To the Population: A Call to Defend Karabakh and Zangezur from Musavatist Invaders March 6, 1920
Following recent Tatar attacks, the Armenian National Council of Zangezur issued the following appeal to the population:
“Valiant peasants and warriors of Zangezur! Since the outbreak of the World War, you have borne the full weight of economic devastation and have heroically endured the harsh trials of life. For over three years, you have waged a relentless struggle against the Turks of Zangezur, and through superhuman efforts, you have repelled their endless assaults and preserved our beautiful land from destruction and massacre at the hands of the Tatars. The battles of November marked one of Azerbaijan’s serious attempts to enslave free Zangezur and flood our homeland with your blood. In those heroic clashes, your selflessness proved to the world that you are worthy of a free homeland. Yet the defeated enemy is not fully vanquished. Day and night, he schemes to seize Zangezur, which he considers an essential and indivisible part of Azerbaijan. As long as Karabakh stands, Zangezur remains inaccessible to the enemy, whose rear is threatened by the 250,000 Armenians of Karabakh. Azerbaijan understands this well and spares no effort to eliminate the Armenians of Karabakh, issuing a series of demands aimed at their subjugation: opening roads for Tatar military units to enter Armenian villages, mass disarmament, tax payments, and more. To enforce these demands, the enemy bombards Armenian positions in Jevanshir and Khtsaberd, resorts to massacres and looting, and violates the agreement that guarantees the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh freedom from Azerbaijani encroachments until the final decisions of the conference. Valiant peasants of Zangezur! Let it be clear to you what unbearable and dire conditions will arise if Karabakh falls. Without Karabakh, Zangezur cannot be free. The enemy is near, encircling us and preparing to strike. Be fully prepared—united around our brave hambapets and military commanders, organized and ready to march at the first call. Close ranks and repel the Turkish forces that dare raise a hand against the united and indivisible Zangezur–Karabakh. This will be our final and most decisive battle against our age-old, cunning enemy. Let us fulfill our duty to Mother Armenia and defend Zangezur–Karabakh, without which there can be no free Armenia. Everyone to the front! Let each person sacrifice for total victory. Let each contribute according to their means and abilities to the altar of our homeland’s freedom: the soldier—his life; the wealthy—his bread and property. Without victory, all our strength will fall into the enemy’s hands. Spare nothing for freedom. No one must stand aside in this struggle. Let Armenian women bake bread for the fighters, and let the elderly and children deliver supplies to the front. If each person faithfully fulfills their small duty, victory is inevitable. No negligence, no desertion: whoever allows such will be deemed a traitor to freedom, and their memory will be cursed in the history of Zangezur’s liberation struggle. Long live the valiant peasantry of Zangezur! Long live free Zangezur–Karabakh! Long live Armenia! Long live our first victory!” —Zangezur Armenian National Council
Source: Central State Historical Archive of Armenia, f. 252, op. 1, d. 6, pp. 1–2. Published in “Nor Ashkhatavor,” April 9, 1920. Translated from Armenian.
To the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan On the Necessity of Continuing the Armenian-Azerbaijani Conference Under the Terms of the Temporary Agreement of August 22, 1919 No. 1382, March 8, 1920
In response to your telegram dated March 4, No. 1462, I have the honor to inform you of the following:
The Government of Armenia does not consider the Armenian-Azerbaijani conference convened in January of this year to be concluded. To this day, the Government awaits your response to a number of specific proposals which I personally conveyed to you during our meeting in Tiflis, and which you accepted for submission to your government.
These proposals, intended to serve as the basis for resuming the temporarily interrupted conference, are as follows:
Three prior attempts to convene the conference have clearly demonstrated that without prior acceptance and precise implementation of these conditions, any real agreement becomes impossible, and the very idea of the conference—as a body meant to reconcile both sides and foster close cooperation between the two peoples—is undermined in the eyes of both republics.
The Government of Armenia, fully aware of the vital need for closer cooperation between neighboring republics and in response to your expressed desire to reconvene the conference, respectfully requests that you grant full and comprehensive powers to your delegation. Please also clarify whether your government considers the proposal in your telegram to be a new initiative, and if so, specify the list of issues and the exact format in which your government envisions the proposed conference.
Source: Central State Historical Archive of Armenia, f. 200, op. 1, d. 475, p. 128. Certified copy. Typescript. Published in: Nagorno-Karabakh in 1918–1923, Yerevan, 1992, doc. No. 260.
To the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Against the Advance of Azerbaijani Troops into Nagorno-Karabakh and Zangezur and the Massacre of the Armenian Population No. 1393 | March 8, 1920
According to verified intelligence received by the Government of Armenia, the Azerbaijani government, with the involvement of Nuri Pasha and Turkish officers recently arrived in Shusha, is undertaking a concentrated military buildup in the Armenian regions of Karabakh and Zangezur. An ultimatum has been issued to the Armenian population of Karabakh demanding disarmament and the unhindered passage of Azerbaijani forces into the districts of Dizak, Varanda, and Jebrail, under threat of armed force should they refuse.
In Khankendi and Aghdam, Azerbaijani military units have, without provocation, brutally massacred up to 400 Armenian civilians, looting their homes and property. The Aghdam–Shusha road has been closed to Armenian civilians, who are now subjected to an economic blockade.
These actions by the Azerbaijani government, along with its ultimatum demanding entry into Armenian districts of Karabakh, constitute a flagrant violation of the agreement concluded between the Azerbaijani government and the Armenian National Council of Karabakh. They threaten to unleash further bloodshed on a massive scale and cannot go unanswered by the Government of Armenia.
On behalf of the Armenian Government, I hereby express a categorical protest against the unprovoked and inhumane extermination of peaceful Armenian civilians in Khankendi and Aghdam, and against the aggressive actions of the Azerbaijani government, which risk igniting a catastrophic conflict. I respectfully urge you to take all measures within your power to prevent the inevitable bloodshed that will result from any further advance of Azerbaijani forces into the heart of Karabakh.
Source: Central State Historical Archive of Armenia, f. 200, op. 1, d. 475, p. 117. Certified copy. Typescript. Published in: Nagorno-Karabakh in 1918–1923, Yerevan, 1992, doc. No. 261.
On Azerbaijan’s Policy of Conquest in Karabakh, Zangezur, and Nakhichevan, Pursued in Coordination with Turkey to Achieve Unification March 20, 1920
…Despite the lofty rhetoric of Azerbaijani foreign policy leaders about resolving disputes peacefully for the benefit of neighboring peoples, the ruling Ittihad Party—directing both foreign and domestic policy—pursues a deliberate anti-Armenian agenda. This includes a strategic plan for the reunification of Azerbaijan with Turkey.
To this end, it has been decided to disarm the mountainous Armenian-populated strip of the Elizavetpol Governorate (Jevanshir), then conquer Karabakh, and finally, by seizing Zangezur, reach the Araks Valley. This operation is actively supported by Halil and Nuri Pasha.
Captain Muradyan, Chief of Intelligence Department Source: Central State Historical Archive of Armenia, f. 200, op. 1, d. 33, p. 12. Printed copy. Published in: Nagorno-Karabakh in 1918–1923, Yerevan, 1992, doc. No. 262.
To Its Diplomatic Representative in Armenia On the General Armenian Uprising in Karabakh March 24, 1920
Secret
On the night of March 22, a general uprising of Armenians erupted across Karabakh. Simultaneously, armed Armenian forces launched attacks on our military units in Khankendi, Askeran, Terter, and other locations. The assaults have so far been repelled, with Armenian casualties exceeding ours. Fighting continues everywhere. All necessary measures have been taken.
Immediately report further developments in the Vedibasar and Nakhichevan districts. It is imperative to provide all possible assistance to Vedibasar and Nakhichevan without delay and to inform them of the events unfolding in Karabakh.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fatali Khan Khoyski Source: Central State Historical Archive of Armenia, f. 200, op. 1, d. 427, p. 214. Certified copy. Typescript. Published in: Nagorno-Karabakh in 1918–1923, Yerevan, 1992, doc. No. 263.
To the Diplomatic Representative in Georgia On the Uprising of the Armenian Population in Karabakh No. 1871 | March 25, 1920
Inform Balayan of the contents of the telegrams from Melik-Yelchyan and Kazarov, stating that the Armenian population in Karabakh has risen up in response to Azerbaijan’s attempt to disarm them. Please report any information you may have.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hatisov Source: Central State Historical Archive of Armenia, f. 200, op. 1, d. 466, p. 234. Copy. Typescript. Published in: Nagorno-Karabakh in 1918–1923, Yerevan, 1992, doc. No. 265.
To the Temporary General-Governor of Karabakh On Military Operations Against Armenians in Karabakh Aghdam, March 25, 1920
It is with deep satisfaction that I have learned of the successes of our glorious troops. I am confident that under your leadership, both the population and the army will soon overcome the insolent enemy.
Aside from your initial reports, we have no further information on the situation in your district. Please inform us of your current position. From which direction are the Armenians advancing? Is there noticeable movement from Zangezur? Are you in contact with your brother Sultan Bek?
Near Askeran, close to Aghdam, a large number of partisans have gathered. Troops and artillery are en route. By the 27th–28th, forces will arrive in Aghdam. At that point, we will launch an offensive on Askeran, and God willing, we will unite swiftly. I will inform you in advance of the exact date of our offensive from this side. It will likely take place on March 28–29. Then, God willing, you will advance from your side, and under dual pressure, we will crush this serpent.
In the Terter region, our partisans have gone on the offensive, capturing several Armenian villages (Marakhly, the Yuzbashev estate, Chayly, and others). The enemy is fleeing in panic. An offensive is now underway against the Armenians of Jevanshir from the Ganja district as well. Morale here is high, and everyone is eager to fight. A massive number of partisans have gathered near Askeran.
I am certain that the same spirit and confidence in imminent victory reigns among you as well. We understand the difficulty of your position and are doing our utmost to break through to you as soon as possible.
Once again, I ask you to keep us informed of all military developments in the Shusha–Khankendi area. I send you my greetings and a firm handshake.
Please convey my salam and best wishes to all our soldiers, troops, and partisans. Across the country, order is fully maintained.
Minister of Internal Affairs, Vekilov P.S. Please send a reply with the bearer of this message by tomorrow. Source: Party Archive of the Communist Party of Azerbaijan, f. 4033, op. 5, d. 496, pp. 1–3. Original. Manuscript. Published in: Nagorno-Karabakh in 1918–1923, Yerevan, 1992, doc. No. 266.
To the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Presenting the Azerbaijani Version of Events and Proposals for Resolving the Karabakh Crisis March 26, 1920
On the 25th at noon, I met with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Khoyski regarding the events in Karabakh. He conveyed the following information:
At 3 a.m. on the night of March 22–23, Armenians launched a coordinated assault on Shusha, Khankendi, Khojalu, Askeran, and Terter. The attackers were equipped with machine guns and mountain artillery, which they used to shell the city from the village of Shosh. The Armenian insurgents were repelled with heavy losses in all locations except Askeran, which they captured. It remains unknown whether the 50-man garrison stationed there was killed or disarmed. Fighting around Askeran continues.
[…]
I noted that the policy pursued by Sultanov could not have led to any other outcome, as it consisted of repeated violations of the agreement, aimed at forcibly annexing Karabakh to Azerbaijan.
Khoyski replied: “Neither we nor Sultanov had such intentions. We only sought to respect the agreement. Perhaps these events are the result of our government’s weakness and inattention.”
I responded that the Karabakh issue holds independent significance and cannot be resolved through coercion, as Sultanov is attempting. The majority of the population in the mountainous part of Karabakh is Armenian, and naturally their sympathies lie with Armenia. On the other hand, economically, the Armenians of Karabakh are connected to Azerbaijan and Baku, while the Turkic population of the lowlands depends on the Karabakh mountains for grazing. This creates a duality: demographically and politically, Karabakh leans toward Armenia, but economically it is tied to Baku.
Under these conditions, annexing the region to either Armenia or Azerbaijan could lead to serious complications. Therefore, a different solution must be found for the Karabakh question. Azerbaijan has already violated the agreement by deploying troops in Karabakh or moving them through its territory.
Khoyski: “But the Karabakh congress expressed its view that Karabakh is an inseparable part of Azerbaijan.” (He then showed me the resolution adopted at the congress held in Shusha.)
I replied: “You must surely know under what conditions that resolution was adopted. Sultanov kept the congress locked in Shusha until it passed the desired decision. Delegates, aware of Sultanov’s intentions, refused to attend. Of 130 delegates, only 62 arrived in Shusha, 10 abstained from voting, and the resolution passed with just 52 votes.”
Khoyski: “We did not violate the agreement. We only wanted to deploy soldiers in Jevanshir… and on the Zangezur border we are obliged to maintain a military presence, given the preparations underway there to establish a link with Karabakh. We had to act to neutralize Zangezur’s influence…”
Diplomatic Representative M. Arutyunyan Source: Central State Historical Archive of Armenia, f. 278, op. 1, d. 14, p. 72. Original. Manuscript. Translated from Armenian. Published in: Nagorno-Karabakh in 1918–1923, Yerevan, 1992, doc. No. 267.
To the High Commissioner of Great Britain (Copies sent to the U.S. High Commissioner in Armenia and the Heads of the Italian and French Military Missions) Requesting Measures to Support the Legitimate Demands of the Armenian Population of Karabakh No. 1920 | March 28, 1920
Since the establishment of the Republic of Armenia, the Azerbaijani government—acting in concert with Turkey—has employed every available means to seize Armenia’s ancestral lands: Karabakh and Zangezur.
On August 22 of last year, the Armenian population of Karabakh, effectively cut off from its native center—Armenia—was compelled to enter into an agreement with the Azerbaijani government, temporarily recognizing its authority under the condition that Azerbaijan would refrain from any military movements within Armenian Karabakh and would not disarm its population.
Despite repeated violations of the first obligation concerning troop movements, the Azerbaijani government has recently concentrated regular and irregular forces and issued an ultimatum demanding the disarmament of the Armenian population of Karabakh. The population, viewing this ultimatum as a blatant breach of the August 22 agreement and a prelude to a premeditated massacre, rejected the unlawful demand.
Following this refusal, on March 20, Azerbaijan began forcibly disarming the Armenian population and launched simultaneous offensives in multiple directions against Armenian Karabakh and Zangezur. Fierce battles are ongoing.
The Government of Armenia, expressing its categorical protest against Azerbaijan’s gross violation of the August 22 agreement and placing full responsibility for the escalation on the Azerbaijani side, respectfully requests that you urgently inform your government of these actions, which have provoked renewed bloodshed, and take all necessary measures to support the legitimate demands of the Armenian population and protect it from further violence at the hands of Azerbaijan.
Prime Minister – Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hatisov Source: Central State Historical Archive of Armenia, f. 200, op. 1, d. 475, p. 173. Certified copy. Typescript. Published in: Nagorno-Karabakh in 1918–1923, Yerevan, 1992, doc. No. 268.
To the Government of Armenia Appeal to Save the Armenian People of Nagorno-Karabakh Tiflis, March 30, 1920
Since approximately March 20, numerous troops under General Novruzov, along with countless bands led by Khalil Pasha and Sultanov—equipped with heavy artillery and machine guns—have launched sudden attacks across the entire front on Armenian villages in the first defensive line, under the pretext of disarmament. Entire villages have been shelled and burned to the ground. The population has been massacred, property looted, and the surviving portion has fled to the mountains, where they are perishing from cold and hunger.
Reports indicate that the massacres are spreading from Gyulistan to Zangezur. The unarmed population is in panic. Karabakh is dying. It faces the same fate as Agulis.
Claims in the Azerbaijani press about Armenian attacks are outright lies, intended to mislead public opinion and the Allied powers. On the contrary, it is well established that the Armenian population was caught off guard by the assaults.
On behalf of the many Karabakh Armenians residing here—whose families are being annihilated—we earnestly appeal to the Parliament and Government of Armenia to take all possible and vigorous measures to save the people of Karabakh.
Chairmen of the Karabakh Associations of Tiflis and Erivan: Leo and Balayan Source: Central State Historical Archive of Armenia, f. 200, op. 1, d. 563, pp. 3–5. Original. Manuscript. Published in: Bulletin of the Archives of Armenia, 1989, doc. No. 1, p. 112. Copies of the telegram were sent to the Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Armenia and to the editorial boards of the journals “Aratch” and “Joghovurd.” 388
Yuri Barsegov “Nagorno-Karabakh in International Law and Global Politics”
Read Also:
Regarding the Remarks of the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group at the Permanent Council…
While empires rose and fell and borders shifted across millennia, one remarkable constant has endured:…
Former Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group and Representative of the President of Russia, Ambassador…
Clarifications by Former Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group and Representative of the President of…
Sofia, 6–7 December 2004 Statement of the Ministerial Council on the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict We welcome…
at the International Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance Durban, August 31…