTIAL LAW MILITARY COURT

C. 29 April 331 (12 May 1915) Stephan Negyazarian, son of Ohannes. while serving as executive board member and secretary for the Armenian Hunchak Association, together with President . . . . . . (not clear) Apioviscavic of the Association, supplied arms and ammunition to special platoons established under special names, participating in the arrangements for the rebellion, the courtmartial military prosecutor reported. As he is needed here for uncovering hidden arms, it is requested that he be sent here if possible.

Governor of Kayseri
Midhat

Add to file
2 May 331 (15 May 1915)

Archive No : 1/2
Cabin No : 108
Drawer No : 2
File No : 292
Section No : 190
Index No : 4-8

SUBLIME PORTE
Ministry of Interior

Department for Settlement of Tribes and Immigrants

General :
Special :

REGULATION RELATED TO SETTLEMENT AND BOARD AND LODGING AND OTHER AFFAIRS OF ARMENIANS RELOCATED TO OTHER PLACES BECAUSE OF WAR CONDITIONS AND EMERGENCY POLITICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Article l: -- Arrangements for transportation of those to be transferred is the responsibility of local administrations.

Article 2: - Armenians to be transferred are free to take all their movable properties and animals along.

Article 3: -- Protection of lives and properties of Armenians to be transferred en route their new settlements, their board and lodging and their rest is the responsibility of local administrations en route. Civil servants in all echelons are responsible for any negligence in this regard.

Article 4: -- Reaching the destinations of their new settlement, Armenians will either be settled in individual towns and villages in houses to be built, or in the villages to be established in locations designated by the Government. Due attention will be paid to establishing the villages in places which suit public health conditions, agriculture and construction.

Article 5: - If there is no unowned and derelict land in places of settlement for establishment of villages, state owned farms and villages may be allocated for this purpose.

Article 6: - Boundaries of villages and towns to be established anew for the settlement of Armenians will be at least 25 kilometres away from the Baghdad railroad and from other railroad links.

Article 7: - A Registration log will be established covering very accurately in an orderly way the name, family name, age, profession. place of origin, place of settlement, together with names and ages of all members clearly indicated for all Armenians to be settled in villages and towns or in newly established villages, this log being the basis of the population registers.

Article 8: - Persons to be settled at the designated places are prohibited to go to other places without permission from the Commission to which they are attached and without the necessary special document from the local security force.

Article 9: - All boarding needs of the people arriving, and the construction of houses of those who are in need, is the responsibility of the Government, such expenses to be financed from the immigrants' appropriations (funds).

Article 10: - Arrangements of boarding and housing, expediting the completion of these, preservation of health and welfare of the people, is the responsibility of the immigrant commissions, led by the highest local civil servant. In places where there are no immigrant commissions, these will be established anew, in accordance with the Regulation on Immigrants.

Article 11: - District and provincial governors are authorised to assign sufficient civil servants necessary to carry out efficiently the task related to transport, board, lodging and settlement, with the concurrence of the Ministry.

Article 12: - Each family to be resettled will be allocated appropriate land. taking into account their previous economic condition and their present needs.

Article 13: - Allocation and distribution of land will be handled by the commissions.

Article 14: - Boundaries and areas of the allocated iand will be indicated in a Temporary (Provisional) Receipt which will be issued to the owner, with identical information clearly registered in the special book.

Article 15: - Those engaged in agriculture and craftsmen who are in need, will be issued an appropriate amount of operating capital, or necessary tools and instruments. Recep 333/17 May 331 (30 May 1915)

Certified True copy.
Seal (Department for Settlement
of Tribes and Immigrants, Ministry of Interior)

Archive No : 1/2
Cabin No : 109
Drawer No : 4
File No : 361
Section No : 1030 (1445)
Index No : 1

DOCUMENT NO: 1918 (114)

From: Erzurum
3.5.331 (16 July 1915)

TO THE THIRD ARMY COMMAND ERZURUM

The contingent assigned to protect Armenian convoys against attacks by Kurdish gangs was attacked by Kurdish gangs from all four directions on their way through the Kop mountains on 28.4.331 (11 July 1915). The contingent, dispatched from Bayburt under the command of 2nd Lt. Salih Efendi comprised 56 enlisted men from the communications zone troops. After a two-hour armed clash, two of the gang were killed, the rest escaped. The contingent suffered no casualties and the Armenian convoy was saved, according to the information from Bayburt post.

Communications Inspector
Fuat Ziya

Section : 1/3731/4 (17) dated
File./ 4.5.31 (17 July 1915)

Archive No : 4/3671
Cabin No 161
Drawer No : 2
File No : 2835
Section No : 127
Index No : 1-11

Holdwater: This one is an extremely important report, lending evidence that not all of the gendarmes were low-lifes, as depicted in Armenian propaganda (although, of course, many were of the comparatively bottom-of-the-barrel variety; the better men were desperately needed to protect the nation at the multiple fronts); note how the gendarmes, in this instance, succeeded in defending the Armenians, and we are reminded of the precariousness of the march, when lawless bands would suddenly appear, and scarily descend from "all... directions." The district attorney in the 1921 kangaroo court trial of Talat Pasha's assassin attested to gendarmes getting killed in the line of Armenian-protection duty, and even "Ambassador Morgenthau's Story" informed us of (forty) killed gendarmes, while defending the Armenians.

So let's ask out loud the logical question, ladies and gentlemen: If the Ottoman government planned an extermination policy, how could the Ottomans' own soldiers disobey this policy, to the extent of risking, or even losing, their lives?

FIRST ARMY CORPS COMMAND
Cable : 17228

COPY

According to a cable message just received from Urgup Conscription Office, a 300-strong Armenian armed gang raided the Bogazliyan village in Avanos District, murdering the people and destroying and burning the village. According to information based on instant cable communications from Urgup. Nevsehir, Nigde and Avanos, Nigde only, requested the urgent arming of 250 enlisted men. In this context, instructians have also been issued by the Ministy of Defence as understood from the report of district authorities. The Nigde Conscription Office has been immediately instructed to promptly conscript and turn over to Nigde Gendarmerie Command 250 enlisted men. Civil Administration authorities have also been informed. 10/11 July 331 (23124 July 1915)

Konya Conscription Department Head
Ziya

Archive No : 1/131
Cabin No : 149
Drawer No : 4
File No : 2287
Section No : 11
Index No : 3-1

DOCUMENT NO: 1921 (117)

OTTOMAN ARMY
ACTING SUPREME COMMAND

Section Directorate
No: 5998

CODED MESSAGE RECEIVED BY THE ACTING SUPREME COMMAND FROM ERZURUM

Orders and instructions were issued not to give way to insults or humiliation of Armenians being transferred to inner regions and for strict protection of their properties and goods. The same orders are reiterated 17/18 July 1331 (30131 July 1915)

Third Army Commander
Mahmut Kamil

Seal
(Acting Supreme Command
Documentary Section)

Section 2/18 (31) dated
Section : 2/13715
18 July 1331 (31 July 1915)

Archive No : 112
Cabin No : 109
Drawer No : 4
File No : 361
Section No : 1445
Index No : 3-3

Holdwater: in the same spirit as the previous document, boy, this one makes a lot of sense. Here the idea was to knock off the Armenians, according to Armenian propaganda... but here, the government wanted to conduct their "Final Solution" nicely.

DOCUMENT NO: 1923 (119)

Section : 2/221 -9
Drafter : Signature
Write : Signature
8 January 331 (21 January 1916)
Reply : 10 (23) dated
Signed : Tevfik
Letter No : 9835

TO THE MINISTRY OF THE INTERIOR

In a cable from the U.S State Department to the U.S. Embassy in Istanbul the following was reported:

The Permanent Mutual Assistance Committee of Philadelphia has delivered $ 100 thousand by Armenians living in the United States for distribution among Armenians in Turkey who are in need and have financial difficulty.

Earlier another sum of money was sent from the United states. The Embassy, however, rejected distribution by us. Both this last amount and the sum reached earlier is undoubtedly being distributed through secret channels. Investigation of this matter with the outcome is requested.

Section 1 1.8/15
Signature

Armenian instruction not to be quoted

Archive No : 1/2
Cabin No : 113
Drawer No : 4
File No : 533
Section No : 2082
Index No : 2-98

Holdwater: Ambassador Morgenthau's term was up by around this time, but one can imagine the predicament. Naturally, Morgenthau would not have entrusted such monies to be distributed by the villainous Turks. Yet, this document presents the other side of the coin. Given the treachery of Armenians, and the blind support provided by the missionaries and Morgenthau, who was to say whether such monies would not have been diverted toward revolutionary ends?

DOCUMENT NO: 1925 (121)

Istanbul,
28 January 332
(13 February 1917)

GENDARMERIE GENERAL COMMAND

COPY OF CODED CABLE FROM ADANA GENDARMERIE
REGIMENT COMMAND OF 25 JANUARY 332
(7 FEBRUARY 1917)

The armed clash between a 30 strong Arrnenian gang and a 15-man gendarmerie detachment in the forest near Sihli village of lslahiye started at two o'clock (afternoon) on 19 January 332 (1 February 1917) and continued until nine o'clock at night. Four soldiers were killed and one wounded in the clash, the bandits escaped, taking advantage of the nature of the terrain. Cebel-i Bereket (Osmaniye) Battalion Commander has been ordered for the follow-up operation. In a cable dated 24 January 332 (6 February 1917) from the said Battalion Command, it is stated that a second armed clash took place on 23 January 332 (5 February 1917) at Eriklibel, some six hours distant to lslahiye in which two of the gang were killed and one wounded. Casualties of the military fore include two from Antilli Construction Battalion and one from the 44th Cavalry Division, also one soldier was wounded. The gang is escaping toward Ayintap (Gaziantep). Cables have been sent to Gendarmerie commands, of Aleppo Regiment and Ayintap, Kilis, Maras, and Goksun for counter-operations to prevent the escape of the gang. Instructions were also issued to all concerned to dispatch urgently other cavalry forces available for support of the Battalion Command. Personally I am on my way to lslahiye.

Seal
(First Section, First branch)

Archive No : 1/131
Cabin No : 149
Drawer NO : 4
File No : 2287
Section No : 11
Index No . 5-24

DOCUMENT NO: 1927 (123)

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
Department of Public Order

Incoming and Outgoing No: 10257
Original No : Letter

Date of Drafting : 24 May 333 (24 May 1917)
Drafter : Signature (Irfan)
Date of Writing : 24.5.33 (24 May 1917)
Writer : Signature

SUBJECT :

The Armenian gang assembling at Kadircik location on the Adana-Maras road and carrying out raids and attacks on the Moslem population in the course of July 331 (191 5) was dispersed in an armed clash with the Governor and Commander of Adana and their accompanying unit. Letter from the General Directorate of Security dated 23 May 333 (23 May 1917) related to the file in this regard is attached herewith. After info. file to be returned.

Address:

Directorate of Legal Department

The file and the contents related to the said case to be returned to
this section after seen by the General Directorate of Security.

Signature

The back page of the Document:

10257/Directorate of Legal Department
24 May 333 (24 May 1917)
Case . Armenian
Related to Armenian incident on Adana -
Maras Road

Archive No : 1/131
Cabin No : 149
Drawer No : 4
File No 2287
Section No : 11
Index No : 8

DOCUMENT NO: 1929 (125)

THE FOLLOWING TRAGEDIES ARE BASED ON STATEMENTS OF DESERTERS AND REFUGEES: 3.2.34 (3 February 1918)

From Army Reports:

- Municipal Clerk of Erzincan Mehmet Efendi was kidnapped by Armenians while his mother, his wife and his four. . . . . . children were brutally murdered and their bodies dismembered.

- Armenians attempted to abduct the wife of Veysi; the son of Gulbahar and Veysi was murdered, as he resisted.

- On 12 January 34 (12 January 1918) Armenians raided Kelersen village shooting dead 15 Moslems after tying their hands.

- On 7 January 334 (7 January 1918) a group of Armenians in Russian uniforms kidnapped some 50 men and women from the Ful district on the Black Sea coast, took them in the direction of Trabzon, their corpses were later found in the Ful river.

- Armenians raided the Kizilgac village, south of Sarlipazari. murdering Moslems, stabbing by bayonets, hands and legs tied.

- Armenians began murdering Moslems of villages near Gorele and Erikli, raping Moslem women publicly.

- For one month, strong Armenians gangs murdered Moslem people of Sarlipazari, Akkilise, lnesil villages, plundering all their goods and properties.

- An Armenian gang of 50 men raided the Ardese town, plundering properties and burning the market street.

- Provisions left over by the evacuating Russian Army to the people in Sarpo, Sadak, Kose, Ardas, lkisu and Bayburt on the Trabzon region and in Tercan and Erzurum were seized by Armenians.

- Connections and communications of Erzincan with the outside world was cut off by Armenians following burning people alive in their homes. Some of the people were rounded up in the Church Square and burned alive there. Yeni Cami - Mosque and the Provincial Head Office in Erzincan were also bombed and burnt.

Some 500 Moslems from villages around Erzincan were brought to Erzincan and shot dead.

- Mir Mustafa Aga and 800 Moslems from the people of Dersim succeeded in escaping Armenian atrocities and took shelter with the Ottoman Army.

- A Commander who set up his headquarters at a village 28 Kms. west of Erzurum, gave the following account of Armenian cruelties and atrocities in his report of 12.3.34 (12 March 1918) (Summary):

- Armenians shut 278 Moslem inhabitants of this villages in their homes and murdered them all. 42 Moslems were found in their homes critically wounded. Lungs and livers of girls and women were torn out after being raped, their abdomens ripped open. Many corpses of children and men were found after gasoline had been poured on them.

- Some 50 Moslem people of Hosan and Kalcik were murdered at Gumgum. An indefinite number of people taken to work in road-building from Magal lsur did not reutrn.

- In Erzurum at the Kars gate, bodies of 250 brutally murdered Moslems were uncovered.

- Some 60 Moslems of Erkinis Village north of Erzurum were murdered by Armenians while trying to escape.

- The town of Hasankale was completely burnt by Armenians, leaving not a single place habitable.

- Massacres took place in Wasankale and surrounding villages, Moslem men, women and children were murdered by knives, axes or were shot, while some of the people were abducted, as witnessed by some of our cavalrymen

Report by the Third Army Command of 22.2.34 (22 February 1918):

- Russian Captain Kazmiri who remained in Erzincan reports: As I remained in Erzincan I saved the lives of many Moslem people from Arrnenian cruelties. I have heard that many Moslem people assembled by Armenians under the pretext of taking them for work in Kup and Sarikamis were massacred as soon as they were out of Erzincan. Also from what I am told by Armenians, they massacred 800 Moslems overnight in Erzincan.

- Statement of Russian Enlisted Man Alexander who remained in Erzincan: I was told by Armenians when I was in Ciftlik village that they had destroyed the city, massacring the people.

- Statement of a Russian woman named Yash: Following the withdrawal of Russians, Armenians set up a Committee in Erzincan and began aggression and atrocities on the Moslem people. From conversations I heard through the window, Armenians said that they had massacred all the people of Erzurum and its surroundings, and that they would do the same for the people of Erzincan. From Army Reports: 16 . 2. 34 (16 February 1918)

- There is no news on the fate or whereabouts of 650 Moslems taken by Armenians in mid-January for so-called road-building.

- Corpses of brutally murdered Moslem people were uncovered at Teke village east of Gurnushane.

In Tandirlik village 25 Moslem males were cut into pieces in carts.

- The Moughtar (Headman) of the Zanqa village north to Gumushane was tortured, his daughter was attacked and the next day was raped by 15 members of an Armenian gang.

- Armenian gangs destroyed and burnt the barracks, Provincial Office and many houses in Erzincan and the bridge on the River Euphrates, south to Erzincan.

- The market street and mosque of Rize were plundered by Armenians gangs and burnt to the ground.

- Our security detachments entering the town of Bayburt found the remnants of dreadful crimes. Aged women and children unable to escape, stayed in their homes and were burnt, those captured in the streets were stabbed to death by bayonets. More than 200 corpses were recovered from burnt houses in two days and buried.

- A Georgian detachment during a stopover in the town of Rize for the night, observed the remains of Armenian cruelties, and being disgusted, changed their mind left the town, despite the calls of the people for help.

- General Odishelidje, Commander of the Russian Caucasian Army reported with regret that soldiers stationed in Erzincan, on speculation originated by provocateurs alleging that Moslems would carry out a revolution. and upon the wounding of a soldier, were armed and used against Moslems and there was an unknown number of casualties and wounded.

- The General also informed us of a Colonel Morel (GS), his identity not quite clear (French or British), ordering the burning of Kurdish and Moslem villages on the Erzincan-Erzurum road, on the grounds that the Kurds were preparing for an attack. Armenian Gang Leader Mirat executed the orders.

The same Mirat, escorted by Armenian patrols, ordered the assembly of all Moslem people in the Church Square in Erzincan, when moughtars (headmen) came to inquire the reason, all were executed. Armenian patrols took the people out of their homes in parties, brought them first to the telegraph office and then to Vahit Bey's House in the night burning them alive with the house, shooting those who attempted to escape. Over 1000 women and children were also burnt in the Fortress barracks and in three large houses. Many other houses were also burnt by Armenians.

- Hulusi Efendi, an inhabitant who escaped the following day, in his account, told of the dreadful cries of women being burnt to death. People wounded, with burns, bloody clothes or naked who took refuge on the armistice line, said the orders for the atrocities were issued by Colonel Morel.

- Armenian Gang Leader Arshak in Bayburt, ordered the assembly of the people in the surrounding villages in Bayburt, but the people, informed of the atrocities in Erzincan, fled to the snowy mountains along with their women and children.

Archive No : 1/2
Cabin No : 113
Drawer No : 4
File No : 527
Section No : 2057
Index No : 1-6

DOCUMENT NO: 1931 (127)

ARMY COMMAND
Section: 1
Army Headquarters

COPY

I, an officer of the 13th Turkistan Regiment, hereby declare that I accepted service for the Armenian detachments. The detachment was under the command of Colonel Morel from the 27th Turkistan Regiment. The enlisted men of the detachment were committing cruelties and robbing the people. On the night of 15/16 January, Armenians committed a massacre of the local population. Some 800 people of Erzincan were massacred, it was said. Measures taken by Colonel Morel were futile. Cruelties and plundering went on. I tried to prevent them when I could. Personally I saved a few Turkish families. When my relations with Colonel Morel reached a critical stage, I was obliged to ask for his permission to join my unit. My orders for permission were drawn on January 30. Lack of transportation, however did not allow my departure and I had to stay. It was not possible for me to leave even after the arrival of Turks and Kurds.

My Affidavit Statement:

Armenians of the detachment plundered the city of Erzincan committing atrocities upon the people. They carried out massacres. Here and there in the city I personally saw piles of corpses. These are evidence of the truth of my affidavit statement. I went along the many houses and I have seen all these. Erzincan 7 February 1918

Acting Captain from the 13th Turkistan Snipers Regiment
Kazmir

Footnote:

12 families took shelter at my residence seeking my protection as a Russian Officer against Armenian cruelties. These were safe as they were under my protection

Erzincan
7 February 1918

Acting Captain
Kazmir

Archive No : 1/2
Cabin No : 113
Drawer No : 4
File No : 527
Section No : 2057
Index No : 1-2

DOCUMENT NO: 1933 (129)

OTTOMAN ARMY
ACTING SUPREME COMMAND
8 2 334 (8 February 1918)

Section:
8.2.334 (8 February 1918)
No: B.C./22

CODED MESSAGE NO: 1369 RECEIVED BY THE ACTING SUPREME COMMAND FROM THE THIRD ARMY COMMAND

1. Four persons escaping from Armenian cruelties took shelter at Tubelek Village "53 L" (code). Their account on Erzincan is submitted below:

On 31.1.34 (31 January 1918) patrols going through the streets of Erzincan on orders from Mirad, one of the leading Armenian gangs from Sivas, summoned all the Moslem population to assemble at the Church Square. When the moughtars (headmen) together applied to learn the reason. Mirad arrested and immediately executed them all. Later, the patrols forced the Moslem population out of their houses, brought them in parties to the Telegraph Centre and then to Vahit Bey's House in the town. At eight o'clock in the evening (20.00 hrs) over 1500 Moslems were brought to Vahit Bey's House. Armenians later set the building on fire from all sides. Those who jumped from windows to escape from fire were shot or stabbed to death by bayonets by Armenians.

These villagers also said Armenians rounded up Moslem women in the Fortress Barracks and in three other large houses burning them alive, apart from nearly l000 houses which they also burnt.

2. A person named Hulusi who also escaped during the same week said Armenians assembled leading Moslem figures and the rnoughtars in Erzincan and burnt them. Many Moslem houses were burnt by Armenians, he said, indicating that he had personally witnessed four of these horrible cases. Around 1000 Armenians present in Erzincan began massacring the Moslem people, he explained.

3. In Bayburt, Armenian Gang Leader Arshak ordered Moslem people of the villages in the region on 7.2.34 (7 February 1918) to assemble in Bayburt. Afraid of what would happen, the lmam (Religious Headmen) and the Moughtar of the Hayik Village south to Sulun mountain, escaped, reaching the Armistice Commission to inform them of the situation and ask for arms.

Accordingly, Armenians committed many cruelties, atrocities and massacres in the said region, details of which have not yet arrived
8.2.34 (8 February 1918)

Third Army Commander
Vehib Mehmed

Archive No : 1/2
Cabin No : 113
Drawer No : 3
File No : 525
Section No : 2096
Index No : 10, 10-1

DOCUMENT NO: 1935 (131)

THIRD ARMY COMMAND
Chief of Staff
Section . 1
Army Headquarters
Branch 23.2.34 (23 February 1918)
No Code.

TO: THE ACTING SUPREME COMMAND
THUNDERBOLT GROUP COMMAND
SIXTH ARMY COMMAND
FOURTH ARMY COMMAND

1. An Armenian gang's existence has been reported, in Adilcevaz, within the Fourth Army Corps Front. An enemy motor-boat, after ineffective fire from 4000 metres on the Karmuc pier, sailed toward Van..

On 21.2.34 (21 February 1918) Ahlat and, the following day Perhavs, south-east of Nazik lake were occupied.

Our reconnaissance column proceeding up to Abdal Beyand, northwest of Nazik lake, met no enemy forces.

Muhacir and Til villages "La 59" (code) in the Mus plain have been occupied.

Our reconnaissance columns proceeding in the direction of Lower Kurnu, met no enemy forces at Mozsufla "L 46'. (code) and Darayi "L 45" (code). Snowstorms continue in this Army Corps zone.

2. Mamahatun in the First Caucasian Army Corps Zone, was occupied by our troops on 22.2.34 (22 February 1918). the major part, however, burnt.

Security units have been deployed to Pelegoz "K 47" Cinar Konu Vartik "F 48" Peceric "G 50" (codes) line. According to statements of villagers, some 1000 Armenian gangs with six artillery guns, withdrew to the east on 21.2.34 (21 February 1918) via Yenikoy "G 46" (code). On their way they murdered and burned around 300 defenceless Moslem people.

3. There is no change in the position of the Second Caucasian Army Corps.

On 22.2.34 (22 February 1918) the number of ships in Trabzon port was reported as eleven.

In Huka "D 56 ' (code) and vicinity, south-west of Polathane a number of artillery guns and ammunition abandoned by Greeks were found, with breech-mechanisms and other components of some of them missing. These included four ordinary 10.5 long barrel guns, 15 howitzers of 15 caliber, 22 short and long barrel guns of 9,300 rounds of 15 ea. and 250 7.5 ea. howitzer arnmunition. (*)

To the Artillery Inspectorate:

Submitted to the Commanding General and by him to the Supreme
Command.

4. Weather cloudy, partly open and very cold.

5. This Report of No, fifty four was delivered to the telegraph office of Susehri at eight after (20.00 hrs) to be transmitted to the Supreme Command, Thunderbolt Group, Fourth and Sixth Army Commands.

Third Army Commander
Lt. General
Signed

Vehib Mehmed

Husrev
23.2.34 (23 February 1918)
Operation : 54
Coded : 23.2.34 (23 February 1918)

Archive No : 4/3671
Cabin No : 163
Drawer No : 5
File No : 2947
Section No : 629
Index No : 2-9, 2-10

(*) Note : This paragraph was deleted in the document

DOCUMENT NO: 1937 (133)

STATEMENT OF ALI, SON OF RESIT FROM HOSPIYA, PRISONER OF WAR AT AHILKELEK ON HIS ARRIVAL AFTER BEING EXCHANGED:

COPY

On 2.4.32 (2 April 1918) Armenians raided the Kolaksi Village south of Ahilkelek. They forced out the following persons from their homes and shot them in front of their homes:

Copurzade Karnil, his son, his brother llyas, Ahmet, son of llyas, Gulmehmet, another son of llyas, Ali, son of Yusuf, Iskender, son of Yusuf. Yahya, son of llyas, Hirnmet, son of Yahya, Abbas, son of Kadi, Asker, son of Osman and Dursun from Hasona..

On 11.4.34 (11 April 1918) they took lskender Bey from Tok Village (East of Hortovis) out of the prisbn at Ahilkelek and shot him dead before our very eyes.

Further, they also murdered rnany Moslems from Varadan, Kokiya (near Hortovis) and Tok villages.

I certify my affidavit statement
Ali from Hospiya

Archive No : 1/2
Cabin No : 110
Drawer No : 1
File No : 379
Section No : 1484
Index No : 14-1

DOCUMENT NO: 1939 (135)

THIRD ARMY COMMAND
Section : 1
No: 4/25

Army Headquarters
25.4.34 (25 April 1918)
URGENT

Copies to: Ministry of Interior
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Canonical Affairs

TO THE ACTING SUPREME COMMAND

The Ottoman Army, in its advance operation to liberate and clear from the enemy the invaded lands, and to save the so-known Three-Provinces (Kars, Ardahan, Artvin) from further disintegration and destruction, has opened its protective arms to the population inhabiting these lands irrespective (without any discrimination) of their sex or religion, has taken the laws as the basis of state rule and authority, protected their lives, properties and their dignity, and has devoted all its efforts to secure their loyalty to the Ottoman Government.

Vehib Pasha in 1915. Does he sound like he would have admitted a genocide against Armenians? Yet he is one of Vahakn Dadrian's favorite "genocide witnesses."

Armenian Dashnaks and committees alike have provoked and created confusion among Armenian and Greek inhabitants of the Three- Provinces, forcing them to migrate against their wish to inner regions, it was reliably learnt. Under these circumstances, printed leaflets were immediately distributed, announcing that the Ottoman Army absolutely guarantees the security of the lives, dignity and property of all loyal people irrespective of their, sex, religion etc. assuring them that they will not be harmed, curing the people to be free of the influence of the deceit of some subversive committees and to continue their daily lives and engagements. The positive effects of these calls and assurances were immediately observed, and some of the Armenian families and all of the Greek families gave up migration and stayed in their homes. The number of those who welcome the Ottoman Army and shelter under its protection and affection, is increasing every day.

In this context, some 1500 Armenians who chose to stay in Ardahan, are being treated well; all their needs and welfare have been secured. Some of the Greeks who emigrated before are now returning to their former places. Let me submit to your Supreme authority, the assurance that all loyal people living in the places which, by God's Will we shall takeover, will be treated the same way.

Third Army Commander
Lt. General
Vehib Mehmed

Section : 1-2
25.4.34 (191 8)
STAMP:

Acting Supreme Command
Operations Department

25 April 1334 11918) No: 3322
Submitted to 2nd Section 25.4.34 (1918)

Submitted to Commander
Deputy Chief of Operations
Signature (Hulusi)

Archive No : 1/2
Cabin No : 4
Drawer No : 109
File No : 359
Section No : 1435
Index No : 3-31.3-32

DOCUMENT NO: 1941 (137)

OTTOMAN GOVERNMENT
MINISTRY OF POSTAL, TELEGRAPHIC AND
TELEPHONE SERVICES

Seal and Signature : (unclear)
Received
order No : 102
Intermediary Station : Sivas
Date : 8.5.34 (8 May 1918)
Signature of the Official : Signature
Origin Erzurum
No. : 1681
Words : 100

Transmitted :
No. : 34
Date : 9 May 334 (1918)
Hour-Minute : 8.15
Signature of the Official:

TO MR SEYFI, DIRECTOR, SECOND SECTION, GENERAL HEADQUARTERS

Erzurum is a city of ruins after Armenian cruelties and atrocities. Before their withdrawal, Armenians rounded about 300 Moslem people in a house and burnt the building with people in it, after pouring on gasoline. Among the debris there are pieces of human corpses, skulls and brains. This is not the only building in which Armenians rounded up and burnt people. There are other buildings in which hundreds of Moslems were murdered. The cruelties and atrocities were led by Antranik Pasha and French Colonel Morel. The number of corpses gathered in Erzurum is 4000. Among them are many women and children. Victims of Armenian murderers in llicalar alone are nearly 2000. People were murdered by burning in houses, or taken out for road-building and murdered outside the town. The number of such missing people from Erzurum is 111. These figures do not cover those murdered in villages.

Journalists and reporters visited the scene of the cruelties for half an hour accompanied by the Governor. In two or three days we are returning via Kars-Batum. I have photographed scenes of cruelties, destruction and ruins. Submitted for your information. 8 Dated.

General Headquarters / Second Section
Captain Ahmet Refik
Archive No : 1/2
Cabin No : 110
Drawer No : 5
File No : -
Section No : 1023
Index No : 3-44. 3-45

Holdwater: Col. Morel was a Russian of French origin.

DOCUMENT NO: 1943 (139) 

THIRD ARMY HEADQUARTERS

Date Writen: 14.7.34 (14 July 1918)
To be translated into French. 2889

TO P. DONIKALATOZEV EFFENDI, SPIRITUAL (HOLY) COUNCIL MEMBER OF ARMENIAN CATHOLIC COMMUNITY WITHIN FORMER RUSSIAN EMPIRE

AT HOTEL ORIENTAL IN BATUM

In response to your official Letter No. 1278 dated 2 July 1918:

Thank you very much for the sincere feelings you expressed for my Government.

1. Just as before, it is natural that the Ottoman Government will not hinder the religious affairs of Armenian Catholics on lands joining Ottoman territories.

2. Security of life, dignity and property of all the various elements (communities) living under Ottoman rule is guaranteed, free from any 1 aggression. I don't think the Armenians living in Kocorbulak and Errnanic villages of Burcali district are under any pressure. Nevertheless, I have issued strict orders to all those concerned in this respect.

3. Pending the calming of the indigation which arose from the horrible and deplorable acts committed by Armenians during their withdrawal, it will be an appropriate precaution to postpone (delay) the return of Armenians who emigrated from Ardahan and Ahilkelek to Tiflis and other places.

4 The return of Armenians who emigrated from Kars (all) and Alexandropolis (partly) should also be delayed for the same reasons explained in Para. 3 above. I would also suggest to delay the sending of a religious delegation to Kars and Alexandropolis, for the same reason.

5. Please send me the full address of the wife and children of Oseb Minas Nehabitan, so that I can inquire through the local command and give you concrete information on the matter.

6. 1 have ordered the Military Delegation in Tiflis to issue necessary certificates to Bishop (Father) Antouan Kapuian, to come to Batum for advice to the Armenian Catholic Community.

7. Let me inform you that you can always apply to the Operation Section of the Army any time you wish, to discuss and decide on matters which need to be settled.

Please accept my respects.

Third Army Commander
Lt. General
Signature
(unclear)

12.7.34 (12 July 1918)
Initials (not clear)

Translated. 13 July 334 (1918)
Signature (not clear)
Archive No : 4/6520
CabinNo : 170
Drawer No : 2
File No : 3188
Section No : 50
Index No : 2-41, 2-42, 2-43

DOCUMENT NO: 1945 (141)

OTTOMAN ARMY

ACTING SUPREME COMMAND
Section :
No :

CODED MESSAGE RECEIVED BY THE ACTING SUPREME COMMAND FROM BATUM

A summary of the report by an officer sent by our 9th Army two weeks ago to Erivan to contact the Moslem people there and also as an envoy to Armenians is submitted below:

1. The Moslem population under the jurisdiction of The Armenian Government is under constant threat of murder and plundering. Protests to the Armenian Government are of no use. In fact, the said Government is incapable. The purpose of the Armenians is to annihilate the Moslems.

2. Currently there is an Armenian Army Corps with three divisions in Erivan. The Commanding Officer is General Nazarbekov. The Chief of Staff is General Vickinski and division commanders are General Areshov, General Silidkov and General Agobov respectively. The divisions comprise four regiments each, three regular and one depot regiment. Their total strength is 32,000 enlisted men. Population is also totally armed. A 40 to 50 thousand strong force can be formed from this armed civilian population. Infantry weapons are all Russian rifles.

3. The artillery is organised on a three brigade and six regiment basis. Currently they have 40 artillery guns. Four batteries are field artillery of 7.5 and the rest Russian mountain artillery.

4. The cavalry is organised on a four brigade and eight regiment basis, though currently they have only six regiments. The table of organisation of regiments is 500, however only 250 cavalry are currently in each.

5. The banks of the Erivan river are relatively fortified.

6. Armenian forces in the front and on the border are currently seven infantry and a few cavalry regiments.

7. The morale of the Armenians is very low. Some 13,000 Armenian soldiers are in military uniform while the remainder are militia in their national clothes.

8. Crops of Moslem people in Erivan and its region have been stolen by Armenians. Moslem people starving. The 9th Army notified the Moslem population to migrate to our side as quickly as possible and trains are being dispatched from time to time to pick the people up in parties. 27.7.34 (27 July 1918)

Acting Commander, Eastern Armies Group
Esad

Section : 2/6983
29 July 1334 (1918)
Archive No : 1/2
Cabin No : 113
Drawer No : 4
File No : 527
Section No : 2057
Index No : 8, 8-1