OVERVIEW OF THE SITUATION IN THE CAUCASUS

History

Compiled by the 2nd Bureau of the General Staff of France Based on reports from the Military Mission to the Caucasus headed by Colonel Chardigny and other documents January 22, 1920

From the Memorandum on Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan’s policy is characterized by:

  1. The idea of independence from Russia—both the restored imperial regime and the Bolshevik government.
  • Document dated November 4, 1919 is missing from the file. ** See document dated November 23, 1919.
  1. To this end, assistance is provided to the Mountain Republic.
  2. An alliance with Turkey via Karabakh and Zangezur, i.e., the annexation of a corridor along the middle course of the Araks River up to Julfa and the Nakhichevan region—at Armenia’s expense. Source: Svobodnaya Mysl, 1991, No. 16 (1386). (Emphasis added – Y.B.)

No. 366

REPORT FROM THE DIPLOMATIC REPRESENTATIVE OF ARMENIA IN AZERBAIJAN TO THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC REGARDING AZERBAIJAN’S DECISION TO DEPLOY TROOPS TO KARABAKH AND ZANGEZUR No. 84 Baku, January 22, 1920

Today, Sultanov departed urgently for Karabakh on a special assignment. Reliable sources confirm that he is heading to Varanda and Zangelan with the intent to deploy troops there under the pretext of preventing an alleged threat from Zangezur. He has expressed his aggressive intentions toward Zangezur quite openly.

Signed: Diplomatic Representative of Armenia, Arakelyan Central State Historical Archive of Armenia, Fund 200, Inventory 1, File 475, Sheet 34. Original. Typescript. Published in: Nagorno-Karabakh in 1918–1923, Yerevan, 1992, Document No. 240.

No. 367

INFORMATION ON THE POSITION OF THE PRIME MINISTER OF ARMENIA REGARDING KARABAKH AND OTHER UNDISPUTED ARMENIAN TERRITORIES AND HIS EXPLANATION TO THE BRITISH HIGH COMMISSIONER ON THIS MATTER Top Secret January 30, 1920

At noon on January 30, an extraordinary session of the Council of Ministers was held in the presence of the British High Commissioner, Mr. Wardrop. The Prime Minister outlined the issues currently of greatest concern to the government. In principle, the government adheres to a policy of peaceful resolution of disputes and peaceful coexistence with Muslims. However, it cannot allow Azerbaijan to exploit Armenia’s peaceful intentions to quietly expand its territory at the expense of unquestionably Armenian regions—Karabakh, Zangezur, and others.

<…>

In response to all questions posed by Mr. Wardrop, the following answers were given:

  1. Wardrop had no intention of offending the Armenian government. He merely wished to open a new chapter in Armenian-Azerbaijani relations and hoped that all past grievances and conflicts would be forgotten. The atmosphere in Baku is currently favorable for this. The declaration of Azerbaijan’s independence has had a positive effect on the government, which has become less aggressive.

Almost all political parties had previously flirted with both the Bolsheviks and the Turks, but since January 13, the mood has shifted. There is now a desire to rely on themselves and build their own state. There is growing discomfort with the Turks, who are showing a tendency to seize power—something that does not sit well with Azerbaijani leaders. Everyone understands that Turkey is no longer a viable force and that only the West can “carry them through”*. Wardrop is confident that Azerbaijan will resist the Bolsheviks and that all parties will act in the interests of the Entente. Representatives of all parties expressed this directly to Wardrop at a banquet held in his honor. He spoke quite firmly with Azerbaijan and believes they will restrain their irresponsible elements.

<…>

Central State Historical Archive of Armenia, Fund 200, Inventory 1, File 464, Sheets 30–33. Copy. Typescript. Published in: Nagorno-Karabakh in 1918–1923, Yerevan, 1992, Document No. 245. (Emphasis added – Y.B.)

  • As in the original text. Meaning: “save.”
  • TELEGRAM FROM THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF ARMENIA TO THE DIPLOMATIC REPRESENTATIVE IN GEORGIA REGARDING AZERBAIJAN’S AGGRESSIVE INTENTIONS TOWARD KARABAKH AND ZANGEZUR January 31, 1920
  • Rumors concerning events in Zangezur are proving true, although we lack detailed official information. Azerbaijan indeed harbors aggressive intentions toward Karabakh and Zangezur. Detailed reports will be received from Baku by post.
  • Secretary General Ter-Akopian Central State Historical Archive of Armenia, Fund 276, Inventory 1, File 211, Sheet 28. Copy. Typescript. Published in: Nagorno-Karabakh in 1918–1923, Yerevan, 1992, Document No. 246.
  • No. 369
  • FROM THE REPORT OF THE MINISTRY OF WAR TO THE GOVERNMENT OF ARMENIA ON THE UNACCEPTABILITY OF INCLUDING KARABAKH IN AZERBAIJAN DURING TERRITORIAL DEMARCATION February 12 – March 19, 1920
  • …* Armenia likewise insists on the inclusion of the southwestern half of the Elizavetpol Governorate—Karabakh—within its borders. This province is historically Armenian, having played a vital role in Armenia’s political and cultural history, with countless monuments of Armenian heritage and not a single Tatar one. This region is more Armenian than any other part of Armenia, having never submitted to foreign rule and always governed by its own national princes. The Armenian population numbers 350,000—approximately 70%.
  • Karabakh bears no relation to Azerbaijan, except for the fact that Tatars, practicing a primitive and declining nomadic form of livestock herding, drive their herds from the lowlands to the summer pastures of Nagorno-Karabakh. Azerbaijan’s desire to seize Karabakh stems from fears that Armenians will deny access to these pastures or cut off the water that irrigates the lowland fields.
  • <…>
  • The Armenian government and population cannot accept that free Karabakh—never subjected to foreign domination, never allowing Turkish forces entry during the current war, and historically a fortress and final refuge of Armenian national identity, from which national movements have always emerged—should be excluded from independent Armenia. To surrender it to the rule of Turkic-Muslim Azerbaijan and deprive it of freedom on its native soil merely to secure pastureland for Tatar livestock is unacceptable.
  • Central State Historical Archive of Armenia, Fund 200, Inventory 1, File 557, Sheet 305 verso. Copy. Typescript. Published in: Nagorno-Karabakh in 1918–1923, Yerevan, 1992, Document No. 249. (Emphasis added – Y.B.)
  • Sections unrelated to the theme of the collection have been omitted.
  • No. 370
  • TELEGRAM FROM THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF ARMENIA TO THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF AZERBAIJAN REGARDING THE IMPENDING INVASION OF KARABAKH BY AZERBAIJANI TROOPS IN VIOLATION OF AGREEMENTS No. 1029 February 20, 1920
  • According to official information received by the Armenian government, large Azerbaijani military forces are concentrating in Shusha and Karabakh under the command of Turkish and Azerbaijani generals. Their objective is the subjugation of Karabakh, in violation of the agreement with the Armenian Karabakh National Council, and the occupation of Zangezur, contrary to the agreement of November 23. Some columns have already begun their advance.
  • Such actions clearly and unequivocally violate all agreements and risk provoking new bloodshed. Firmly committed to the principles of peace and the agreements in place, I, on behalf of the Armenian government, urge the Azerbaijani government to take immediate steps to halt the planned offensive and to reaffirm its commitment to uphold the November 23 agreement and the spirit of good neighborly relations, which you have repeatedly emphasized and welcomed. A prompt response is expected.
  • Central State Historical Archive of Armenia, Fund 200, Inventory 1, File 475, Sheet 64. Copy. Typescript. Published in: Nagorno-Karabakh in 1918–1923, Yerevan, 1992, Document No. 251. (Emphasis added – Y.B.)

TELEGRAM FROM THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF ARMENIA TO THE CONSUL GENERAL OF THE REPUBLIC IN BATUMI REGARDING AZERBAIJAN’S IMPENDING ATTACK ON ZANGEZUR AND KARABAKH WITH TURKISH INVOLVEMENT No. 1046 February 20, 1920

Today, the government received an official report from Goris regarding Azerbaijan’s preparations to seize Zangezur by force. Nuri Pasha has arrived in Shusha with Turkish officers, and General Novruzov has brought a detachment numbering in the thousands. In the coming days, Azerbaijan intends to launch a large-scale offensive in multiple directions, aiming to fully disarm and subjugate Karabakh and occupy Zangezur.

This news has caused widespread alarm across all strata of Armenian society. A note of protest has been sent to Baku, and corresponding protests and communications have been dispatched to Allied representatives in Tiflis. This is reported for your information. Please briefly telegraph Aharonian in Paris.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Central State Historical Archive of Armenia, Fund 200, Inventory 1, File 249, Sheet [missing]. Copy. Typescript. Published in: Nagorno-Karabakh in 1918–1923, Yerevan, 1992, Document No. 250. (Emphasis added – Y.B.)

No. 372

TELEGRAM FROM THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF ARMENIA TO THE REPRESENTATIVE IN TEHRAN REGARDING MEASURES AGAINST AZERBAIJAN’S PLANNED DISARMAMENT OF KARABAKH No. 1049 February 20, 1920

The government has received intelligence that Azerbaijan, under the leadership of Turkish generals, is preparing to disarm Karabakh and occupy Zangezur, intending to launch attacks in several directions. All necessary steps have been taken. You are requested to do the same. Telegraph Aharonian.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Central State Historical Archive of Armenia, Fund 200, Inventory 1, File 271, Sheet 107. Copy. Typescript. Published in: Nagorno-Karabakh in 1918–1923, Yerevan, 1992, Document No. 252. (Emphasis added – Y.B.)

No. 373

REPORT FROM THE DIPLOMATIC REPRESENTATIVE OF ARMENIA IN GEORGIA TO THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS REGARDING A STATEMENT BY THE HEAD OF THE FRENCH MILITARY MISSION ON PLANNED MILITARY ACTIONS BY TURKS AND AZERBAIJANIS AGAINST THE ARMENIANS OF KARABAKH February 25, 1920

…The Armenian diplomatic representative in Tiflis telegraphed: “Puadebar (head of the French military mission) requests that you be informed:

  1. It is not Nuri but Khalil who is in Shusha.
  2. Only bands, not regular troops, will participate in the fighting.
  3. Strict orders have been given to wait for the Armenians to make the first move, in order to shift responsibility.
  4. The Tatars are acting with great caution and skill to win over foreign missions…”

Central State Historical Archive of Armenia, Fund 200, Inventory 1, File 427, Sheet 93. Copy. Typescript. Published in: Nagorno-Karabakh in 1918–1923, Yerevan, 1992, Document No. 254.

No. 374

LETTER FROM THE DELEGATION OF THE AZERBAIJANI REPUBLIC TO THE MEMBER STATES OF THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS ACKNOWLEDGING TERRITORIAL DISPUTES WITH NEIGHBORING STATES AND EXPRESSING WILLINGNESS TO RESOLVE THEM PEACEFULLY WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF THIS INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION Geneva, February 27, 1920

To the Chairman of the Delegation (Chile) at the First Assembly of the League of Nations

Mr. Chairman,

I have the honor, on behalf of the Delegation of the Azerbaijani Republic, of which I am the Chairman, to submit to you materials concerning the Azerbaijani Republic and, in particular, its admission to the League of Nations.

The Azerbaijani Delegation wishes to draw your attention to the fact that its desire to be admitted to the League of Nations was expressed in its first Memorandum addressed to the Paris Peace Conference… In that Memorandum, the Delegation reported its démarches aimed at securing “the admission of the Azerbaijani Republic to the League of Nations, under whose high protection the Republic wishes to live.”

On pages 43–44 of the Memorandum, the Delegation expressed its hope that such a morally upright and just international organization as the League of Nations would help realize the long-standing dream of the peoples of the Transcaucasus to form a Confederation of republics in the region, and that the League would render a decisive judgment on their territorial disputes should they remain unresolved by the parties themselves.

With this understanding of the League’s great role and importance, the Delegation of the Azerbaijani Republic has arrived at the First General Assembly of the League with the hope that it will honor Azerbaijan by admitting it into its ranks.

A.M. Topchibashov Chairman of the Azerbaijani Republic at the Peace Conference Seal League of Nations. Registry. Section N 28. Document N 9726. Dossier N 8466. (Emphasis added – Y.B.)

APPEAL FROM BALAYAN, CHAIRMAN OF THE KARABAKH ASSOCIATION IN ERIVAN TO THE PRIME MINISTER OF THE GOVERNMENT OF ARMENIA REQUESTING DECISIVE MEASURES TO HALT THE AGGRESSIVE PLANS OF THE AZERBAIJANI GOVERNMENT AND TURKISH EMISSARIES IN ZANGEZUR AND KARABAKH Tiflis, March 5, 1920

According to thoroughly verified information, the Azerbaijani government has instructed Governor Sultanov and Turkish General Khalil Pasha to launch a new campaign against Zangezur and to disarm Karabakh. To this end, large bands of Tatars and Kurds have been mobilized, and a massive massacre of Armenians is being prepared, with its epicenter in Khankendi and Agdam. Travelers are being murdered along the roads, women are being assaulted, and livestock is being seized. An economic boycott has been declared against the Armenians of Karabakh.

Sultanov is demanding the deployment of garrisons into the heart of Armenian Karabakh—Varanda and Chrabert—thus violating the agreement reached at the Seventh Congress. Before the very eyes of the Entente’s High Commissioners, the destruction of the last intact corner of Armenia is being prepared.

We urgently appeal to the government, parliament, and public circles to take immediate and resolute action before the Entente and neighboring republics to halt the bloody and aggressive designs of Turkish emissaries and the chauvinistic factions within Azerbaijan.

Central State Historical Archive of Armenia, Fund 200, Inventory 1, File 531, Sheet 5. Certified copy. Typescript. Published in: Nagorno-Karabakh in 1918–1923, Yerevan, 1992, Document No. 256. (Emphasis added – Y.B.)

No. 376

RESOLUTION OF THE EIGHTH CONGRESS OF THE ARMENIANS OF KARABAKH AND MEMORANDUM TO THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ALLIED POWERS REGARDING AZERBAIJAN’S VIOLATIONS OF THE TEMPORARY AGREEMENT CONCLUDED WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE SEVENTH CONGRESS OF THE ARMENIANS OF KARABAKH Shosh, March 6, 1920

On August 15, 1919, all representatives of the Armenian people of Karabakh, having thoroughly examined the political situation at their Seventh Congress, affirmed the legal principle that the final determination of disputed territories must be resolved by the international conference. Therefore, to prevent unnecessary bloodshed and preserve the possibility of peaceful coexistence with neighboring peoples, it was deemed necessary to establish a framework for peaceful and harmonious relations between the two nations.

Based on this, the Seventh Congress of the Armenians of Karabakh reached a mutual understanding with representatives of the Azerbaijani government and formulated a temporary agreement, or status, consisting of 26 articles. The Armenian representatives hoped that this agreement would enable both peoples to live in peace and mutual respect, and that the government would demonstrate impartial and equal treatment toward both communities while maintaining order.

<…>

The Eighth Congress of the Armenians of Karabakh, having reviewed the current political situation and the aforementioned developments, adopted the following resolution:

Resolution of the Eighth Congress of Karabakh

on the Political Situation

The Eighth Congress of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh, composed of 96 delegates from the districts of Gyulistan, Jevanshir, Khachen, Varanda, and Dizak, convened in the village of Shosh from February 28 to March 4, 1920. After a thorough and comprehensive review of the current political situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, the Congress declares that since the Seventh Congress (August 22, 1919), the Azerbaijani government has systematically violated the key provisions of the temporary agreement. In accordance with the mandate granted by the people to their elected deputies, the Congress resolves:

  1. The Azerbaijani government has systematically violated the principal provisions of the temporary agreement.
  2. On February 22, 1920, in Khankendi, Askeran, and along the Shusha–Yevlakh road, several hundred Armenians were killed by government troops and their agents with clear intent. Homes were looted and property belonging to the Armenians of Khankendi was stolen.
  3. The Eighth Congress, remaining faithful to the decisions of the Second Congress and the mutually signed temporary agreement, demands that the Azerbaijani government fully implement the terms of the agreement until the international conference resolves the issue of Karabakh’s borders and those of the Transcaucasian republics in general.
  4. The Congress categorically protests before the entire civilized world against the unprecedented massacres in Khankendi, Askeran, and along the Shusha–Yevlakh road, and appeals to the conscience of the cultured world to put an end to such policies by the Azerbaijani government.
  5. The recurrence of such events will compel the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh to take appropriate measures to defend their lives and dignity.

Simultaneously, the Eighth Congress calls upon the Turkic population of Azerbaijan to join the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh in protesting these atrocities, and also appeals to the press.

A copy of this resolution is to be sent to the Allied representative in the Transcaucasus, Mr. Haskell, to the diplomatic and military representatives of the Allied powers, to the governments of the three Transcaucasian republics, and to the temporary Governor-General of Karabakh.

Chairman of the Eighth Congress of Karabakh Arakelyan

Central State Historical Archive of Armenia, Fund 200, Inventory 1, File 563, Sheets 29–35. Certified copy. Typescript. Translated from Armenian. Published in: Nagorno-Karabakh in 1918–1923, Yerevan, 1992, Document No. 257. (Emphasis added – Y.B.)

TELEGRAM FROM THE KARABAKH ASSOCIATION TRANSMITTED BY THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF ARMENIA TO THE HEADS OF THE MILITARY MISSIONS OF THE UNITED STATES, GREAT BRITAIN, FRANCE, AND ITALY EXPRESSING PROTEST AGAINST VIOLATIONS OF THE TEMPORARY AGREEMENT AND AZERBAIJAN’S ATTEMPTS, IN CONJUNCTION WITH TURKEY, TO PREVENT THE REUNIFICATION OF KARABAKH WITH ARMENIA March 6, 1920

At the request of the Karabakh Association, we are sending you the following telegram:

“According to received information, the General-Governor appointed by Azerbaijan is threatening the Armenian population and taking steps to dismantle the agreement of August 22, 1919, concluded between Azerbaijani and Armenian representatives of Karabakh, which stipulated that the fate of our homeland would be determined by the decision of the Great Powers.

Azerbaijani troops are being concentrated in Karabakh under the leadership of Turkish officers. The General-Governor is inciting the base instincts of a fanatical mob. <…> All these measures aim to break the will of our people to resist and to force them to renounce Armenia.

The Karabakh Association protests against the actions of Azerbaijani agents. In reporting these facts to you, Mr. High Commissioner in Armenia, it hopes that you—as a representative of strength, authority, and European civilization—will not reconcile yourself to Azerbaijan’s machinations and will take all possible measures to help this part of our people free itself from Azerbaijan’s demoralizing influence and achieve political unification with its motherland, Armenia.

Once again, we remind you that Azerbaijanis, who are not natives of Karabakh nor of any other part of Armenia, are attempting—through the despotic and deceitful policies of Turkey—to forcibly seize parts of our homeland. This policy, aimed at preventing the reunification of our country and perpetuating a state of war, deeply outrages us.

Through your mediation, we humbly request that an end be put to the machinations of Turkey and Azerbaijan.

Chairman: Ananun Secretary: Arutyunyan”

Minister of Foreign Affairs: Khatissian Central State Historical Archive of Armenia, Fund 200, Inventory 1, File 249, Sheets 198–199. Copy. Typescript. Published in: Nagorno-Karabakh in 1918–1923 378

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

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