Letter from the Acting Governor-General of Karabakh

History

📜 Letter from the Acting Governor-General of Karabakh

To the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Azerbaijan On the Necessity of Retaining His Post Due to the Upcoming “Colossal” Work Regarding the Incorporation of Nagorno-Karabakh, Zangezur, and “Southwestern Azerbaijan” into Azerbaijan, Which Would More Than Double Its Territory September 2, 1919

At present, as the issue of the Zangezur district is about to be resolved—a matter that logically follows the Karabakh question, which has been settled so successfully and peacefully—I find my departure from Karabakh inadmissible and detrimental to the interests of the Republic.

A known modus vivendi has been established with the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh. Being fully informed of the progress of the peace negotiations and familiar with the psychology of both Armenians and Muslims in Karabakh, I believe that I could be more useful than anyone else in pursuing a peaceful resolution to the Zangezur issue.

The importance of Zangezur’s incorporation is so self-evident that it requires no extensive elaboration. I must emphasize that resolving the Zangezur question simultaneously addresses the issue of Southwestern Azerbaijan and ensures peace in Nagorno-Karabakh.

It is undeniable, based on the above, that a matter of such colossal importance to the Republic—concerning a territory that constitutes more than half of Azerbaijan—must be prioritized above all else.

Even assuming the post of Minister of Internal Affairs, to which the Governor-General is subordinate, would negatively impact the final resolution of the Zangezur, Southwestern Azerbaijan, and Nagorno-Karabakh questions.

Therefore, while expressing my deep gratitude to Your Excellency for the high honor of inviting me to serve as a minister in the future cabinet, I hereby declare my firm decision to decline participation in the government, finding my role as Governor-General more beneficial to our Republic at this critical political juncture.

Acting Governor-General of Karabakh, Khosrov Sultanov Source: PA KPA, f. 4033, op. 5, d. 438, l. 20. Typescript. Published in: Nagorno-Karabakh in 1918–1923, Yerevan, 1992, doc. no. 220. (Emphasis added – Yu.B.)

🪖 Letter from the Chief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijani Army

To Khosrov Sultanov Regarding the Organization of Kurdish Military Units Modeled on Turkish Irregular “Hamidiye” Bands to Retain Control Over Karabakh In Light of Potential Armenian Support from Denikin’s Volunteer Army Secret – Baku, September 7, 1919

The peaceful resolution of the Karabakh question suggests that the incorporation of the Zangezur district may occur without armed conflict, as its Armenian population—following the defeat in Nakhichevan—finds itself caught between two fires and is unlikely to resist, lacking its former rear support.

Nevertheless, maintaining stability in Karabakh has been and will remain our constant concern, especially in the face of potential clashes with the Volunteer Army and its natural and enduring ally, Armenia.

Under current conditions, Armenia poses no immediate threat. However, such a favorable situation cannot last indefinitely, and we must prepare for the worst.

The Armenians cannot reconcile themselves to the permanent loss of Karabakh and will undoubtedly seek every opportunity to reclaim it.

This will require us, upon mobilization, to station garrisons in Khankendi and, in the future, in Gerusy to monitor Armenian activities.

Thus, Karabakh may draw significant forces away from our already limited regular army. However, there is a way not only to avoid weakening our field forces for Karabakh’s defense but to deploy additional manpower to the front from within Karabakh itself, while maintaining sufficient garrisons to uphold order in the Governor-General’s jurisdiction.

To this end, we must utilize the available combat potential of the Kurds by organizing cavalry and infantry units modeled on the “Hamidiye” regiments, whose effectiveness was proven by the Turks during the recent war.

All participants in the war unanimously attest to the valor of Kurdish regiments in battles across the Anatolian, Persian, and Mesopotamian theaters.

To establish Kurdish units in peacetime, it is proposed to form a Kurdish cavalry regiment and a rifle battalion, which would expand to four battalions during wartime. Kurds of conscription age would serve in these units, and upon mobilization, new formations (second- and third-tier regiments and battalions) would be created—some deployed to the front, others remaining in Karabakh garrisons.

For a detailed plan of Kurdish unit organization, it is necessary to determine the number of foot and mounted fighters the Kurds can provide, aged 20–40.

In reporting this, I respectfully request Your Excellency’s opinion on the matter and the requested figures.

Lieutenant General Sulkevich Quartermaster General Colonel Kargareteli, General Staff Source: CGIA of Armenia, f. 276, op. 1, d. 131, l. 41 and verso. Certified copy. Typescript. Published in: Bulletin of Social Sciences, Academy of Sciences of the Armenian SSR, 1989, no. 9, doc. no. 14, p. 82. (Emphasis added – Yu.B.)

📡 Telegram from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia

To Its Representative in Tiflis Regarding the Duplicity of British Military Policy in the South Caucasus Concerning Karabakh and the Position of War Minister Winston Churchill Secret – Erivan, September 16, 1919

Reports from our delegation in Paris reveal that the British, throughout their presence in the Caucasus, have not acted sincerely toward us and have consistently pursued a pro-Muslim policy. It has become clear that:

  1. In matters concerning Karabakh and adjacent regions, General Thomson, his staff, and successors acted not on their own initiative, but with the knowledge and approval of the Foreign Office and the War Office.
  2. The reports of Thomson and other generals (even Beach, who is considered an Armenophile by us), particularly on Karabakh and other issues affecting us, were consistently drafted to our detriment.*
  3. Britain, both in the Caucasus and elsewhere, conducts a covert pro-Muslim policy.
  4. British decisions regarding Karabakh reflect a persistent effort to transfer this Armenian-populated region to Azerbaijan.

In connection with the Karabakh issue, Mr. M. Varandian from our delegation traveled to London and, through our friend, Member of Parliament Mr. Williams, informed Mr. Churchill (War Minister) of the situation in Karabakh and the incorporation of this Armenian-inhabited area into Turkic Azerbaijan. In response, Churchill’s secretary sent the following reply:

“Dear Williams, In response to your letter of June 23 concerning the situation in Karabakh, which was taken from the Armenians and annexed to the Azerbaijani Tatars, Mr. Churchill conducted a detailed and thorough review and asked me to inform you that this claim is unfounded and constitutes a gross inaccuracy. (??)** Yours and so forth…”

This document, which entirely contradicts reality, is but a small example of British policy.

We bring all this to your attention. The Ministry will continue to inform you of British policy based on the documents in our possession.

Secretary for General Affairs: A. Ter-Akopian Head of Chancellery: Madatyan Source: CGIA of Armenia, f. 276, op. 1, d. 101, l. 80. Original manuscript. Translated from Armenian. Published in: Nagorno-Karabakh in 1918–1923, Yerevan, 1992, doc. no. 222. (Emphasis added – Yu.B.) \* Underlined in the original. \\ Question marks appear in the original.

🕊️ Report from the Diplomatic Representative of Armenia in Azerbaijan

To the Prime Minister with a Proposal to Resolve Territorial Disputes Through an Armenian-Azerbaijani Conference or Submission to Arbitration Baku, October 15, 1919

I held an extended conversation with Usubbekov, Jafarov, and Melik-Aslanov. I proposed resolving the existing dispute between us through a conference, and in case of disagreement, to submit the matter to arbitration.

During the discussion, the irreconcilability of our positions became evident regarding Karabakh, Zangezur, and Sharur-Nakhichevan. They consider these issues non-negotiable, though they are willing to discuss border adjustments in Daralagiaz, Kazakh, and Geokcha.

My proposal to maintain the current status in the disputed regions was rejected. Despite the disagreements, I consider a conference essential—even if only under the condition that disputes be submitted to arbitration—with the aim of preventing further clashes.

To this end, I submitted a written proposal, having first obtained their preliminary consent. I propose Baku as the location for the conference. I believe there is no reason to object. Each side would be represented by three delegates. I await your urgent instructions.

Diplomatic Representative of Armenia: Bekzadyan Source: CGIA of Armenia, f. 200, op. 1, d. 352, l. 5. Original typescript. Published in: Nagorno-Karabakh in 1918–1923, Yerevan, 1992, doc. no. 229. (Emphasis added – Yu.B.)

🤝 Agreement Between Armenia and Azerbaijan

On the Peaceful Settlement of Territorial Disputes Tiflis, November 23, 1919

This agreement was concluded in the city of Tiflis on November 23, 1919, between Prime Minister Alexander Khatisov, representing the Government of Armenia, and Prime Minister Nasib Usubbekov, representing the Government of Azerbaijan, as follows:

  1. The Governments of Armenia and Azerbaijan undertake to cease all ongoing hostilities and refrain from any further use of armed force.
  2. The Governments of Armenia and Azerbaijan agree to take effective measures to repair and reopen the roads leading to Zangezur for peaceful commercial exchange.
  3. The Governments of Armenia and Azerbaijan commit to resolving all disputed issues, including border questions, through peaceful negotiations, until such matters are addressed by the conference mentioned in the following paragraph. Should peaceful resolution prove impossible, both parties agree to appoint a neutral third party as arbitrator, whose decisions shall be binding. At present, the designated neutral party is Colonel James Ray of the United States Army.
  4. The Governments of Armenia and Azerbaijan shall immediately appoint an equal number of delegates to convene at a conference in Baku on Wednesday, November 26. The opening of the conference shall be postponed to December 4 in Tiflis, where its sessions will continue unless both parties agree to relocate to another venue. The purpose of the conference shall be to discuss all matters causing disputes and tensions between the two governments, and it shall have the authority to resolve such issues either through agreement or arbitration.
  5. This agreement enters into force on the day of its signing and becomes permanent upon ratification by the parliaments of both governments. The Prime Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan hereby pledge, each on behalf of their respective government, to uphold and implement all provisions of the above-stated agreement. In witness thereof, they affix their signatures to this document, drawn up in three copies—in English and Russian—in Tiflis, on this twenty-third day of November, 1919. One copy shall be sent to the representative of the Allied High Commissioner, one to the Prime Minister of Armenia, and one to the Prime Minister of Azerbaijan.

Alexander Khatisov Prime Minister of Armenia

Nasib Usubbekov Prime Minister of Azerbaijan

Signed in the presence of: James Ray – Colonel, United States Army, Acting Allied High Commissioner Evgeni Gegechkori – Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Acting President

Source: CGIA of Armenia, f. 200, op. 1, d. 282, pp. 35–36. Certified copy, typescript. Published in: Nagorno-Karabakh in 1918–1923, Yerevan, 1992, doc. no. 235. (Emphasis added – Yu.B.)

📝 Petition from the Representative of the Gyulistan District of Karabakh

To the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Armenia Regarding Assistance in the Incorporation of the District into Nagorno-Karabakh Tiflis, November 25, 1919

The Gyulistan District, comprising thirteen Armenian villages—namely: Gyulistan, Upper Agdjakend, Lower Agdjakend, Karachinar, Kharkhaput, Engikend, Gabrkend, Paris, Erketch, Buzlukh, Manashid, Armavir, and Karabulag—is situated at the foot of Mount Mrov-Dag and is naturally bounded by the Indji (Incha-Chay) River to the east and the Kyurakchay (Chaykend) River to the west. Historically, it has always formed part of Karabakh, within the Jevanshir uezd and the Chrabert sector.

In earlier times, even under the harshest days of Turkish domination, Karabakh defended its autonomy and preserved its freedom, as exemplified during the era of the Meliks of Khamsa. When history turned and Karabakh came under Russian rule, the establishment of the Elizavetpol Governorate in 1868 led to administrative restructuring, whereby the Gyulistan District was detached from Karabakh and annexed to the Elizavetpol uezd for administrative convenience. Spiritually, however, Gyulistan remained under the jurisdiction of the Armenian Diocesan Consistory of Karabakh, within Chrabert, until the last three to four years.

Following the Great Russian Revolution, which proclaimed the right of self-determination for all peoples of Russia, each nation began to develop and return to its cultural roots. Karabakh likewise asserted this right, choosing Shushi—not Ganja—as its center. At the Fifth Armenian Congress of Karabakh, in which representatives of Gyulistan also participated, Karabakh received the endorsement of British Commander General Shuttleworth, who marked both Karabakh and the Gyulistan District on the map. Since March 1919, the district has been effectively administered by the Armenian authorities of Karabakh.

In the summer of 1919, bloody clashes erupted between the Azerbaijani government and the Armenians of Karabakh over control of the region. These hostilities were halted by a peace agreement in August, pending resolution of the Karabakh question at the Paris Peace Conference. In the agreement, the boundaries of Karabakh were defined using both Russian terms—“mountainous parts of the Shusha, Jebrail, and Jevanshir uezds inhabited by Armenians”—and Armenian terms: “Varanda, Khachen, Tizak, and Chrabert.” The name Chrabert implicitly includes the Gyulistan District, which is historically and ethnographically inseparable from it; without Gyulistan, Chrabert loses its integrity.

This was affirmed by representatives of the Seventh Armenian Congress of Karabakh during the peace negotiations with Governor-General Sultanov, who categorically promised to consult with the Governor of Ganja regarding the district’s incorporation into Karabakh. Following the agreement, administrative structures were jointly established for Varanda, Khachen, Tizak, and Chrabert, including a deputy for the Jevanshir uezd chief and two bailiffs—one specifically assigned to Gyulistan. These positions were filled by individuals elected at the Jevanshir Armenian Congress on September 28, 1919, and they continue to serve in their roles.

In mid-September, the Ganja uezd chief, Baghram-bek, arrived in the village of Chaykend and summoned several local officials from Gyulistan, demanding that the district submit to his authority and disarm its population. These officials promptly reported the incident to the Shushi National Council and other authorities, who telegraphed the appropriate offices to halt the unauthorized actions of the uezd chief, citing the district’s subordination to Karabakh and the peace agreement’s provision that Karabakh’s population was not subject to disarmament. This intervention had an effect, and the uezd chief reportedly faced consequences for his misconduct.

Due to delays in the formal incorporation of Gyulistan into Karabakh, the district resolved on September 10 to draft communal declarations from each of its thirteen villages affirming their unwavering decision to join Karabakh. These declarations were submitted on October 1 to the Armenian National Council of Karabakh and to Deputy Governor-General Kalantarov, with a request to support the petition and expedite the district’s incorporation.

The district also appealed to members of the Special Council under the Governor-General, who attended the joint congress of Jevanshir uezd residents on October 29, 1919. Additionally, written appeals were sent to the Armenian National Council of Ganja, requesting their support and assistance in securing the Ganja governor’s consent for the incorporation. All institutions and officials approached solemnly pledged to assist in fulfilling the district’s long-held aspiration.

In response to the Armenian National Council of Ganja’s request, Azerbaijani Prime Minister Usubbekov, during his visit to Ganja, stated that the issue of Gyulistan’s incorporation into Karabakh would be resolved in parliament and promised to support a favorable outcome for the district.

Subsequently, a representative of the Mikhailovsky Society, dispatched by the Ganja uezd chief, arrived in the district and presented two communications at a regional assembly on November 12: (1) a letter from the Karabakh Governor-General dated October 21 to the Ganja governor, recommending that the Jevanshir uezd chief refrain from interfering in Gyulistan’s affairs; and (2) a letter from the Ganja governor dated November 1 instructing the uezd chief to assume jurisdiction over Gyulistan.

This directive from the Azerbaijani administration came as a surprise to the Gyulistan District. After thorough deliberation, the district submitted a written account of the situation, requesting the Ganja governor to grant a brief extension for final clarification of the matter.

In response, the Ganja uezd chief, acting on the governor’s orders, arrived with a large contingent in the neighboring Tatar village of Mollavalatly on November 18 and summoned six representatives from each village in the district, along with their elders, demanding that the district submit to the administration of the Ganja uezd.

Given these developments, the measures taken by the Ganja administration to annex the district are bound to provoke misunderstandings with potentially tragic consequences. Therefore, I have the honor to respectfully request Your Excellency to participate in the lawful resolution of Gyulistan’s just claim for formal incorporation into Karabakh, thereby preventing inevitable misfortunes and loss of life.

I kindly ask to be informed of any further developments through the Armenian Diplomatic Mission in Georgia.

District Delegate: Levon Ter-Minasyan Source: CGIA of Armenia, f. 200, op. 1, d. 50, pp. 321–322 verso. Original typescript. Published in: Nagorno-Karabakh in 1918–1923, Yerevan, 1992, doc. no. 238. (Emphasis added – Yu.B.)

📡 Telegram from the People’s Commissar for Foreign Affairs of the RSFSR

G. Chicherin to Deputy Chairman of the Revolutionary Military Council of the RSFSR, Sklyansky On the Occupation of Disputed Territories Between Armenia and Azerbaijan by Red Army Troops January 8, 1920

As we begin negotiations with Armenia, we intend to demand that our units occupy the disputed territories between Armenia and Azerbaijan. However, if our forces are redeployed, we cannot make such a demand. It is therefore necessary to receive information from you.

People’s Commissariat for Foreign Affairs – G. Chicherin Source: AVPRF, f. 04, op. 51, p. 321a, d. 54872, l. 28.

🕊️ Letter from the Prime Minister of Armenia

To the United States High Commissioner in Armenia On Relations with Azerbaijan Regarding the Karabakh and Zangezur Questions Tiflis, January 21, 1920

The Government of Armenia and its representatives have repeatedly submitted detailed reports to the Peace Conference and to representatives of the Allied Powers concerning Karabakh and Zangezur. These reports outlined ethnographic, geographic, historical, and strategic considerations that justify Armenia’s claim to these regions as integral parts of its territory. I find it unnecessary to burden you by reiterating these arguments.

The Armenian Government, fully confident in the legitimacy of its territorial claims, expects the border issue to be resolved at the Paris Peace Conference. Since the arrival of Allied representatives in the Caucasus, Armenia has consistently sought to avoid border conflicts with Azerbaijan, deferring resolution to the Allied authorities.

Despite this, the Azerbaijani Government has made every effort to assert control over Karabakh and Zangezur. The Armenian population of these regions, through numerous assemblies, has declared its refusal to recognize Azerbaijani authority and its decision to unite with Armenia.

Initially, the British High Command, represented by General Thomson, for reasons unclear to us, expressed the view that Karabakh and Zangezur belonged to Azerbaijan. However, after gaining a clearer understanding of the situation, the command revised its position regarding Zangezur. In a letter dated May 14, 1919, General Shuttleworth stated to the Armenian National Council that administration in Zangezur should be under Armenian authority.

This position was reaffirmed in a letter from the British High Commissioner, General Cory, dated May 31, 1919 (No. 13112), addressed to the Prime Minister of Armenia. In paragraph 3, Cory writes:

“I spoke with Prince Argutinsky, who is returning to present a report to you. I informed him that I am traveling to Baku to speak with the Azerbaijani Government about limiting its activities in disputed districts and to notify them of the restriction on extending their authority in Zangezur at this time.”

In a subsequent letter dated June 19, 1919, General Cory reiterated this stance:

“Due to the actions of the Armenian population in Karabakh, the senior British officer in the Eastern Caucasus visited the region twice. The Azerbaijani Government was informed that it is not the time to extend its authority over the purely Armenian part of Zangezur, although they were supported in consolidating control over the territory where Shusha is the natural center.”

Despite this clearly stated position by the Allies, the Azerbaijani Government continued to claim Zangezur as part of its territory. Governor-General Sultanov, appointed by Azerbaijan, has made persistent efforts to bring Zangezur under Azerbaijani control. The population of Zangezur has repeatedly protested through public meetings and submitted their resolutions to Allied representatives, but to no avail.

By late September, Azerbaijan was preparing to seize Zangezur by force. It began deploying troops to the region, organizing Kurdish bands, and arming the local Muslim population.

The Armenian Government formally raised this issue with Mr. Ahverdov, the Azerbaijani representative in Erivan, requesting that preparations be halted. Azerbaijan responded with a note dated October 20, declaring Zangezur an inseparable part of Azerbaijan and rejecting Armenia’s intervention as unacceptable.

Armenia replied promptly with a note dated November 4, stating that the key issue was not territorial annexation but the establishment of a modus vivendi in various regions to prevent bloodshed. The Armenian Government expressed its willingness to jointly discuss all contentious issues and seek mutually acceptable solutions.

Despite this exchange of notes and Armenia’s efforts to resolve the matter through dialogue, by late October Azerbaijan issued an ultimatum to the population of Zangezur demanding full submission, followed by armed attacks on its villages. The well-armed local population resisted and repelled the attackers.

At this point, the conflict drew the attention of Mr. Gegechkori (Prime Minister of Georgia), Colonel Ray (Deputy Allied High Commissioner), and Sir Oliver Wardrop (British High Commissioner). As a result, Armenian Prime Minister Khatisian and Azerbaijani Prime Minister Usubbekov met in Tiflis and held two consultations in the presence of General Ray on November 20 and 21.

During the November 20 meeting, Colonel Ray addressed both prime ministers, stating:

“As I understand it, Zangezur should be under Armenian control and administered by the Armenian National Council, in accordance with Britain’s decision.” (See meeting protocol.)

Consequently, at the November 23, 1919 conference, the prime ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan, in the presence of Colonel Ray (Deputy Allied High Commissioner) and Georgian Foreign Minister Gegechkori, reached an agreement. According to Paragraph 1, both governments pledged to “cease hostilities and refrain from further use of arms,” and in Paragraph 3, to “resolve all disputes, including border issues, through peaceful negotiations. If this proves impossible, a neutral party shall be appointed as arbitrator, whose decisions both sides agree to accept.” At present, the designated neutral party is General James Ray of the United States Army.

Prime Minister of Armenia: Alexander Khatisian Source: CGIA of Armenia, f. 200, op. 1, d. 475, pp. 7–8. Certified copy, typescript. Translated from English. Published in: Nagorno-Karabakh in 1918–1923, Yerevan, 1992, doc. no. 239. (Emphasis added – Yu.B.) 365

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

Artatsolum

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