Myasnikyan’s letter of thanks to the US President – The unprecedented step of the head of Soviet Armenia

It is hard to imagine, but the US aid to Western Armenians-refugees and orphans who found shelter in Armenia continued up until 1931 even after the country had lost its independence. And this is a historical fact.

Despite numerous political obstacles, the US humanitarian aid provided to Armenia reached such a scale that the de facto leader of Armenia at the time, the Chairman of the Council of People’s Commissars of the Armenian SSR Alexander Myasnikyan took an unprecedented step.

On May 10, 1922, he sent an “open letter” to the 29th US President Warren Harding, expressing his gratitude for the multi-vector assistance provided to Armenia.

“An open letter to the President of the United States Mr. Warren Harding from the Chairman of the Council of People’s Commissars of the Armenian SSR Alexander Myasnikyan.

On my own behalf and on behalf of the entire Armenian nation, I express my gratitude to you as a representative of the American nation for all the donations that America provided for Armenia.

Tens of thousands of Armenians owe their lives to this assistance received in recent years from America. We will never forget this. I know, Mr. President, that you are with us in your heart and soul. I know that your people wish us well.

We will try to be worthy of your help and good attitude, doing everything possible for this. Thirty thousand Armenian orphans who were sheltered by the Americans will be a constant pledge of a strong friendship. ”

Ruben Shukhyan

In the photo: the cover of the January 1923 number of a journal published by Near East Relief depicting the entrance to an orphanage in Alexandropol (now Gyumri).