LETTER FROM MEMBERS OF THE CAUCASIAN BUREAU OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE OF THE RCP(B): A. AVANESOV, R. KATANYAN, AND AYKUNI

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LETTER FROM MEMBERS OF THE CAUCASIAN BUREAU OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE OF THE RCP(B): A. AVANESOV, R. KATANYAN, AND AYKUNI TO THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE, AS WELL AS TO V. LENIN AND L. TROTSKY, ON THE POLITICAL NECESSITY OF ESTABLISHING THE KARABAKH-ZANGEZUR SOVIET REPUBLIC WITHIN THE RSFSR AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO INCORPORATION INTO SOVIET AZERBAIJAN OR THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA Early June 1920

To the Central Committee of the Russian Communist Party (Bolsheviks) Copy to Comrade Lenin. Copy to Comrade Trotsky.

The Armenian delegation that has arrived in Moscow is seeking the annexation of Karabakh and Zangezur to Armenia. According to the information available to us, the Armenian delegation is willing, in the worst case, to accept a referendum, based on the assumption that the overwhelming majority of the population—primarily Armenian peasant masses—would prefer a blood-related and faith-aligned Armenia over Muslim Azerbaijan, even if the latter is part of the RSFSR. The ruling Armenian party, the Dashnaks, believe that during the campaign they could exploit the alleged Muslim-oriented policies of Soviet power, and that the Armenian masses, fearing future Armenian-Tatar tensions, would be more inclined to join Armenia than to become part of Azerbaijan.

From our perspective, both politically and strategically, Karabakh and Zangezur must be immediately declared a Soviet Republic within the RSFSR on a federative basis, for the following reasons:

  1. The population of Zangezur and Karabakh, overwhelmingly Armenian, has already exercised self-determination by rising up against Azerbaijan. This uprising was organized and led by communists.
  2. The peasantry of Karabakh has repeatedly resolved at congresses that they do not wish to separate from Russia, nor do they wish to join either Azerbaijan or Armenia.
  3. Despite armed resistance from the peasants of Karabakh and Zangezur against regular forces of the Young Turks, Azerbaijan, and the British—including the expulsion of British Colonel Shuttleworth—Soviet troops, though few in number, were met with enthusiasm in both regions and advanced unhindered through impassable mountains.
  4. The creation of the Karabakh-Zangezur Republic would dispel fears among the local population regarding Muslim Azerbaijan—even if Soviet—and would serve as a strong deterrent to Armenia, should it, under Entente influence, contemplate aggression against Soviet Azerbaijan.
  5. The establishment of the Soviet Karabakh-Zangezur Republic would provide an opportunity, at any appropriate moment, to deploy communist forces into Armenia to establish Soviet rule there.

Signed: A. Avanesov R. Katanyan Aykuni

Sources: RGASPI, f.17, op.84, d.59, pp. 4–5; PAAF IML, f.1022, op.2, d.157, pp. 1–2. Typescript. Published in the collection: Nagorno-Karabakh in 1918–1923, Yerevan, 1992, Document No. 345.

📜 Letter from People’s Commissar for Foreign Affairs of the RSFSR G. Chicherin to Member of the Caucasian Bureau of the Central Committee of the RCP(B) and the Revolutionary Military Council of the Caucasian Front G. Ordzhonikidze

On the necessity of concluding a treaty with Armenia and deploying Soviet troops in disputed territories June 2, 1920

We consider a treaty with Armenia the only means of securing our ability to influence affairs in Asia Minor. The ongoing border clashes between you and Georgia, and between you and Armenia, must be resolved swiftly. The best way to achieve this is by promptly dispatching our joint commission and deploying our units—by agreement with all concerned governments—into the disputed areas that are the source of conflict.

In the broader political interest, we must refrain from any adventurism at this time. Under no circumstances should your units initiate any offensive action. After coordinating with Georgia and Armenia, we will demand that our forces occupy specific disputed territories. This must be done.

The urgent need for a treaty with Armenia compels us to proceed without delay. Awaiting your response. No. 1409/146/Ш

Sources: RGASPI, f. 85, op. 3s, d. 2, p. 1; Copy from RGASA, f. 4, op. 1, d. 158s, p. 232.

📡 Telegram from G. Chicherin to G. Ordzhonikidze

On the growing territorial claims of Soviet Azerbaijan and the need to limit the status of disputed territories to Karabakh and Zangezur June 2, 1920

We must reach a compromise with the Dashnak government. Meanwhile, the Azerbaijani government is declaring not only Karabakh and Zangezur as disputed, but also the Sharur-Daralagez district. The latter has never been considered disputed by anyone—not even the Musavat government, which always recognized it as part of Armenia. Without it, almost nothing remains of Armenia.

The Armenian peace delegation, after prolonged resistance, agreed to recognize Karabakh and Zangezur as disputed territories. I hope that eventually a significant portion… [text unclear] previously part of Armenia… [text unclear] However, they categorically refuse to recognize the Sharur-Daralagez district as disputed.

We must also reach an agreement with the Azerbaijani government to ensure our treaty with Armenia does not contradict Azerbaijan’s claims. Given your considerable influence in Baku, we ask you to use it to persuade the Azerbaijani government to recognize only Karabakh and Zangezur as disputed, excluding Sharur-Daralagez.

At the same time, the insufficiency of our military forces and the emergence of threatening Turkish units near Nakhichevan compel us to abandon any plans to occupy new territories held by the Armenian Republic. Our troops currently occupy Shusha and Jebrail; we have had to abandon plans to take Nakhichevan and Julfa.

Please inform the Azerbaijani government that, due to necessity, we are limited to occupying Shusha and Jebrail and are not in a position to advance further. This has been unequivocally confirmed by the Republic’s Revolutionary Military Council. Kindly notify the Baku government of our current inability to occupy Nakhichevan and Julfa, and explain the objective reasons forcing us to maintain the military status quo.

Sources: RGASPI, f. 85, op. 13, d. 32, pp. 1–2. Manuscript. Original.

📞 From the Transcript of a Direct Line Conversation

Between the Head of the Armenian Mission in Georgia, Comrade Bekzadyan, and Members of the Armenian Delegation in Moscow Regarding the Determination to Defend Armenia’s Independence Alongside Karabakh June 6, 1920

Bekzadyan: In response to your questions:

  1. There are no Azerbaijani or Russian troops on our territory. Karabakh is currently calm, though rumors suggest a possible offensive. A small detachment moved toward Karavansaray but withdrew upon the arrival of our forces. We lodged a protest via radio, with copies sent to Commissar Chicherin and to you. The situation in Karabakh is stable: the Ninth Congress has declared Armenian Karabakh annexed to Armenia.

Vigorously protest Azerbaijan’s intent to occupy Karabakh. Decisive measures must be taken in Azerbaijan to prevent such an offensive. At the end of our conversation, I will transmit the resolution of the Ninth Congress of Karabakh peasants. Emphasize the reactionary nature of Azerbaijan’s desire to seize Karabakh—an act of violence against the will of the working peasantry, who are prepared to fight to the last man.

  1. Strong pressure must be exerted on Azerbaijan to halt its aggression against Armenia. Expose the falsehoods in the telegrams sent from Baku by fleeing Bolsheviks against Armenia. Never before have the Armenian people and government been so closely united in their unwavering resolve to defend an independent Armenia, together with Karabakh and Zangezur.

We await a favorable resolution of negotiations from representatives of Russian democracy, based on recognition of our independence and non-interference in internal affairs.

I now transmit the telegram from the authorized representatives of the Ninth Congress of Karabakh:

“The Ninth Congress of the Working Peasantry of Nagorno-Karabakh, held from April 23 to 29 of this year, resolved:

  1. To consider the temporary agreement concluded on behalf of the Seventh Congress of Karabakh with the Azerbaijani government as violated by the latter, due to the organized attack by Azerbaijani forces on the peaceful Armenian population in Shusha and surrounding villages.
  2. To declare the annexation of Nagorno-Karabakh to the Republic of Armenia as an inseparable part.
  3. To request the delegation of the Republic of Armenia in Moscow to convey this resolution to the Russian Soviet Government.

Authorized by the Ninth Congress: Aslan Shakhnazaryan, Nerses Nasibyan.”

I add personally: according to the meaning of this telegram, further negotiations regarding the fate of Karabakh are entrusted to you as the authorized delegation of Armenia.

Source: Central State Historical Archive of Armenia (CSHA), f. 200, op. 1, d. 581, pp. 78–80. Typescript. Published in Nagorno-Karabakh in 1918–1923, Yerevan, 1992, doc. No. 335.

📝 From the Note of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia to the People’s Commissariat of Foreign Affairs of the RSFSR

On the Advance of Soviet Troops into Karabakh, an Inseparable Part of Armenia June 7, 1920

At the same time, I must point out the inexplicable advance of Soviet troops toward Nagorno-Karabakh, which constitutes an inseparable part of the Republic of Armenia. The government once again urgently requests that you halt this movement, thereby protecting Armenia’s borders and ensuring peace within the country.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia

Source: CSHA, f. 200, op. 1, d. 581, pp. 71–73. Typescript. Published in Nagorno-Karabakh in 1918–1923, Yerevan, 1992, doc. No. 337.

📩 Letter from the Head of the Armenian Delegation Levon Shant to People’s Commissar for Foreign Affairs of the RSFSR G. Chicherin

Accompanying the Telegram from Representatives of the Ninth Congress of Karabakh Peasantry on the Annexation of Nagorno-Karabakh to the Republic of Armenia Moscow, June 7, 1920

To Comrade Chicherin, People’s Commissar for Foreign Affairs,

I have the honor to present the following telegram from the representatives of the Ninth Congress of Karabakh Peasantry, held from May 23 to 29 of this year:

“The Ninth Congress of the Working Peasantry of Nagorno-Karabakh, held from May 23 to 29 of this year, resolved:

  1. To consider the temporary agreement concluded on behalf of the Seventh Congress of Karabakh with the Azerbaijani government as violated, due to the organized attack by Azerbaijani forces on the peaceful Armenian population and its extermination in the city of Shusha.
  2. To declare the annexation of Nagorno-Karabakh to the Republic of Armenia as an inseparable part.
  3. To request the delegation of the Republic of Armenia in Moscow to convey this resolution to the Russian Soviet Government.

Authorized by the Ninth Congress: Aslan Shakh-Nazaryan, Nerses Nasibyan.”

Chairman of the Delegation of the Government of the Republic of Armenia, Levon Shant

Source: Archive of Foreign Policy of the Russian Federation (AVPR), f. 04, op. 51, p. 322, d. 54907, p. 6. Autograph.

📡 Telegram from General Commissioner Melik-Yolchyan

To the Prime Minister of the Government of Armenia On the Withdrawal of Dro’s Detachment from Nagorno-Karabakh and the Escalation of the Situation in Zangezur No. 49 — Gerusy, June 7, 1920

“On June 1, I, Dro, withdrew from Karabakh with my entire detachment and moved into Zangezur.” The reason is mysterious and entirely unclear to us. The situation in Karabakh is uncertain. We have ruined Karabakh with our own hands. This is the collapse of our party. Dro personally handed over authority to the local Bolsheviks.

According to Colonel Mesyan, who has just arrived, there are no Russian Bolsheviks present, and the population is wavering. Dro’s panicked retreat from Karabakh with his detachment has caused a degree of panic in Zangezur. Rumors are spreading that the detachment is also leaving Zangezur. The population is anxious.

[…] To restore order, it is essential to dispatch a strong battalion and a capable, independent commissioner. Under the current circumstances, I am unable to continue working and am departing for Erivan. Dro is acting independently, and the results are negative.

General Commissioner Melik-Yolchyan

Source: Central State Archive of Soviet Armenia (CSASA), f. 195, op. 3, d. 981, p. 3. Certified copy. Typescript. 448

Yuri Barsegov “Nagorno-Karabakh in International Law and Global Politics”

Artatsolum

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