Territorial Dispute Between the Azerbaijan SSR (as part of the RSFSR) and the Republic of Armenia

History

Aggressive War by Bolshevik Russia, Sovietized Azerbaijan, and Kemalist Turkey

Resolution of the Ninth Congress of the Peasantry of Nagorno-Karabakh

On the Annulment of the Temporary Agreement Concluded by the Decision of the Seventh Congress with the Government of Azerbaijan, and on the Accession of Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia April 23–29, 1920

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 assault by Azerbaijani forces on the peaceful Armenian population of Karabakh, including massacres in Shusha and surrounding villages.
  2. To declare the accession of Nagorno-Karabakh to the Republic of Armenia as an inseparable part of it.
  3. To request the delegation of the Republic of Armenia in Moscow to convey the resolution of the Congress to the Russian Soviet government.

Authorized Representatives of the Ninth Congress: Aslan Shahnazaryan Nerses Nasibyan

Source: Central State Historical Archive of Armenia, Fund 200, Inventory 1, File 581, Sheet 98. Typescript. Published in Vestnik Arkhivov Armenii, 1989, No. 1, p. 120.

Proposal by the President of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal, to the Russian Soviet Government

On Joint Operations Against Armenia Angora (Ankara), April 26, 1920

First. We undertake the obligation to coordinate all our efforts and military operations with the Russian Bolsheviks, whose goal is to combat imperialist governments and liberate all oppressed peoples from their rule.

Second. If Soviet forces plan military operations against Georgia, or through diplomatic means and influence compel Georgia to join the alliance and expel the British from the Caucasus, the Turkish government commits to conducting military operations against imperialist Armenia and pledges to ensure that the Republic of Azerbaijan joins the circle of Soviet states.

Third. In order, first, to expel imperialist forces occupying our territory inhabited by our people, and second, to strengthen our internal capacity for continuing our joint struggle against imperialism, we request that Soviet Russia provide, as initial aid, five million Turkish lira in gold, weapons and ammunition in quantities to be determined through negotiations, as well as certain military-technical equipment, medical supplies, and provisions for our troops, which, at the request of the Soviet authorities, will operate in the East.

We extend our most respectful greetings and sincere sentiments.

President of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey Mustafa Kemal

Source: Archive of Foreign Policy of the Russian Federation, Fund 04, Inventory 39, Item 262, File 52987, Sheet 1. Copy; also Fund 132, Inventory 4, Item 104, File 40, Sheet 13. Copy.

Report from the Armenian Diplomatic Representative in Georgia to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

On the Prospect of Implementing the Pan-Turkist Plan to Seize Armenian Territories with the Help of the Red Army April 29, 1920

Chairman of the Temporary Revolutionary Committee, Sultanov, informed Haydar Bammatov via direct line that Red Army units, having already occupied Yevlakh, are advancing along the Shusha highway with the aim of linking up with the Anatolian army. He stated that Georgia poses no threat to them; however, if the Dashnak government resists, they will be compelled to engage in combat. I do not consider this scenario unlikely—a possible attempt to connect with the Turks through Karabakh, Zangezur, and Nakhichevan, rather than via Georgia.

Diplomatic Representative of Armenia in Georgia Tumanian

Source: Central State Historical Archive of Armenia, Fund 200, Inventory 1, File 581, Sheet 18. Typescript copy. Published in: Nagorno-Karabakh in 1918–1923, Yerevan, 1992, Document No. 301.

Note from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia

Urging the Revolutionary Committee of Soviet Azerbaijan to Cease the Expansionist Policy of the Former Musavat Government in Karabakh and Withdraw Troops from the Region April 29, 1920 – Urgent

As you are aware, since the formation of the Transcaucasian republics, the former Musavat government of Azerbaijan has repeatedly attempted to seize Armenian Karabakh and Zangezur by force, in defiance of the clearly expressed will of the people of Karabakh and Zangezur, as affirmed in eight congresses of peasant deputies.

Since March 22 of this year, that same government has subjected the Armenian working peasantry of Karabakh to fire and sword—burning villages and towns, and exterminating the peaceful population, including women and children. These forces remain in Karabakh and continue their operations, seeking to subjugate the working peasantry of these regions to Azerbaijani authority through military force.

According to private reports received by the government, additional reinforcements—disguised as Soviet troops—are moving to join Azerbaijani forces already stationed near Armenia’s borders.

The Government of Armenia, confident that the workers’ and peasants’ government of Azerbaijan, having proclaimed the principle of free expression of the people’s will, cannot follow the path of the Musavat regime—condemned by your people and led by a government that betrayed the interests of the working people of the Azerbaijani Republic—expects you to take immediate and decisive measures to halt military operations in Karabakh and Zangezur and to withdraw Azerbaijani troops from these regions.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Ohandzhanian

Source: Central State Historical Archive of Armenia, Fund 278, Inventory 1, File 38, Sheet 82. Certified typescript copy. Published in: Nagorno-Karabakh in 1918–1923, Yerevan, 1992, Document No. 300.

From the Protocol of the Meeting of the Revolutionary Committee of Azerbaijan

On the Continuity of Soviet Azerbaijan’s Territorial Expansion Policy April 29, 1920

Chair: Comrade D. M. Guseynov Present: Members of the Revolutionary Committee—Sultanov, Alimov, Karaev, Buniatzade—as well as comrades Naneyshvili, Ildrym, Vezirov, Dovlatov.

Agenda:

  1. On Karabakh
  2. Foreign Policy

Discussion:

  1. On Karabakh Resolution: Due to the acute shortage of personnel in Karabakh, it was resolved to immediately dispatch responsible comrades to the region for agitational and organizational work.
  2. Foreign Policy a) To immediately demand that Georgia vacate within 24 hours the territory of the Azerbaijan SSR occupied by Georgian forces. b) To immediately demand that Armenia withdraw its troops from Karabakh.

Chair of the Revolutionary Committee M. D. Guseynov Secretary

Source: The Struggle for the Victory of Soviet Power in Azerbaijan, Baku, 1967, Document No. 559, pp. 476–477.

Telegram from the British Representative in Georgia,

Captain 3rd Rank Luke to Lord Curzon Regarding Preparations for a Joint Turkish-Bolshevik Attack on Armenia Tiflis, April 30, 1920

[…] It is reported that the Russian Soviet government has recognized [Soviet] Azerbaijan. It is also reported that the Russian Soviets are preparing to send troops through Azerbaijani territory to link up with Turkish positions in the (?) Zangezur region. A joint Turkish-Bolshevik attack on Armenia appears likely if the Dashnak government fails to reach an agreement with the Bolsheviks—a prospect that currently seems doubtful.

Source: Documents on British Foreign Policy. First Series, 1919–1939, Volume XII, London, 1970, p. 601.

Note from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia

To the Chairman of the Revolutionary Committee of Azerbaijan, Calling for an End to Military Operations in Karabakh and Zangezur, Withdrawal of Troops, and Recognition of the Population’s Right to Self-Determination April 30, 1920

The former Musavat government of Azerbaijan, overthrown and imprisoned by your people for actions deemed by them—and by the government you now lead—as a betrayal of the interests of the working people of the Azerbaijani Republic, has since March 22 of this year subjected the Armenian peasantry of Karabakh to fire and sword, burning villages and towns and exterminating the peaceful population, including women and children.

These forces remain in Karabakh and continue their operations, seeking to forcibly subjugate the working peasantry of Karabakh and Zangezur to Azerbaijani authority, in direct contradiction to the repeatedly and clearly expressed will of the local population.

Confident that the workers’ and peasants’ government of Azerbaijan, under your leadership, cannot follow the path of the Musavat regime in this matter, I respectfully request that you issue orders to cease military operations in Karabakh and Zangezur, withdraw the troops from these regions, and allow the population to determine its own fate.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia

Source: Central State Historical Archive of Armenia, Fund 200, Inventory 1, File 271, Sheet 204. Typescript. Published in: Nagorno-Karabakh in 1918–1923, Yerevan, 1992, Document No. 304.

Note from the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to G. Chicherin

Regarding the Ongoing Invasion of Karabakh by Azerbaijani Forces and Inquiry into the Intentions of the Red Army in Karabakh and Zangezur No. 2659, April 30, 1920

Since March 22, troops of the Musavat government of Azerbaijan, as reported even in Soviet telegrams, have attacked the Armenian working population of Karabakh in an attempt to impose their authority by force, contrary to the clearly expressed will of the local peasantry. This has resulted in the mass destruction of villages and the Armenian population of Karabakh.

Although Soviet power has now been declared in Azerbaijan, these troops have not yet been withdrawn. Moreover, we have received information that certain forces identifying themselves as Red Army units are advancing toward Karabakh and Zangezur, allegedly intending to traverse Armenian territory to link up with the Turkish Anatolian army via Karabakh–Zangezur–Nakhichevan. This route, however, offers no strategic or logistical advantage for such a movement.

Given that Soviet Russia has long recognized the independence and sovereignty of Armenia through a special decree by Chairman Lenin and a resolution of the Fourth All-Russian Congress of Soviets, such a movement of Red Army troops—if confirmed—appears entirely inexplicable.

On behalf of my government, I respectfully request clarification: are these indeed Russian Soviet forces, and what are their intentions?

The Yerevan radio station is capable of receiving telegrams directly from Moscow.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia Amazasp Ohandjanian

Source: Central State Historical Archive of Armenia, Fund 278, Inventory 1, File 35, Sheet 19. Typescript copy; also Fund 200, Inventory 1, File 249, Sheets 339–341. Autograph. Published in: Nagorno-Karabakh in 1918–1923, Yerevan, 1992, Document No. 303.

Note from the Revolutionary Committee of Azerbaijan to the Government of the Republic of Armenia

On the Declaration of a State of War in the Event of Refusal to Withdraw Armenian Troops from Karabakh and Zangezur April 30, 1920

The Workers’ and Peasants’ Government of the Azerbaijan Socialist Republic, represented by the Revolutionary Committee, demands the following:

  1. The withdrawal of Armenian troops from the territories of Karabakh and Zangezur.
  2. A retreat to Armenia’s recognized borders.
  3. An end to interethnic massacres.

Should these demands not be met, the Revolutionary Committee of the Azerbaijan Socialist Soviet Republic will consider itself in a state of war with the Government of the Republic of Armenia. A response to this note is expected within three days.

Deputy Commissar for Foreign Affairs Azerbaijan Socialist Soviet Republic Mirza David Guseynov

Source: Central State Historical Archive of Armenia, Fund 278, Inventory 1, File 38, Sheet 84. Certified typescript copy.

Statement by Sultanov, Appointed by the British as “Temporary Governor-General” of Karabakh

On the Declaration of Soviet Power in Azerbaijan and the Alliance with Turkey Against the Entente April 30, 1920

Yesterday, on the 28th, I received a telegram from Baku containing the following message:

“At 12 o’clock yesterday, the parliament transferred power to the Soviets. The Independent Soviet Republic of Azerbaijan has been declared, in alliance with Soviet Russia. The Entente has been proclaimed the enemy of both republics. An alliance with Turkey has been established. Negotiations were conducted by Mamed Hasan Tajiksky, Safikyurdski, Karabekov, and Mamedamin Kardashov. The transition occurred without incident. The new government will be led by the following individuals: Narimanov, Dr. Ali Heydar Karaev, Mirza David Guseynov, Dadash Bunyatzade, and Hamid Sultanov.

I hereby propose that this event be solemnly announced to the population and marked with a celebratory rally, accompanied by a resolution to be sent to me for transmission to the Soviet authorities. Necessary measures must be taken to maintain complete order among the population, with a warning that any unauthorized actions or even the slightest sign of anarchy will be regarded as rebellion against the Azerbaijani Soviet government and punished to the full extent of military-revolutionary law. All officials and institutions are to remain in place and continue functioning normally.”

Governor-General [Sultanov]

Source: Party Archive of the Communist Party of Azerbaijan, Fund 4033, Inventory 5, File 499, Sheet 1. Typescript copy. Published in: Nagorno-Karabakh in 1918–1923, Yerevan, 1992, Document No. 306.

Radiogram from the Revolutionary Military Councils of the Caucasus Front and the 11th Army to the Government of Armenia

Ultimatum to Immediately Cease Military Actions in Soviet Azerbaijan and Promise to Resolve Territorial Disputes Based on the Principle of National Self-Determination Baku, May 1, 1920

Military operations between Armenia and Azerbaijan continue within the borders of Armenia and our friendly and allied Soviet Azerbaijan. The Russian Workers’ and Peasants’ Government considers it a sacred duty to assist, with all its might, the Soviet government of Azerbaijan, which has appealed on behalf of all Azerbaijani workers, in firmly establishing workers’ and peasants’ power in Azerbaijan.

These hostilities, rooted in ethnic hatred and fueled by British propaganda and the Dashnaktsutyun and Musavat parties, serve only the interests of the victors over oppressed peoples and the exploiters of the working classes in both Armenia and Azerbaijan.

All disputed border issues between Azerbaijan and Armenia can only be resolved by the will of the working and self-determining peoples. Soviet Azerbaijan cannot support any chauvinistic, nationalist, or aggressive actions. Interethnic hostility has no place in Soviet Azerbaijan.

On behalf of the Russian Socialist Federative Soviet Republic, we propose that the Armenian government immediately cease all military actions in Soviet Azerbaijan and withdraw its forces from its territory. This must be done within 24 hours of receiving this proposal. Failure to comply will be regarded as a challenge by the Armenian government to the Russian Socialist Federative Soviet Republic. The proposed measures will be enforced by the Russian Red Army, and the Armenian government will bear full responsibility for the consequences.

Revolutionary Military Council of the Caucasus Front – Ordzhonikidze Revolutionary Military Council of the 11th Army – Kirov, Mekhonoshin, Levandovsky

Source: Central State Historical Archive of Armenia, Fund 200, Inventory 1, File 427, Sheet 274. Typescript copy. Published in: Nagorno-Karabakh in 1918–1923, Yerevan, 1992, Document No. 307.

Note from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, A. Ohandjanian

To Member of the Caucasian Bureau of the Central Committee of the Russian Communist Party (Bolsheviks) and the Revolutionary Military Council of the Caucasus Front, G. Ordzhonikidze With a Request to Facilitate the Withdrawal of Azerbaijani Troops from Nagorno-Karabakh and Prevent Arbitrary Actions Against the Armenian Population May 1, 1920

In response to your note dated May 1, I must inform you that there have been no Armenian troops present, nor are there any currently present, on the territory of Azerbaijan. On the contrary, the forces of the beys’ Musavatist government of Azerbaijan are stationed in the disputed regions of Armenian Karabakh, where they have recently carried out massacres of the Armenian population and burned villages and towns.

The population of Karabakh has repeatedly and unequivocally expressed, through its congresses of peasant deputies, its firm will not to be incorporated into Azerbaijan. Azerbaijani troops are present in the region precisely to suppress this will of a self-determining people.

Given that the Armenian government has no troops within the borders of Azerbaijan, it respectfully requests that you propose to the new government of Azerbaijan the withdrawal of its forces from Nagorno-Karabakh. Following this, a ninth plebiscite should be conducted among the population of the region, and its outcome should be honored.

A declaration by the Soviet Russian authorities as a peaceful mediator and resolver of disputed issues would, of course, be welcomed by the long-suffering and bloodied Armenian peasantry of Karabakh. The Armenian government proposes that representatives of Soviet Socialist Russia dispatch a neutral commission to Karabakh to ascertain the true state of affairs.

In light of the above, my government finds no justification for an ultimatum and expresses its full confidence that the Workers’ and Peasants’ Soviet Russia—which has long recognized the independence and sovereignty of Armenia through Lenin’s decree and the resolution of the Fourth All-Russian Congress of Soviets—will not permit violence against the Armenian working people, who have endured bloodshed for many years.

Copy sent to the Revolutionary Committee of the Soviet Republic of Azerbaijan.

Source: RGASPI, Fund 85, Inventory 13, Sheets 7–13. Original telegram tape; Central State Historical Archive of Armenia, Fund 278, Inventory 1, File 38, Sheets 90 and verso. Certified typescript copy. Published in: Nagorno-Karabakh in 1918–1923, Yerevan, 1992, Document No. 308. 421

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

Artatsolum

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