1849) Armenians in Ottoman Documents (1915-1920) Part I-II-III

"...[T]hese records were at the time compiled for strictly internal use, i.e. for in-house consideration, and were not intended for public consumption, [so that] one may be reasonably safe in declaring the evidence obtained thusly as incontestable."

Vahakn Dadrian, “The signal facts surrounding the Armenian genocide and the Turkish denial syndrome,” The Journal of Genocide Research (2003, June, pp. 269-279).

The TAT site has stressed Western and Armenian sources to turn the genocide myth on its ear, since these parties were raised with anti-Turkish sentiments, and had no reason to defend the Turks — very much opposed to the sources demonstrating a genocide, who had every reason to be untruthful, or conned by beloved Armenians whispering in their ears. As a result, Turkish sources have largely been avoided by genocide partisans, in the discussion of this matter.

One reason for the dismissal of Turkish sources is that these hateful forces have succeeded in putting across the notion that the Turks were like the Nazis, and who can trust Nazis? However, hijacking history to the extent of solely providing the sources of a nation's enemies cannot, by any stretch of the imagination, be regarded as valid history. Even WWII history does not ignore German documentation.

It has been much too long where Ottoman records have been almost completely ignored. As even Vahakn Dadrian reminds us with the quote above, records prepared for internal use cannot be regarded as propaganda, and the evidence they provide must be regarded as "incontestable." (Dadrian was only referring to WWI German documentation when he wrote that, ignoring the fact that opinions of bigoted Christians far from the scene and fed with Armenian propaganda can be very easily contested. The fact that records are internal does not mean they are always correct; the value of internal records is that they are prepared largely with honest intent, since they are never meant for public consumption.)

Dadrian, his clownish copycat Taner Akcam, and others try to soften the truth of the Ottoman records below by pointing to a "two track" system. That is, Ottoman officials prepared one set strictly for show, since they really had a second set of secret orders. Never mind that not one example of such secret orders has ever been found; the fact that Ottoman officials would engage in such a tactic, confusing their own people during a life and death war, only showcases the dishonesty of these genocide advocates. (There were innumerable orders and reports, this page featuring only a sampling of nearly three hundred. If Dadrian is to be believed, practically every single one of what is below was prepared with the purpose of fooling future historians.)

When simple logic obliterates Dadrian's "two track" truth, Dadrian then resorts to other nonsense, such as claiming that the Turks were basically dishonest. (As he attempted in his The
Armenian Genocide: A New Brand of Denial by the Turkish General Staff — by Proxy, largely pointing to the opinions of haughty Prussian-minded Germans, experiencing culture clash.) But when it serves his purposes, as with his bread and butter 1919-20 Ottoman kangaroo courts, suddenly the Turks can be beyond reproach with their honesty and competence.

Prof. Justin McCarthy exposes the likes of Dadrian and company:

Why rely on Ottoman archival accounts to write history? Because they are the sort of solid data that is the basis of all good history. The Ottomans did not write propaganda for today's media. The reports of Ottoman soldiers and officials were not political documents or public relations exercises. They were secret internal reports in which responsible men relayed what they believed to be true to their government. They might sometimes have been mistaken, but they were never liars. There is no record of deliberate deception in Ottoman documents. Compare this to the dismal history of Armenian Nationalist deceptions: fake statistics on population, fake statements attributed to Mustafa Kemal, fake telegrams of Talat Pasha, fake reports in a Blue Book, misuse of court records and, worst of all, no mention of Turks who were killed by Armenians.

The source for the material on this page:


ARMENIANS IN OTTOMAN DOCUMENTS (1915 - 1920)

CHAPTER II
SUMMARY AND TRANSCRIPTION OF DOCUMENTS

The Turkish Republic Prime Ministry
General Directorate of the State Archives
Directorate of Ottoman Archives
Publication No: 25

Ankara - 1995

The full translation from the Ottoman was provided only in the Turkish language. The English portion (utilized on this page) was unfortunately provided only as a summary.

An image of each document was also made available in the book. Serious researchers who wish to consult these originals may pay a visit to the Turkish government site that has made them available:

www.devletarsivleri.gov.tr/yayin/osmanli/armenians_inottoman/ottoman_armenian.htm

(The above link will also lead the reader to the rest of the book.)

Occasional tweaking with the English has been performed here (while paying much respect to the original; note, for example, the incorrect use of their "deportation" word); the wording of the contents (directly below) has been more freely altered, for space-saving reasons. This page should not be regarded as an authoritative copy of this work; for the faithfully reproduced original version, please visit the link above. (Keep in mind, however, that their version is not without errors; fortunately, I have a hard copy, which enabled me to make some corrections.) The idea here was to focus strictly on the English part (along with the original document number and at times the identity of the person signing the communication; or at least what appeared to be a signature), all on one handy-dandy page.

Contents


1- The World War and the Turco-Armenian Question
2- The deportation of the Armenians of Dörtyol
3- Cruelties towards the Muslims and prisoners of war in the Caucasus
4- Russian and Armenian cruelties towards the Ottoman prisoners of war
5- Cruelties towards the Muslims and prisoners of war in the Caucasus
6- Deportation of the refugees of Aintab to Zeitun
7- End of the move of Armenians to Konya, & later move to Aleppo, Zor & Urfa
8- The deportation of Armenians from Haydarpasa by train to Ayas and Çankiri
9- Determining the number in order to ascertain funds to be expended for Konya
10- The dismissal of Armenians officials proven to be disloyal
11- Allowing some Armenians who were sent to Çankiri, to return to Istanbul
12- That Diran Kelekyan may reside anywhere he wishes outside of Istanbul
13- The deportation of the Armenians of Zeitun
14- The expulsion of Armenians who are numerous in Van and Bitlis
15- Recording the names and occupations of Armenians in Ayas and Çankiri
16- The number expelled from Haçin, Dörtyol, etc., and their destinations
17- The deportation decision of the cabinet
18- Those removed from Erzurum, to the south of Urfa & Mossul and Zor
19- Resettlement of those from the province of Van, to Mossul, Zor and Urfa
20- Rules regarding Christians allied with the enemy & Muslim collaborators
21- Providing information on the situation as Armenian villages are evacuated
22- Moving those in Erzurum because of proximity to the Russian border
23- Payment of the Armenians’ food and lodging from the refugees fund
24- That the debts of deported Armenians will not be claimed
25- Implementation of procedures in areas where Armenians are numerous
26- Sending Azadamard Haci Hayk Tiryak, a revolutionist, to Ayas
27- Letting Armenians reside due to commercial and similar (activities)
28- That it is not appropriate for the 500 Armenians of Ezine to stay
29- Goods left behind by Armenians; those whose move has been postponed
30- The Armenians who were sent from Develi to Aksaray
31- The money order sent relating to settlement and food and lodging expenses
32- Relating to an American sent to assist those from Zeitun to Konya
33- Not appropriate to deport Armenians from provinces outside Küçük Incesu
34- Protecting Armenians on the roads and punishing those who attack them
35- In response to Armenians deported from Erzurum who were attacked
36- The move of Susehri Armenians; and not to deport the Sivas Armenians
37- The deportation of the Armenians of Sis
38- That it is not possible to immediately transport ten thousand refugees
39- The investigation of the situation of the deported Armenians
40- That the Armenian Catholic missionaries remain in Erzurum
41- The expulsion of the Armenian plenipotentiary
42- Settling the Armenians to the west of the Baghad line
43- Settling the Armenians to the east and south of the Baghdad line
44- Giving information on the settlement areas of the Armenian inhabitants
45- Settling the Armenian children in orphanages
46- That the deportation of Armenians be carried out in security
47- The situation of the homeless Armenian children
48- Settlement of Greeks in Greek and Armenian villages
49- Attacks by Dersim bandits on Armenians convoys
50- Protecting the goods of deported Armenians
51- Lodging of refugees in Armenians villages
52- The distribution of the inhabitants in the war regions
53- That the Armenian officials in the Public Debts will remain where they are
54- Protecting the abandoned properties and recording them in the books
55- That there is not sufficient information on deported Armenians
56- Conflicts between Muslims and Armenians within the Urfa district
57- Ordu, Persembe, Ulubey, Görele, Tirebolu, Sürmene, Trabzon Armenians 58- Deportation of Armenians who converted to Islam
59- Excepting Armenian tradesmen and merchants, expelling the revolutionists
60- The travel ban imposed on Armenians and ruling on an Armenian-Bulgarian
61- Harvesting the crops in areas from where Armenians have been expelled
62- Expanding the areas, and settling on a ratio of 10% of the Muslim population
63- Expanding the areas allocated for the settlement of Armenians
64- That Armenians may sell their movable properties to Muslims
65- Giving information on the individuals who were employed at the Régie
66- Determining the debts of deported Armenians and protecting their goods
67- Travel ban for Armenians doesn't pertain to those who are not Ottomans
68- Providing information on the places and names of deported Armenians
69- Procedures to be carried out regarding the effects of deported Armenians
70- As Armenians settled in Zor have surpassed 10%, more are disallowed
71- That massacre allegations be investigated; notes on preventive measures
72- That Armenians who have converted to Islam be also expelled
73- Deportation of Armenian soldiers to worker battalions
74- That publications pertaining to state policy be controlled
75- That Armenians between 16-60 years not be let outside the country
76- That Catholic Armenians not be deported
77- That the entries and exits to and from the country be regulated
78- Ascertainment of the news about the deportation of Greeks & Armenians
79- The distribution of Armenian families without males and of young children
80- Payment of debts and credits of deported Armenians
81- Protecting the movable properties of deported Armenians
82- Islam converts and those who got married and inheritance matters
83- That Protestant Armenians to be deported
84- That Armenian members of parliament and their families not be expelled
85- That the deportation of photographer Papazyan of Istanbul be postponed
86- Problems faced during the deportation of Armenians
87- The areas where Armenians will be deported
88- That the Armenians of Antalya not be deported
89- That Armenian children in Bilecik-Muratça not be deported
90- That officials and other workers working for the railroad not be deported
91- That teachers and children not be deported
92- That the children in the Haruniye orphanage not be disturbed
93- That the matter in the telegram sent from Yozgat be investigated
94- The deportation of the Armenians of Bitlis and Mus
95- That the families of soldiers and officers not be deported
96- Marrying the Armenian girls who have converted to Islam
97- The deportation to Aleppo of Armenians who arrived in Kütahya
98- That officials may buy houses from Armenians
99- The objectives and principles regarding the deportation of Armenians
100- Fighting between Armenian bands and the gendarmerie in Mamuretülaziz
101- Preventive measures taken upon Armenian bands to Muslims villages
102- Protection and deportation of Armenians who have been gathered
103- Correspondence of a U.S. consul to the U.S. ambassador has been seen
104- That Armenians who are ill not be deported
105- The Armenians who have been deported from Aleppo
106- Armenians located in Yozgat, Kirsehir, Haymana, Nallihan & Sungurlu
107- Armenians who have been deported from Izmit
108- Armenians who have been deported from Eskisehir
109- Armenians who have been deported from Kayseri
110- Deportation of Armenians Karahisar and Çay
111- Armenians who have been deported from Eskisehir
112- Armenians who have been deported from Diyarbakir; none are left
113- There are no Armenians to be deported in Nigde
114- Armenians deported from Mamuretülaziz & convoys from Sivas to Urfa
115- That Armenians not be deported from Urfa
116- Armenians to Damascus from Aleppo and Armenians in Hama and Humus
117- Deportation of Armenians to Mossul
118- Armenians to be deported from Karahisar
119- Deportation of Armenians of Ankara, Kalecik and Keskin
120- Deportation arrangements & regulations were not fully implemented
121- That the deportation of Armenians who arrived in Osmaniye was completed
122- Armenians who were deported from Sivas
123- Foreigners and Armenians who were taken out of Konya
124- Armenians who were deported from Konya
125- Armenians who were deported from Konya
126- The deportation of the Armenians of Cebel-i Bereket and Dörtyol
127- Armenians who were deported from Konya
128- The lodging and feeding of the population from Dimetoka and vicinity
129- That the relatives of Aram Efendi in Aleppo be provided comfort
130- Refugees dying of fever to be relocated at their special locations
131- Refugees dying of fever to be relocated at their special locations
132- That Armenians who pay the travel expenses may leave
133- Armenians who are in Konya to be sent to Kütahya
134- Armenians who are in the Karahisar and Çay stations
135- Settlement of those who have served well during the Aleppo deportation
136- Armenians who have been deported from Konya
137- Armenians who have been deported from Aksehir and Konya
138- Armenians sent from Diyarbakir
139- Armenians deported from Konya
140- That the Armenians of Konya not be deported before instructions arrive
141- Request for Armenian officials to work in the Ottoman Bank in Adana
142- That the Armenians in the province of Kastamonu not be expelled
143- The dismissal of the district official of Tenos who acted contrary to rules
144- The dismissal of the district official who acted contrary to rules
145- Providing food for the Armenian convoys
146- Halting the deportation of Armenians
147-Assisting Muslims whose houses were burned down
148- Leaving Begos, the nephew of Agop Boyaciyan Efendi, in Konya
149- Preventing the attacks during deportation
150- Deportation of Armenians from Birecik
151- Settling the families of Catholics, Protestants and soldiers
152- Feeding the Armenians deported to the area of the Fourth Army
153- Dispatching the gendarmerie who acted inappropriately to the military court
154- Providing bread to the Armenians
155- The areas where Armenians will be settled
156- Appointment of a delegation member responsible for preventing abuses
157- Armenians who arrived in Zor via Aleppo
158- Armenians of Aintab and ?zmit who arrived in Zor
159- Those of Aintab, Tekfurdagi, Karahisar and Aksehir who reached Zor
160- The Armenians of Mar’as, Bursa and Adapazari who arrived in Zor
161- The Armenians of Izmit and Samsun who arrived in Zor
162- The deportation of Armenians
163- The book indicating the number of Armenians within Konya has been sent
164- The number of Armenian railroad employees exempt from deportation
165- Armenian employees in the Public Debts and the Régie who are exempt
166- That Armenians are not taken out of the provinces where they are located
167- That Armenians are not taken out of their areas without permission
168- The Armenians’ smuggling large amounts of funds to Switzerland
169- That Armenians who are innocent not be deported
170- That the deportation of Armenians be ceased
171- The report to be prepared by Abdülahad Nuri Bey, Director of Deportations
172- The situation of Armenians remaining within the province
173- The feeding and lodging of Armenian families
174- Return of Armenian workers to Maras
175-The number of Armenians not deported, those arrived & on their way
176- Providing information on the number of Armenians
177- Protection of the Armenians by the sanjak governor of Maras
178- Dispersing the Armenians of Balikesir to the appropriate villages
179- The feeding and lodging of homeless Armenians
180- On the sites where Armenian families are set up, and on foreign nationals
181- Returning the deported Catholics to their areas
182- Settling the orphans of those to be evacuated, in orphanages
183- The deportation of foreign Armenians in Aleppo
184- The deportation of foreign Armenians in Aleppo
185- Abandoned properties have been annexed to the Ministry of Finance
186- The return of the relative of Hirlakyan Efendi Maras
187- Relocating the foreign Armenians in Aleppo to Zor
188- Treating the Armenians in accordance with the instructions
189- Returning the Armenian woman in Rakka and her two daughters to Aleppo
190- Relocating the dangerous and revolutionary Armenians in Konya to Zor
191- The feeding of the Armenian orphans
192- Settling Armenian girls with their families or in Darüleytam (orphanage)
193- That Armenian railroad personnel not leave without permission
194- Investigating the location of Armenians from Izmir to be deported to Mossul
195- The number & names of Armenians who are dangerous & must be expelled
196- Giving permission to the Armenians who have been announced, to leave
197- Feeding the homeless and destitute Armenians
198- Sending a book on the activities of revolutionaries who have been expelled
199- Distributing the worthless possessions of Armenians who left Çanakkale
200- Relocating the revolutionists sent from Izmir to Maras
201-The relocation of Armenian revolutionaries from Izmir to Zor
202-The destinations of the Armenians to be relocated
203- Providing for those in Yozgat who are naked, destitute & with no fuel
204- Providing allowance for the Armenians to be sent to Zor
205-Reasons for the deportation of Armenians
206-Payment of debts to the Ziraat Bank from abandoned property and land
207-Relocating those who collaborated with the revolutionaries in Geyve
208- Expelling five dangerous Armenians outside the district
209-That Armenians are allowed to return
210- Preventive measures taken for those who will be returned to their countries
211-Preventive measures taken regarding the deportation of Armenians
212- Returning the Greeks and Armenians to their communities
213- Assisting the return of Armenians and meeting their needs
214- Matters to be heeded regarding the return of the Armenians
215- The return of the Armenians to their countries
216- Role of Liman von Sanders in the relocation of Armenians
217- The removal of Greeks from the vicinity of Ayvalik
218- That Haçador Bezzazyan was paid
219- A delegation sent and paid for, investigating those who committed crimes
220- That those who committed crimes be tried by military courts
221- That the expenses of the delegations be met from the mobilization funds
222- Greeks who have committed crimes and escaped be banned from returning
223- An impartial commission be established to investigate the deportations
224- To assist the neediest of the returning Armenians
225- Treatment of Armenian children
226- The deportation of Armenian women, children and the sick by vehicle
227- Explaining how frail Armenians in the villages be treated
228- Paying the expenses relating to the deportation and feeding of Armenians
229- The travel allowance to be given to Armenians subject to being relocated
230- Ensuring the protection of Armenian orphans
231- Assistance provided to Greeks and Armenians
232- Providing the expenses of the delegation that will go to Anatolia
233- The return of the possessions of Greeks and Armenians who have returned
234- The investigation of the situation of Armenians and Greeks
235- Investigating the complaints regarding Armenian orphans
236-That the Muslim refugees and emigrants not be wronged
237- That the expenses be paid out of the mobilization fund
238- That the relocation of Armenians en masse not be allowed
239- The reason for a 2nd request for funds for Arab, Greek % Armenian families
240- That Greeks who were removed from their villages be allowed to return
241- The deportation of Armenians, whose postponement is not appropriate
242- Paying the expenses of investigators of the returning Greeks & Armenians
243- Armenian children with Muslims be delivered to Armenian commissions
244- The return of real estate and land of Armenians from Yalova & Laledere
245- Paying the expenses of the priest, Simpat Efendi
246- The return of the properties of Armenians and Greeks who were relocated
247- Investigation of those who mistreated Armenians during the deportations
248- Investigating the claim that the district official of Keskin killed Armenians
249- Returning the possessions stored in government offices to their owners
250- Returning the non-Muslim children to their relatives or to their communities
251- Feeding the returning Armenians
252- Returning two Armenian children who were circumcised
253- Request to return to Aintab the officials under arrest dispatched to Aleppo
254- Assistance provided to the Armenian and Greek refugees
255- Exempting Armenians and Greeks from some taxes
256- Providing food for the Armenians
257- Bringing back Artin Efendi’s family who was dispatched
258- Assistance to those investigating the return of Greeks & Armenians
259- Handing over the possessions of those who have returned to their lands
260- The return of those who escaped to Germany
261- Regarding the denial of the proposal to establish investigative commissions
262- Settlement of Armenian widows and orphans
263- That money was sent for the return of Armenians to their lands
264- The dispatching of refugees free of charge
265- Trying those who committed crimes during the deportations
266- The Armenian industrialist Madriros sues for the return of his properties
267- Claims that the Greek & Armenians were attacked are unfounded
268- Legal advisor Mehmet Münir's report on the reasons for the deportations
269- The letter of Diyarbakir's Bishop Kendifyan on the activities of Armenians
270- The policy on those involved in deportation and who are under arrest
271- Request for amnesty by the British political monitor for Ahmet Refik
272- Exempting the Armenians from tax


- 1 -

The world war and the Turco-Armenian question


[Report issued by the (Bern) Ottoman Printing Office, indicating that in the beginning of 1915, the deportation of the Armenians was necessary, that Armenians were provoked against the Ottoman Government through Armenian, British, Russian funds and intrigues, that it could be acknowledged that during the deportation of the Armenians low-level officials had acted too zealously; that, however a great majority of the Turks had no responsibility in this matter, and that in addition the Armenian had abused and mistreated Turks]

BOA. HR. HU, Kr. 108/141 (6 images)



- 2 -

The Deportation of the Armenians of Dörtyol


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the Province of Adana, regarding that the Armenians of Dörtyol be deported to determined areas and that rebellions and revolts be not permitted]

15 R. 1333 (2 March 1915)

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 50/141



- 3 -

Atrocities perpetrated against the Muslims and prisoners
of war in the Caucasus


The first of two images regarding this
communication. For the originals, please
consult the Turkish site (link above).


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Exterior to the Ministry of the Interior regarding that the number of Muslim men killed in the vicinity of Kars and Ardahan had reached thirty thousand, that houses were burned, that women and children were in a wretched condition, that Armenians deliberately were becoming prisoners, that they would later escape and relay the information they obtained to the Russians; that it was necessary to be cautious in this matter, that requests were made of the Embassy of Italy for the good treatment of our prisoners.]

19 R.1333 (6 March 1915)

BOA. HR. HU, Kr.122/6 (2 images)



- 4 -

Russian and Armenian cruelties towards
the Ottoman prisoners of war


[That the necessary attempts be made to prevent the Russian and Armenian cruelties towards the Ottoman prisoners of war in the Caucasus.]

8 Mart [1]331 (21 March 1915)

BOA. HR. HU, Kr. 122/4



- 5 -

Cruelties towards the Muslims and prisoners
of war in the Caucasus


[Memorial from the Supreme Military Command of the Ottoman Army, that the number of those killed in the vicinity of Kars and Ardahan with the incitements of Russians has reached thirty thousand Muslims, that the women and children are in a wretched condition in the mountains, and that necessary petitions be made to neutral nations on the subject.]

5 Ca. [1]334 (21 March 1915)

BOA. HR. HU, Kr. 122/ 4

- 6 -

Deportation of the refugees of Aintab to Zeitun


[Ciphered telegram the Ministry of the Interior to the 4th Army Command, regarding that the deportation of the Aintab refugees to Zeitun has begun, however, because Zeitun is not suitable for settlement and agriculture, that an opinion be communicated.]

5 C. 1333 (20 April 1915)

Ali Münîf

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 52/51



- 7 -

The end of the deportation of Armenians to Konya,
and their subsequent deportation
to Aleppo, Zor and Urfa


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the Fourth Army Command, regarding that no more Armenians be sent to Konya From the Zeitun and Mar’as region, other than those who have already been sent, and that those who will be sent from now on be sent to Aleppo, Zor and Urfa.]

9 C. 1333 (24 April 1915)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 52/93



- 8 -

The deportation of Armenians who were Sent from
Haydarpasa by Train to Ayas and Çankiri


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the Province of Ankara regarding that some of the one hundred eighty Armenians sent by train from Haydarpasa remain under arrest in Ayas, and dispatching about hundred of them to Çankiri and keeping them]

10 C. 1333 (25 April 1915)

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 52/102



- 9 -

Determining the number of Armenians in order to
ascertain the amount of funds to be expended
for the Armenians who were sent to Konya


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the Province of Konya, regarding that a communiqué was submitted to the Ministry of Finance for payment of the lodging and food expenses of the Armenians sent to Konya, and that the number of Armenians should be determined for this purpose.]

20 C. 1333 (5 May 1915)

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 52/235



- 10 -

The dismissal of Armenian officials who are revolutionary committee members and who have proven to be disloyal


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of Finance regarding the dismissal of those Armenian employees of the Finance whose membership in revolutionary committees and whose disloyalty has been established, and sending the relevant ones to provinces having no Armenian population.]

21 C. 1333 (6 May 1915)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr.52/249


- 11 -

Allowing some Armenians who were sent to Çankiri, to return to Istanbul

[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the Province of Kastamonu regarding the permission given for the return of Torkumyan, Nargileciyan, Keropeyan, Bardizbanyan, Keçiyan, Tolayan, Kargozyan and Komidas who were sent to Çankiri, to Istanbul.]

22 C. 1331(7 May 1915)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 52/255



- 12 -

That Diran Kelekyan may reside in any
province he wishes outside of Istanbul


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the Province of Kastamonu, that of those sent to Çankiri, Diran Kelekyan may reside in one of the provinces having no Armenian population, other than Istanbul.]

23 C. 1333 (8 May 1915)

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 52/266


- 13 -

The Deportation of the Armenian of Zeitun



[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the Maras governorship, regarding that the necessity of expulsion all of the Armenians of Zeitun was communicated to the Supreme Military Command.]24 C. 1333 (9 May 1915)TalatBOA. DH. SFR, nr. 52/286




-14 -

The expulsion and deportation of Armenians who are
numerous in the provinces of Van and Bitlis


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the Provinces of Van and Bitlis, regarding that it has been decided to deport the Armenians who are concentrated in specific areas of the province of Van, to the south, that the concerned units have been notified in order to facilitate the deportation process, and that the Armenians living in the south of Erzurum and in districts of Bitlis will also be included in the deportation.]

24 C. 1333 (9 May 18915)

BOA.DH. SFR, nr. 52/282




- 15 -

The drafting of books showing the names and
occupations of Armenians in Ayas and Çankiri


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the provinces of Ankara and Kastamonu, regarding that the book indicating the names, titles and occupations, places of residence in Istanbul and places of birth of the Armenian who are under arrest in Ayas and who have been exiled to Çankiri, should be prepared and sent.]

25 C. 1333 (10 May 1916)


BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 52/297


- 16 -

The Number of Armenians expelled from Haçin,
Dörtyol, etc., and their destinations


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Adana, regarding the number of Armenians taken out of Haçin, Dörtyol, etc., and where they were sent.]

27 C. 1333 (12 May 1915)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 52/338



- 17 -

The deportation decision of the cabinet


[The deportation decision taken by the cabinet following the communication dated 13 May [1]331 and number 270 of the Ministry of the Interior, regarding the deportation of Armenians who have engaged in dangerous activities, such as collaborating with the enemy, massacring innocent people and instigating rebellions, to Mossul, Zor, Aleppo, and some regions of Syria Those Armenians who are to be deported are to have their security guaranteed.]

16 B. 1333 (30 May 1915)

BOA. Meclis-i Vükelâ Mazbatasi, 198/163 (2 images)



- 18 -

Deportation of the Armenians who were removed from Erzurum, to the south of Urfa and Mossul and the sanjak of Zor


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the province of Erzurum, regarding that because the settlement of Armenians taken out of Erzurum, in Kastamonu and Sivas is not appropriate, the Armenians who were sent in this direction should be detoured and sent to the south of Urfa and Mossul, and to the sanjak of Zor.]

4 B. 1333 (18 May 1915)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 53/48



- 19 -

Resettlement of the Armenians of the province
of Van, to Mossul, Zor and Urfa


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the provinces of Erzurum, Van, Bitlis, regarding that the Armenians in the province should be settled in designated places in the province o Mossul and in the sanjaks of Zor and Urfa, that their protection should be ensured, and that they may take with them their movable goods an possessions.]

9 B. 1333 (23 May 1915)


BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 53/93




- 20 -

Procedures to be implemented regarding Christians
who are allies of the enemy and Muslims
who collaborate with them


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the Fourth Army Command, regarding searches to be made in the houses o Christians who are allies of the enemy, and of Muslims who collaborate with them, and that they be court-martialed.]

9 B. 1333 (23 May 1915)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 53/85


- 21 -

Providing information on the situation
as Armenian villages are evacuated


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the provinces of Adana, Aleppo, Erzurum, Van, Bitlis, regarding that as Armenian villages are evacuated, information be provided on their numbers, the name of the village and where they have gone.]

11 B. 1333 (25 May 1915)

Ali Münif

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 53/113



- 22 -

The deportation of the Armenians of Erzurum
because of its proximity to the Russian border


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior the province of Erzurum, regarding that the Armenians of Erzurum be sent away due to its proximity to the Russian border, and that there is no need to deport the Armenians of Diyarbakir, Harput and Sivas.]

13 B. 1333 (27 May 1915)

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 53/129




- 23 -

Payment of the Armenians food and lodging expenses
from the fund allocated for the refugees


[Ciphered telegram sent by the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Konya regarding that the necessary food and lodging expenses of the Armenians be paid out of the refugees fund.]

15 B. 1333 (29 May 1915)

Ali Münîf

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 53/152




- 24 -

That the debts of deported Armenians will not be claimed


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the governor of the sanjak of Maras regarding that the debts of Armenians who were deported will not be claimed.]

18 B. 1333 (1June 1915)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 53/200




- 25 -

Implementation of the deportation procedures in areas
where Armenians are numerous


[Ciphered telegram sent from the Ministry of the Interior to the provinces and sanjaks of Edirne, Aleppo, Urfa, Eskisehir, Maras, etc., regarding that the communication concerning the arrest and banishment of entrepreneurial and detrimental characters among the Armenian ant the leaders of the revolutionary committees had been misunderstood, that the banishment procedure be applied to those characters with connections to unlawful activities in neighborhoods with a large population of Armenians.]

18 B. 1333 (1 June 1915)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 53/201

LIST:
devletarsivleri.gov.tr/yayin/osmanli/armenians_inottoman/2b_025.htm







- 26 -

Sending Azadamard Haci Hayk Tiryak, an Armenian
revolutionary committee member, to Ayas


[Ciphered telegram sent from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Kastamonu regarding that Azadamard Haci Hayk Tiryakiyan, a member of the Dashnaksutiun committee be sent to Ayas under protection.]

24 B. 1333 (7 June 1915)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 53/273




- 27 -

Letting the Armenians who reside due to commercial
and similar [activities], stay


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the governor of the sanjak of Maras, regarding that the Armenians residing for purpose of commerce, etc. in areas that are being evacuated, remain in those areas.]

25 B. 1333 (8 June 1915)

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 53/295




- 28 -

That it is not appropriate for the 500 Armenians of Ezine
to stay there and to deport them to other locations


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the governor of the sanjak of Kal’a-i Sultaniye, regarding that of the 500 Armenians who are in Ezine, those who are members of revolutionary committees be apprehended, and that the others be sent to an appropriate location within the district, and if such a location cannot be found, than to Karesi.]

25 B. 1333 (8 June 1915)

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 53/289



- 29 -

The goods and possessions left behind by Armenians
who emigrated, and the Armenians whose
deportation has been postponed


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Erzurum, regarding that since the possessions left behind by the migrating Armenians will be paid for by the government to their owners, the abandoned possessions should be safeguarded and sold in the name of their owners, and that the deportation of sick women and those who work in the military workshop, be postponed.]

26 B. 1333 (9 June 1915)

Ali Münîf

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 53/303



- 30 -

The Armenians who were sent from Develi to Aksaray


[Ciphered telegram from the governor of the sanjak of Kayseri to the Ministry of the Interior, regarding that the Armenians are being taken out of the village of Küçük Incesu in Develi, on their way to Aksaray.]

26 B. (9 June 1915)

Kayseri Mutasarrifi

Zekai

BOA. DH.EUM, 2. Sb. 68/36


- 31 -

The money order sent in response to the instructions
relating to the settlement of Armenians and
their food and lodging expenses


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Mossul, regarding that the regulations concerning the settlement of Armenians is in the mail, and that a money order of five hundred thousand kurus has been sent, out of the refugees fund for lodging and food expenses.]

26 B. 1333 (9 June 1915)

Ali Münif

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 53/305




- 32 -

That it is requested that an American member be sent
in order to assist the Armenians of Zeitun who
were deported to Konya


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Konya, regarding whether there are any drawbacks in sending a member of the American delegation to assist the Armenians of Zeitun deported to Konya.]

27 B. 1333 (10 June 1915)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 53/312




- 33 -

That it is not appropriate to deport Armenians from
provincial subdivisions and other related
areas outside Küçük Incesu


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the governor of the sanjak of Kayseri, regarding that Armenian not be deported from places other than Küçük Incesu keeping in mind the possibility that the resettled Armenians may also form the majority of the population in their new locations.]

29 B. 1333 (12 June 1915)

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 53/326




- 34 -

Protecting the deported Armenians on the roads
and punishing those who attack them


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Erzurum, regarding the protection of the Armenians on the roads during their deportation, the punishment of the deserters and those who attack them, and that the old road be used in the deportation.]

1 S. 1333 (14 June 1915)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 54/10




- 35 -

That Armenians deported from Erzurum were attacked;
that the necessary preventive measures be taken
for their protection

[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the provinces of Diyarbakir, Mamuretülaziz and Bitlis, regarding that a convoy sent from Erzurum has been massacred by Kurds, that necessary measures be taken for the protection of the deported on the road, and that skirmishes not be allowed.]

1 S. 1333 (14 June 1915)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 54/9




- 36 -

The deportation of the Armenians of SuSehri;
and not to deport the Armenians of Sivas


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Sivas, regarding that the Armenians of Susehri and Sivas not be deported before the Ministry is consulted.]

1 S. 1333 (14 June 1915)

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 54/7




- 37 -

The deportation of the Armenians of Sis


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Adana, regarding that the deportation of all Armenians of Sis is appropriate.]

4 S. 1333 (17 June 1915)

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 54/51




- 38 -

That it is not possible to immediately transport ten thousand refugees


[Ciphered telegram sent from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Diyarbakir, regarding that it is not possible to deport the refugees, that most of the Muslim refugees will be settled, and that the economic and geographical information requested about the Armenian villages be taken into consideration.]

4 S. 1333 (17 June 1915)

Ali Münif

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 54/39



- 39 -

The investigation of the situation of the deported Armenians


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Aleppo, regarding the investigation of the news that some of the Armenians sent from Maras and other places, to be deported to the southeastern part of the province, were left in the capital of the province.]

4 S. 1333 (17 June 1915)

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 54/54



- 40 -

That the Armenian Catholic missionaries
remain in Erzurum


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Erzurum, regarding that the Catholic Armenian missionaries and sisters not be sent for the time being.]

4 S. 1333 (17 June 1915)

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 54/55



- 41 -

The expulsion of the Armenian plenipotentiary


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the governor of the sanjak of Kayseri, regarding the exile of the Armenian envoy.]

6 S. 1333 (19 June 1915)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 54/64



- 42 -

Settling the Armenians to the west of the Baghdad line


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Mossul, regarding that the Armenians sent to the province of Mossul be settled in areas located to the west of the Baghdad line.]

8 S. 1333 (21 June 1915)

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 54/83



- 43 -

Settling the Armenians to the east and south
of the Baghdad line


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the governors of the sanjaks of Urfa and Zor, regarding the settlement of the Armenians to be sent, to the south of the Baghdad line.]

8 S. 1333 (21 June 1915)

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 54/84



- 44 -

Giving information on the settlement areas
of the Armenian inhabitants


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the provinces of Mamuretülaziz, Trabzon, Sivas and to the governor of the sanjak of Canik, regarding information on the names, numbers of the villages and towns inhabited by Armenians, whose evacuation has been decided, and where will be sent.]

11 S. 1333 (24 June 1915)

Ali Münîf

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 54/136




- 45 -

Settling the Armenian children in orphanages


[Ciphered telegram sent from the Ministry of Public Instruction to the provinces of Diyarbakir, Adana, Trabzon, Sivas, Bitlis, Van, etc., regarding notifying whether or not an appropriate building will be found, and the number of children, in order to settling the young Armenian children who have been relocated or taken away.]

13 S. 1333 (26 June 1915)

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 54/150



- 46 -

That the deportation of Armenians
be carried out in security


[Ciphered telegram sent by the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Erzurum, regarding the continuation of the deportation of Armenians, whose expulsion is undertaken, by ensuring their safety.]

13 S. 1333 (26 June 1915)

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 54/156




- 47 -

The situation of the homeless Armenian children


[Ciphered telegram sent by the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Mamuretülaziz, regarding that it has been found appropriate that the homeless Armenian children remain in their locations.]

13 S. 1333 (26 June 1915)

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 54/163



- 48 -

Settlement of Greeks in Armenian and Greek villages


[Ciphered telegram sent by the Ministry of the Interior to the Hüdavendigar province, regarding distributing of Greeks who will be arriving, to Greek and Armenian villages, and preventing that they spread into the interior.]

13 S. 1333 (26 June 1915)

Ali Münîf

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 54/158



- 49 -

Attacks by Dersim bandits on Armenian convoys


[Ciphered telegram from by the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Mamuretülaziz, regarding taking the necessary measures to prevent the brigands of Dersim from waylaying and killing the Armenians sent from Erzurum.]

13 S. 1333 (26 June 1915)

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 54/162


- 50 -

Protecting the goods of deported Armenians


[Ciphered telegram sent by the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Sivas, Trabzon and Mamuretülaziz, and to the governor of the sanjak of Canik, regarding that the regulations concerning the safekeeping of the possessions of Armenians whose transfer has been decided, has been sent.]

14 S. 1333 (27 June 1915)

Ali Münif

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 54/202


- 51 -

Lodging of refugees in Armenian villages


[Ciphered telegram sent by the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Mamuretülaziz, regarding the settlement of refugees in evacuated villages.]

14 S. 1333 (27 June 1915)

Ali Münif

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 54/189



- 52 -

The distribution of the inhabitants in the war regions


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior, to the province of Erzurum, regarding the settlement of people emigrating from the war regions, within the province and within the evacuated Armenian villages of the province of Van.]

14 S. 1333 (27 June 1915)

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 54/203




- 53 -

That the Armenian officials in the public
debts will remain where they are


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Trabzon, regarding that the Armenians employed in the Public Debts remain where they are.]

15 S. 1333 (28 June 1915)

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 54/221




- 54 -

Protecting the abandoned properties and
recording them in the books


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the governor of the sanjak of Kayseri, regarding that the regulations concerning the need to establish a commission consisting of officials from Finance and Civil Service, for the safekeeping and recording of abandoned properties, have been sent.]

15 S. 1333 (28 June 1915)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 54/226




- 55 -

That there is not sufficient information
on deported Armenians


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the provinces of Trabzon, Sivas, Mamuretülaziz and Diyarbakir and to the governor of the sanjak of Canik, regarding sending the necessary information, as it is not known where the Armenians, whose deportation has begun, will be sent, and in what number.]

15 S. 1333 (28 June 1915)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 54/222



- 56 -

Conflicts between Muslims and Armenians
within the Urfa district


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior, to the governor of the sanjak of Urfa, regarding that necessary explanations be provided about the news that fractions between Muslims and Armenians have increased within the Urfa district and that on the other hand, the required measures were not taken.]

18 S. 1333 (1 July 1915)

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 54/267



- 57 -

Armenians deported from Ordu, Persembe, Ulubey,
Görele, Tirebolu, Sürmene and Trabzon


[Ciphered telegram from the governor of the province Trabzon, to the Ministry of the Interior regarding the Armenians sent from Ordu, Persembe, Ulubey, Görele, Sürmene, Tirebolu and Trabzon and the incidents that have occurred.]

18 S. 1333 (1 July 1915)

Trabzon Valisi (Governor)

Cemal Azmi

BOA. DH. EUM, 2. Sb. 68/41




- 58 -

Deportation of Armenians who converted to Islam


[Ciphered telegram Ministry of the Interior to the various provinces and governors of sanjaks, regarding that as it understood that deported Armenians are converting to Islam in order to stay in the their lands, they should be deported to determined areas without any regard to their conversion.]

18 S. 1333 (1 July 1915)

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 54/254




- 59 -

With the exception of those Armenians who are tradesmen and merchants, expelling the Armenians who are members of revolutionary committees


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior, to the governors of the provinces of Trabzon, Sivas, Diyarbakir, Mamuretülaziz and to the governor of the sanjak of Canik, regarding that the Armenians who are members of revolutionary committees and harmful be sent away and that the artisans and tradesmen be relocated to other towns.]

22 S. 1333 (4 July 1915)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 54/287




- 60 -

The travel ban imposed on Armenians and ruling on the
request or an Armenian who is a Bulgarian citizen,
to go to Bulgaria


[Memorial from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Supreme Military Command, regarding that the situation that arose after a resident of Beyoglu, who is a Bulgarian citizen, wanted to return to Bulgaria, be solved.]

21 S. 1333 (4 July 1915)

BOA. HR. HU. Kr: 109 D.1/7 (2 images)


- 61 -

Harvesting the crops in areas from where
Armenians have been expelled


[Ciphered telegram sent from the Ministry of the Interior to the provinces of Sivas, Diyarbakir and Mamuretülaziz, regarding the problems with harvesting in the areas evacuated by Armenians, that harvesting should be done under the supervision of the Commission of Abandoned Properties, and that the related needs be communicated.]

22 S. 1333 (5 July 1915)

Ali Münîf

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 54/301




- 62 -

Expanding the area where Armenians will be settled, and to settle them based on a ratio 10% of the Muslim population


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the governor of the sanjak of Zor, regarding the decision to expand the regions to be settled by Armenians, and that Armenians be settled on the Iranian border and in the provinces of Mossul, Aleppo and Syria, at a ratio of 10% of the Muslim population.]

22 S. 1333 (5 July 1915)

Ali Münîf

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 54/308




- 63 -

Expanding the areas allocated for
the settlement of Armenians


[Ciphered telegram sent from the Ministry of the Interior to various provinces and sanjaks, regarding that the areas allocated for the settlement of Armenians be expanded, that the resettlement plan for the region of Kirkuk, Diyarbakir and Aleppo be circulated and that settlement be effected so as not exceed 10% of the Muslim population.]

22 S. 1333 (5 July 1915)

Ali Münîf

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 54/315




- 64 -

That Armenians may sell their movable
properties to Muslims


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the president of the Abandoned Properties Commission of Dörtyol/Adana, regarding that Armenians may sell their movable properties, to the Muslims, for the real value of their properties.]

24 S. 1333 (7 July 1915)

Ali Münîf

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 54/346




- 65 -

Giving information on the individuals who, among
the deported Armenians were employed at the Régie


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to various provinces and sanjaks, regarding notification of the names of individuals employed at the Régie and the reasons for expelling them, and who are among the deported.]

27 S. 1333 (10 July 1915)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 54/368


- 66 -

Determining the debts of deported Armenians
and protecting their goods


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Trabzon, regarding that the debts of Armenians deported within the country, be recorded and that the properties they have abandoned not be allowed to go into the hands of foreigners, and that they be safeguarded.]

28 S. 1333 (11 July 1915)

Ali Münîf

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 54/393




- 67 -

That the travel ban for Armenians does not pertain
to those who are not Ottoman subjects


[Memorial from the Supreme Military Command to the Ministry of foreign Affairs, regarding that the order not to allow Armenians to enter or leave the country may not be extended to foreign Armenian nationals.]

28 S. 1333 (11 July 1915)

Enver

BOA. HR. HU. Kr: 109 D.1/7




- 68 -

Providing information on the places and names
of deported Armenians


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to various provinces, regarding that information be provided on the names of locations evacuated by Armenians, the number of Armenians evacuated, and the settlement of refugees in evacuated locations.]

29 S. 1333 (12 July 1915)

Ali Münif

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 54/412




- 69 -

Procedures to be carried out regarding
the effects of deported Armenians


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Trabzon, regarding providing the settlement of refugees arriving from Batum and vicinity, the sale of perishable goods and animals, the safekeeping of the goods and possessions in their houses, not to allocate their immovable properties, the safekeeping their jewelry, and the postponement of the collection of taxes from Armenians.]

29 S. 1333 (12 July 1915)

Ali Münîf

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 54/420




- 70 -

Because Armenians settled in the sanjak of Zor have surpassed 10% of the population, that deportation to that area be ceased


[Ciphered telegram sent from the Directorate of Settlement of Tribes and Refugees to the provinces of Adana, Erzurum, Bitlis, Aleppo, etc., and to the sanjaks of Canik, Izmit, etc., regarding that returning the Armenians to the sanjak of Zor would not be appropriate as the Armenians to be settled have exceeded the 10% ratio, and that the situation be communicated to the officials carrying out the deportation.]

29 S. 1333 (12 July 1915)

Ali Münîf

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 54/413



- 71 -

That allegations of a massacre be investigated and that preventive measures implemented for Armenians are not implemented for the Christian population


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior, to the province of Diyarbakir, regarding the investigation of news there Armenians and Christians are being massacred, that seven hundred people have been killed sheep that the total number of people killed is estimated to be two thousand, that an end be put immediately to these actions.]

29 S. 1333 (12 July 1915)

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 54/406




- 72 -

That Armenians who have converted to Islam
be also expelled


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the governor of the sanjak to Kayseri, regarding the continuation of the expulsion of Armenians who have converted to Islam.]

1 N. 1333 (13 July 1915)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 54/427





- 73 -

Deportation of Armenian soldiers to worker battalions


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the governor of the sanjak of Canik, regarding that an order concerning the employment of and not dispatching Armenians who are not trustworthy, to the interior, was not issued, that on the contrary, some of the objectionable Armenians be employed in road services.]

1 N. 1333 (13 July 1915)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 54/439





- 74 -

That publications not be published without permission
regarding matters that pertain to state policy


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior from various provinces and governors of sanjaks, regarding that due to the publication of an official statement in the Mesveret newspaper published in Trabzon, stating that Armenians have been temporarily exiled, it should be ensured that subjects that concern the policy of the state not be published unnecessarily.]

17 N. 1333 (29 July 1915)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 54-A/181




- 75 -

That Armenians between 16-60 years not be let
outside the country


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to various provinces and governors of sanjaks, regarding preventing that male Armenians between 16 and 60 years leave the Ottoman lands.]

21 N. 1333 (2 August 1915)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 54-A/251

LIST:
devletarsivleri.gov.tr/yayin/osmanli/armenians_inottoman/2b_075.htm


- 76 -

That Catholic Armenians not be deported


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to various provinces and governors of sanjaks, regarding that the catholic Armenians who remain not be deported and that their numbers be communicated.]

22 N. 1333 (4 August 1915)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 54-A/252


- 77 -

That the entries and exits to and from the country
be regulated throughout the mobilization


[Communications from the Supreme Military Command to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, regarding that throughout the mobilization period, Armenians who are citizens of neutral nations may be permitted leave the country on the condition that they do not return, and that foreigners, no matter what their nationality, not be permitted enter the country.]

24 N. 1333 (5 August 1915)

Enver

BOA. HR. HU. Kr: 109 D.1/7


- 78 -

Ascertainment of the news about the deportation
of Greeks together with the Armenians


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the governor of the sanjak of Eskisehir, regarding that the news that Greeks have been deported together with Armenians be investigated and that the situation be communicated.]

28 N. 1333 (9 August 1915)

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 54-A/328


- 79 -

The distribution of Armenian families without
a male member and of young children


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the governor of the province of Aleppo, regarding that Armenian families having no male member, not be distributed to large cities, that homeless children may be distributed to Muslim villages.]

28 N. 1333 (9 August 1915)

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 54-A/325


- 80 -

Payment of debts and credits of deported Armenians


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to various provinces and governors of sanjaks, regarding that the regulations concerning the payment of the debts and credits of deported Armenians have been sent, and that these individuals should be determined.]

29 N. 1333 (10 August 1915)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 54-A/368



- 81 -

Protecting the movable properties of deported Armenians


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to various provinces and governors of sanjaks, regarding that as it is claimed that the immovable properties of relocated Armenians have been sold under value, the agreements pertaining to the sale of these properties have been cancelled.]

30 N. 1333 (11 August 1915)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 54/381


- 82 -

Those who converted to Islam, those who got married
and the inheritance matters of the children


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to various provinces and governors of sanjaks, regarding the protection of personal properties of children left with people who converted to Islam, who were married and who are reliable, and that the shares of those whose testators have died, be given to them.]

30 N. 1333 (11 August 1915)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 54-A/382



- 83 -

That Protestant Armenians not be deported


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to various provinces and governors of sanjaks, regarding that the Protestant Armenians who were not deported, not be deported and that their numbers of those who were deported and who remain be communicated.]

4 L. 1333 (15 August 1915)

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 55/20

- 84 -

That Armenian members of parliament
and their families not be expelled


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to various provinces and governors of sanjaks, regarding that the Armenian deputies and their families not be expelled.]

4 L. 1333 (15 August 1915)

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 55/19

- 85 -

That the deportation of photographer Papazyan
of Istanbul be postponed


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Hüdavendigar, regarding the postponement until further notice of the deportation of the photographer Papazyan who is the father-in-law of Nikolo, a doctor at the Bulgarian hospital in Istanbul.]

4 L. 1333 (15 August 1915)

Ali Münif

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 55/21


- 86 -

Problems faced during the deportation of Armenians


[Telegram sent from Adana to the cipher office of the Ministry of the Interior, regarding that the Armenians resident of the province of Adana were sent to the center of Cebel-i Bereket district and to Cebel by way of Islaca, that Armenians were sent from the capital of the province towards Osmaniye by train and by their own modes of transportation, that Armenians were also sent from Haçin, Teke, Kozan, Kars and that few Armenians have remained here, that the fact that these Armenians work in factories working for the military is complicating the deportations, that determining the number of Armenians who were deported and who remain can be understood through communication.]

5 I. 1333 (16 August 1915)
BOA .DH .EUM, 2 .Sb .68/77


- 87 -

The areas where Armenians will be deported


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the provinces of Aleppo, Diyarbakir, Mamuretülaziz and to the governor of the sanjak of Urfa, regarding that the deportation should continue as before, as the Supreme Military Command will inform the Fourth Army Command of the areas where the Armenians will be sent.]

6 L. 1333 (17 August 1915)

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 55/47


- 88 -

That the Armenians of Antalya not be deported


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the governor of the sanjak of Antalya, regarding that due to their low numbers, the Armenians there should not be expelled for the time being.]

6 L. 1333 (17 August 1915)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 55/59

- 89 -

That Armenian children in Bilecik Muratça
not be deported


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Hüdâvendigâr, regarding that the children under the supervision of the German citizen Maria in Muratça, near Bilecik, not be deported.]

6 L. 1333 (17 August 1915)

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 55/49

- 90 -

That officials and other workers working
for the railroad not be deported


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to various provinces and governors of sanjaks, regarding that the officials and workers of the railroad who have their documents not be deported for the time being.]

6 L. 1333 (17 August 1915)

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 55/48


- 91 -

That teachers and children not be deported


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior the province of Sivas, regarding that the teacher and children in the orphanage may remain there for the time being.]

6 L. 1333 (17 August 1915)

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 55/42


- 92 -

That the matter in the telegram sent
from Yozgat be investigated


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior the province of Ankara, regarding that the telegram sent in Yozgat with the signature of Santik Çogozciyan be studied and that the fate of their spouses be communicated.]

6 L. 1333 (17 August 1915)

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 55/43



- 93 -

That the matter in the telegram sent from
Yozgat be investigated


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the interior to the province of Ankara, regarding that the telegram sent in Yozgat with the signature of Santik Çogozciyan be studied and that the fate of their spouses be communicated.]

6 L. 1333 (17 August 1915)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 55/63


- 94 -

The deportation of the Armenians of Bitlis and Mus


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Bitlis and Mus to determined areas has been communicated to the Supreme Military Command.]

6 L. 1333 (17 August 1915)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 55/55

- 95 -

That the families of soldiers and officers not be deported


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the interior to various provinces and governors of sanjaks , regarding that the Armenians who are families of soldiers, officers and medical corps officers not be deported and that they remain where they are.]

4 L. 1333 (15 August 1915)

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 55/18


- 96 -

Marrying the Armenian girls who have converted to Islam


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the governors of the sanjak of Nigde, regarding that is appropriate to marry the Armenian girls who converted to Islam, with Muslims, and to prevent any abuse.]

7 L. 1333 (18 August 1915)

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 55/92

- 97 -

The deportation to Aleppo of Armenians
who arrived in Kütahya


[Telegram sent from the directorate of refugees to the governor of the sanjak of Kütahya, regarding sending the Armenians who arrived in Kütahya, to Aleppo, and to pay the necessary expenses from allocations of the refugees fund.]

8 L. 1333 (19 August 1915)

Subhî

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 55/106

- 98 -

That officials may buy houses from Armenians


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Hüdavendigar, regarding that officials may purchase houses from the Armenians with an advance payment and based on the actual value. ]

8 L. 1333 (19 August1915)

Subhi

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 55/107


- 99 -

The objectives and principles which must be kept in mind
in the deportation of Armenians


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the various provinces, regarding that the Armenians were deported to prevent that they work against the government, that individuals other than those that have been determined not be deported, that their expenses be paid out of the refugees fund, that the necessary measures be taken for the protection of the convoys, that those who attack them be severely punished. and officials prompting such acts]

8 L. 1333 (19 August 1915)

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 55/292


- 100 -

Fighting between Armenian bands and the gendarmerie
in Memurretülaziz


[Letter from the U.S. Consulate in Mamuretülaziz to the U.S. Embassy, regarding the Armenian bands' wounding and killing of individuals in the Mamuretülaziz region, their fighting with the gendarmerie that are wounded and killed, and the Armenians that are killed by the gendarmerie.]

12 L. 1333 (23 August1915)

BOA. DH. EUM , 2.Sb. 68/83


- 101 -

That preventive measures be taken to prevent attacks
by Armenian bands to Muslim villages


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Bursa, regarding that the gendarmerie acted irresponsibly in punishing the Armenian bands that attacked villages in the Yalova and Izmit region, that the governor of the sanjak of Izmit had been ordered to immediately dispatch the regiment commander to the region to carry out the required prosecution, and that in addition those officials whose guilt in this matter will be established, shall be punished.]

18 L. 1333 (29 August 1915)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 55/296

- 102 -

Protection and deportation of Armenians
who have been gathered


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Aleppo, regarding that care be given to the relocation and feeding of Armenians gathered in station, to determined locations, that they be protected from attacks.]

25 L. 1333 (5 September 1915)

Subhi

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 55 A/77

- 103 -

That the correspondence of the American consul in Mamuretülaziz to the American ambassador in Istanbul, has been seen


[Memorial from the Ministry of the Interior to the Directorate of General Security, regarding that the letter sent by the U.S. Consul in Mamuretülaziz to the U.S. Ambassador in Istanbul, informing of the murders committed by Armenians within the province has been examined and sent to the Embassy.]

4 Za. 1333 (13 September 1915)

Semih

BOA. DH. EUM , 2.Sb. 68/84

- 104 -

That Armenians who are ill not be deported


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Adana, that the families of the ill and blind Armenians not be deported.]

6 Za. 1333 (15 September 1915)

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 56/27

- 105 -

The Armenians who have been deported from Aleppo


[Ciphered telegram from the province of Aleppo to the Ministry of the Interior, regarding that some of the Armenians within the province have been sent to the province of Syria and to the kazas of Menç, Bab, Ma’arra, that sending that remaining ones in convoys of thousand people and by train is in progress, that the Armenians of Kilis and Aintab are being sent to the area of Urfa, Zor, Mossul.]

7 Za. 1333 (1 September 1915)

Vali (Governor)

Bekir Sami

BOA. DH. EUM, 2. Sb. 68/76


- 106 -

The Armenians located in Yozgat, Kirsehir, Haymana, Nallihan and Sungurlu nd the Armenians who have been deported from Ankara


[Ciphered telegram from the governor of the province of Ankara to the Ministry of the Interior, regarding the number of Armenians to be sent from Ankara, those who will be sent to Aleppo and Zor, and those who are located in Yozgat, Kirsehir, Haymana, Nallihan and Sungurlu.]

8 Za. 1333 (17 September 1915)

Âtif

BOA. DH. EUM, 2. Sb. 68/66

- 107 -

Armenians who have been deported from Izmit


[Ciphered telegram from the governor of the sanjak of Izmit to the Ministry of the Interior, regarding the number of Armenians sent from Izmit and that there are no Armenians gathered in stations within the district.]

8 Za. 1333 (17 September 1915)

Mazhar

BOA. DH. EUM, 2.Sb. 68/67

- 108 -

Armenians who have been deported from Eskisehir


[Ciphered telegram from the governor of the sanjak of Eskisehir to the Ministry of the Interior, regarding that the Armenians located in the area have been sent.]

8 Za. 1333 (17 September 1915)

Refet

BOA. DH. EUM, 2. Sb. 68/15


- 109 -

Armenians who have been deported from Kayseri


[Ciphered telegram from the governor of the sanjak of Kayseri to the Ministry of the Interior, regarding the number of Armenians who were sent among those deported from Kayseri to the provinces of Aleppo, Syria and Mossul and who returned after deserting, and that the remaining ones are settled in villages.]

9 Za. 1333 (18 September 1915)

Zekai

BOA. DH. EUM, 2. Sb. 68/75

- 110 -

Deportation of Armenians from Karahisar and Çay


[Ciphered telegram from the governor of the sanjak of Karahisar to the Ministry of the Interior, regarding that the Armenians sent from Karahisar and those who are in the Karahisar and Çay stations, will be sent to Konya as wagons are available, that because wagons could not be obtained to go to Konya, and that in spite of this, Armenians were arriving.]

9 Za. 1333 (18 September 1915)

Sevket

BOA. DH. EUM, 2.Sb.68/73


- 111 -

Armenians who have been deported from Eskisehir

[Ciphered telegram from the governor of the sanjak of Eskisehir, to the Ministry of the Interior regarding that the Armenians in the vicinity of the station in Eskisehir, have been sent, that there are no Armenians on the roads, that all of the Armenians within the district who needed to be expelled, have been sent.]

9 Za. 1333 (18 September 1915)

Refet

BOA. DH. EUM, 2. Sb. 68/72

- 112 -

Armenians who have been deported from Diyarbakir, and
that there are no Armenians left to be deported


[Ciphered telegram from the governor of the province of Diyarbakir, regarding that there are no Armenians left in Diyarbakir to be deported, that there are Armenian convoys on the roads, and the number of those deported.]

9 Za. 1333 (18 September 1915)

Resid

BOA. DH. EUM, 2. Sb. 68/71


- 113 -

There are no Armenians to be deported in Nigde


[Ciphered telegram from the governor of the sanjak of Nigde to the Ministry of the Interior, regarding that there are no Armenians left in Nigde to be deported.]

9 Za. 1333 (18 September 1915)

Nâzim

BOA. DH. EUM, 2. Sb. 68/69


- 114 -

The Armenians deported from Mamuretülaziz and the situation of convoys who have gone from Sivas to Malatya and Urfa


[Ciphered telegram from the province of Mamuretülaziz, to the Ministry of the Interior, regarding the number of Armenians who have been and who will be sent from Mamuretülaziz, and the location and number of convoys going from Sivas to Malatya and Urfa.]

9 Za. 1333 (18 September 1915)

Sabit

BOA. DH. EUM, 2. Sb. 68/70


- 115 -

That Armenians had not been deported from Urfa


[Ciphered telegram from the governor of the sanjak of Urfa to the Ministry of the Interior, regarding that Armenians have not been sent from Urfa to other areas, and that only o few households were sent to a few locations near the center.]

9 Za. 1333 (18 September 1915)

Haydar

BOA. DH. EUM, 2. Sb. 68/74


- 116 -
Armenians who have come to Damascus from Aleppo
and who have been deported to various areas
and Armenians in Hama and Humus


[Ciphered telegram from the governor of the province of Damascus to the Ministry of the Interior, regarding the number of Armenians sent from Aleppo to various subdivisions and sanjaks, and the number of Armenians who are now located in Hama and Humus.]

10 Za. 1333 (19 September 1915)

Hulusi

BOA. DH. EUM, 2. Sb. 68/78


- 117 -
Deportation of Armenians to Mossul


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the governor of the sanjak of Urfa, regarding sending the Armenians who will arrive in Urfa, to Mossul by way of Diyârbekir.]

11 Za. 1333 (20 September 1915)

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 56/94

- 118 -

Armenians to be deported from Karahisar

[Ciphered telegram from the governor of the sanjak of Karahisar to the Ministry of the Interior, regarding that because there is a possibility that the dysentery cases seen among the Armenians gathered in Karahisar will be transmitted to the soldiers, military authorities request that they be immediately sent, that permission be given to send them by train, on foot and by vehicles, and that for the time being no Armenians be sent.]

13 Za. 1333 (22 September 1915)

Sevket

BOA. DH. EUM, 2.Sb. 68/81

- 119 -
Deportation of Armenians of Ankara, Kalecik and Keskin


[Ciphered telegram from the governor of the province of Ankara to the Ministry of the Interior , regarding that the Armenians in Ankara are being sent by way of Eskisehir, and that most of the Armenians in Kalecik and Keskin are women and children who need to be settled in Muslim villages.]

13 Za. 1333 (22 Eylül 1915)

Atif

BOA. DH. EUM, 2.Sb. 68/79


- 120 -
That the arrangements and the regulations that were announced regarding the deportation were not fully implemented


[Ciphered telegram from Sükrü Bey, the director of the Settlement of Tribes and Refugees of Aleppo to the Ministry of the Interior, regarding that the regulations concerning the deportation that were drafted and communicated were not fully followed and there were acts of negligence during deportation.]

13 Za. 1333 (22 September 1915)

Sükrü

BOA. DH. EUM, 2. Sb. 68/12


- 121 -
That the deportation of Armenians who arrived in
Osmaniye was completed without incidents


[Ciphered telegram from the governor of the sanjak of Osmaniye to the Ministry of the Interior, regarding that the deportation of Armenians arriving in Osmaniye from within the province and other locations has been completed without incident, and that attempts are being made to send those who continue to arrive, to Aleppo.]

16 Za. 1333 (25 September 1915)

Fethi

BOA. DH. EUM, 2. Sb. 68/85


- 122 -
Armenians who have been deported from Sivas


[Ciphered telegram from the governor of the province of Sivas to the Ministry of the Interior, regarding the number of Armenians sent from Sivas to Cizre and who presently are ready to be sent.]

19 Za. 1333 (28 September 1915)

Muammer

BOA. DH. EUM, 2. Sb. 68/84


- 123 -

Foreigners and Armenians who have been taken out of konya


[Ciphered telegram from the governor of the province of Konya to the Ministry of the Interior, regarding the number of foreigners and Armenians who were sent from Konya by train.]

21 Z. 1333 (30 October 1915)


Samih Rifat

BOA. DH. EUM, 2. Sb. 68/100


- 124 -

Armenians who have been deported from Konya


[Ciphered telegram from the governor of the province of Konya to the Ministry of the Interior, regarding the number of Armenians sent from Konya.]

1 Z. 1333 (10 October 1915)


Mektubcu Naci

BOA. DH. EUM, 2. Sb. 68/88


- 125 -

Armenians who have been deported from Konya


[Ciphered telegram from the governor of the province of Konya to the Ministry of the Interior, regarding the number of Armenians sent from Konya, and that sending the Armenians who will arrive later has been ensured so as not to disrupt the grain dispatch.]

2 Z. 1333 (11 October 1915)

Rahmi

BOA. DH. EUM, 2. Sb. 68/90


- 126 -

The deportation and expulsion of the Armenians
of Cebel-i Bereket and Dörtyol


[Ciphered telegram from the governor of the sanjak of Osmaniye to the Ministry of the Interior, regarding that the procedures for the deportation of the Armenians residing in Cebel-i Bereket have been concluded, that the Armenians of Dörtyol have been sent away without exception.]

2 Z. 1333 (11 October 1915)

Fethi

BOA. DH. EUM, 2. Sb. 68/89



- 127 -

Armenians who have been deported from Konya


[Ciphered telegram from the governor of the province of Konya to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, regarding the number of Armenians sent on foot and by train from Konya.]

7 Z. 1333 (16 October 1915)

Mektubcu Naci

BOA. DH. EUM, 2. Sb. 68/92


- 128 -

The lodging and feeding of the population who migrated
from Dimetoka and vicinity


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior, to the province of Edirne, regarding providing food and lodging for the people who emigrated from Dimetoka and vicinity and who are in difficulty.]

7 Z. 1333 (16 October 1915)

Subhi

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 57/32

- 129 -

That the relatives of Aram Efendi in Aleppo
be provided comfort


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Aleppo, regarding that information be provided about providing comfort for the relatives of Aram Efendi in Aleppo.]

7 Z. 1333 (16 October 1915)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 57/24


- 130 -

That the refugees who are dying because of fever and dysentery or other epidemics be immediately relocated at their special locations


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Syria, regarding that because news have been received that seventy, eighty people are dying daily in Hama due to infectious illnesses such as typhoid fever and dysentery, the refugees should be sent to their locations.]

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 57/71


- 131 -

That the refugees who are dying because of fever and
dysentery be relocated at their special locations


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to Sükrü Bey, the Director of refugees, regarding that because news have been received that people are dying in Hama due to fever and infectious illnesses, the refugees should be sent to their locations.]

8 Z. 1333 (17 October 1915)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 57/51

- 132 -

That Armenians who pay the travel expenses may leave


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to Sükrü Bey, the Director of Refugees, regarding that the Armenians who pay for their travel expenses, may go to Hama, Humus and Sam.]

9 Z. 1333 (18 October 1915)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 57/54

- 133 -

Armenians who are in Konya to be sent to Kütahya


[Ciphered telegram from the governor of the sanjak of Kütahya, to the Ministry of the Interior, regarding the number of Armenian refugees located in Kütahya and those who are about to be sent to Konya.]

9 Z. 1333 (18 October 1915)

Faik

BOA. DH. EUM, 2.Sb. 68/93

- 134 -

Armenians who are in the Karahisar and Çay stations


[Ciphered telegram from the governor of the sanjak of Karahisar to the Ministry of the Interior, regarding the number of Armenian refugees in the stations of Karahisar and Çay.]

9 Z. 1333 (18 October 1915)

Mutasarrif

Sevket

BOA. DH. EUM, 2.Sb. 68/94


- 135 -

Settlement of Armenians who have served well during
the Aleppo deportation, to other areas


[That the deported Armenians have been settled, that those who are in government service and who do not harbor malice towards the state be settled in other locations during the Aleppo deportation to ensure that they lived under better conditions.]

YEAR: ?

BOA. DH. EUM, 2.Sb. 68/80


- 136 -

Armenians who have been deported from Konya


[Ciphered telegram from the governor of the province of Konya to the Ministry of the Interior, regarding the number of Armenians sent from Konya by train.]

10 Z. 1333 (19 October 1915)

Samih

BOA. DH. EUM, 2.Sb. 68/95

- 137 -

Armenians who have been deported from Aksehir and Konya


[Ciphered telegram from the governor of the province of Konya to the Ministry of the Interior, regarding the number of Armenians sent from Konya and Aksehir by train.]

12 Z. 1333 (21 October 1915)

Samih

BOA. DH. EUM, 2.Sb. 68/96

- 138 -

Armenians sent from Diyarbakir


[Ciphered telegram from the governor of the province of Mossul to the Ministry of the Interior, regarding that the Armenians sent from Diyarbakir are received at the border.]

13 Z. 1333 (22 October 1915)

Haydar

BOA. DH. EUM, 2.Sb. 68/14

- 139 -

Armenians deported from Konya


[Ciphered telegram from the governor of the province of Konya to the Ministry of the Interior, regarding that the dispatch of Armenians from Konya cannot be realized as trains have been allocated for dispatching military provisions, that those who were sent on foot are gathered in Karaman and Eregli, that the number of those dispatched today and that necessary regulations for the dispatching of those located in Eregli have been communicated.]

14 Z. 1333 (23 October 1915)

Samih

BOA. DH. EUM, 2.Sb. 68/99

- 140 -

That the Armenians of Konya not be deported
before instructions arrive


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Konya, regarding that the Armenians in other locations of the province not be dispatched and relocated until further notice.]

14 Z. 1333 (23 October 1915)

BOA. DH SFR, nr. 57/89

- 141 -

Request for permission to work for the Armenian
officials in the Ottoman Bank in Adana


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province Aleppo, regarding that Edvar Simkiyan, Manok Sarrâfyan and Agop Gagayan, employees of the Adana Ottoman Bank, and Serkis Kisiyan, of the Tarsus branch, may be employed in the Aleppo branch.]

14 Z. 1333 (23 October 1915)

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 57/86

- 142 -

That the Armenians in the province of
Kastamonu not be expelled


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Kastamonu, regarding that expelling the Armenians who are within the province is not necessary and that legal proceedings be initiated against those Armenians who keep weapons in their houses.]

14 Z. 1333 (23 October 1915)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 57/82

- 143 -

The dismissal of the kaymakam (district official)
of Tenos who acted contrary to rules


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Sivas, regarding the dismissal and court-martialing of the kaymakam of Tenos who acted improperly during the Armenian deportation.]

15 Z. 1333 (24 October 1915)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 57/105

- 144 -

The dismissal of the kaymakam (district official) who, during the Armenian deportations acted contrary to rules


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the anterior to the province of Sivas, regarding the dismissal of Hamid Bey, the kaymakam of Aziziye who acted improperly during the Armenian deportation, and that he be court-martialed.]

16 Z. 1333 (25 October 1915)

Subhi

BOA. DH. SFR, no. 57/116

- 145 -

Providing food for the Armenian convoys


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to Sükrü Bey, the Director of the Refugees, regarding providing information whether the funds allocated for feeding the Armenian convoys is sufficient, and whether this has been paid out of the property funds.]

17 Z. 1333 (26 October 1915)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 57/110

- 146 -

Halting the Deportation of Armenians



[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to various provinces and governors of sanjaks, regarding that Armenians, other than those who have been gathered in order to be sent to specific locations and who have set out on the road, not be sent.]

18 Z. 1333 (27 October 1915)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 57/135

- 147 -

Assisting Muslims whose houses were burned down


[Telegram in response sent from the Ministry of the Interior to the governor of the sanjak of Urfa, regarding that the money needed for repairing the burned houses of Muslims, be paid out of the abandoned properties of the rebels, or that the evacuated houses of Armenians be given.]

18 Z. 1333 (27 October 1915)

Subhi

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 57/140

- 148 -


Leaving Begos, the nephew of Agop Boyaciyan Efendi, in Konya


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Konya, regarding Bogos of Tekfurdagi, the nephew of Agop Boyaciyan Efendi the former deputy of Tekfurdagi staying in Konya.]

18 Z. 1333 (27 October 1915)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 57/136

- 149 -

Preventing the attacks during deportation


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Diyarbakir, regarding changing the route in order to prevent attack against the Armenian convoys sent from Urfa to Re’sulayn and Nusaybin.]

25 Z. 1333 (3 November 1915)

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 57/277

- 150 -

Deportation of Armenians from Birecik


[Ciphered telegram from the Director of Refugees to the Ministry of the Interior, regarding that Birecik is being used as a transport center for the Armenians to be sent to Maras and Aintab, and regarding that instruction have been given to the kaymakam of Birecik about dispatching of Armenians to the vicinity of Zor since transport from Birecik can be made by small books utilizing the river.]

25 Z. 1333 (3 November 1915)

Muhâcirîn Müdîri

BOA. DH. EUM, 2.Sb. 68/101


- 151 -

Settling the families of Catholics, Protestants and
soldiers to appropriate locations


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Konya, regarding that the Armenians in Konya not be deported for the time being, and that the families of soldiers and those who are catholic and protestant be settled in appropriate locations within the province.]

6 M. 1334 (4 November 1915)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 58/2


- 152 -

Feeding the Armenians deported to the area
of the Fourth Army


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the provinces of Adana and Aleppo and to the governor of the sanjak of Urfa, regarding that the military has instructed the Fourth Army commander, the Aleppo Communications inspector and other necessary authorities about providing food for the Armenian refugees sent to area of the Fourth Army.]

28 Z. 1333 (6 November 1915)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 57/317

- 153 -

Dispatching the gendarmerie who acted inappropriately
to the military court



[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the governor of the sanjak of Urfa, regarding court martial of the gendarmerie accompanying the convoys sent from Urfa to Rakka, due to their inappropriate acts arising of negligence.]

28 Z. 1333 (6 November 1915)


Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 57/309

- 154 -

Providing bread to the Armenians



[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the governor of the sanjak of Nigde, regarding providing sufficient bread for the Armenian women and children in Ulukisla.]

29 Z. 1333 (7 November 1915)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 57/345

- 155 -

The areas where Armenians will be settled



[Ciphered telegram sent from the Ministry of the Interior to the Chairman of the Commission for Abandoned Properties in Adana, Regarding the necessity that the Armenians be allowed to stay in large numbers, but that they be distributed to Muslim towns and villages.]

6 M. 1334 (14 November 1915)

Subhi

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 58/1

- 156 -

A new member has been appointed to the commission of preventing the abuses during the deportation of Armenians



[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Hüdsvendigsr and Ankara and to the governors of the sanjaks of Izmir, Karesi, Nigde, etc., regarding that Ismail Hakki Bey, a member the State Council has been appointed to the delegation headed by Hulûsi Bey, the Chief judge of the Court Appeals, in order to investigate the abuses that have occurred during the deportation of Armenians.]

8 M. 1334 (16 November 1915)

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 58/38

- 157 -

Armenians who arrived in Zor via Aleppo



[Ciphered telegram from the governor of the sanjak of Zor to the Ministry of the Interior, regarding one thousand five Armenians have arrived in Zor by way of Aleppo.]

25 Ra. 1334 (31 January 1916)

Suad

BOA. DH. EUM, 2. Sb. 69/5

- 158 -

Armenians of Aintab and Izmit who arrived in Zor



[Ciphered telegram from the governor of the sanjak of Zor to the Ministry of the Interior, regarding the number of Armenians from Aintab and Izmir who arrived in Zor.]

2 R. 1334 ( 7 February 1916)

Ali Suad

BOA. DH. EUM, 2. Sb. 69/6


- 159 -

Armenians of Aintab and Izmit who arrived in Zor



[Ciphered telegram from the governor of the sanjak of Zor to the Ministry of the Interior, regarding the number of Armenians from Aintab and Izmir who arrived in Zor.]

2 R. 1334 ( 7 February 1916)

Ali Suad

BOA. DH. EUM, 2. Sb. 69/7

- 160 -

The Armenians of Maras, Bursa and Adapazari
who arrived in Zor


[Ciphered telegram from the governor of the sanjak of Zor to the Ministry the Interior, regarding the number of Armenians from Maras, Bursa and Adapazari who arrived in Zor.]

Ali Suad

BOA. DH. EUM, 2. Sb. 69/9

- 161 -

The Armenians of Izmit and Samsun who arrived in Zor


[Ciphered telegram from the governor of the sanjak of Zor to the Ministry of the Interior, regarding the number of Armenians from Izmit and Samsun who arrived in Zor.]

6 R. 1334 (11 February 1916)

Suad

BOA. DH. EUM, 2. Sb. 69/8


- 162 -

The Deportation of Armenians to Aleppo, Syria an Kirkuk


[That the Armenians, to be deported to Zor, shall be deported to Aleppo, Syria and Kirkuk the quota of deportation to Zor being filled up and exceeding the regulatory rate of 15%.]

"29 June 1931" [This error probably indicates July 12, 1916? The Turkish year is provided as June 29 1331.]

Ali Münîf

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 54/308


- 163 -

Sending the book indicating the number of Armenians in areas that are under the jurisdiction of Konya



[Ciphered telegram from the governor of the province of Konya to the Ministry of the Interior, regarding that the book indicating the number of local and foreign Armenians in locations within Konya, has been sent.]

21 Ca. 1335 (15 Mach 1917)

Kemaleddin

BOA. DH.EUM, 2. Sb. 69/34


- 164 -

The number of Armenians employed in the railroad
who are exempt from deportation


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to some provinces and governors of sanjak, regarding that the names of Armenians who have been exempt from deportation, stating they were employed by the railway, be examined and communicated.]

10 Ra. 1334 (16 January 1916)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 60/45


- 165 -

Providing information on Armenian employees in the Public Debts and the Régie who are exempt from deportation


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to some provinces and governors of sanjaks, regarding that the names of Armenians in evacuated areas who were employed at the Public Debts and at the Régie who were exempt from deportation, and of those who are newly appointed, be communicated together with their dates of appointment and their places of birth.]

13 Ra. 1334 (19 January 1916)

Subhi

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 60/48

LIST:
devletarsivleri.gov.tr/yayin/osmanli/armenians_inottoman/2b_165.htm

- 166 -

That Armenians are not taken out of the provinces
where they are located


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the provinces, regarding that the Armenians whose deportation was postponed, not be taken out of the province without permission.]

28 Ra. 1334 (3 February 1916)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, 60/224

- 167 -

That Armenians even carrying special permission issued by the Civil administration are not permitted to walk and ride about


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the Fourth Army Command, regarding that foreign Armenians with special permit issued by civil administrates were not allowed to move freely within the province unless they obtain a permission delivered by the Ministry they can't leave the district where they live without obtaining permission from the Ministry.]

30 Ra. 1334 (February 1916)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, 60/239

- 168 -

The Armenians smuggling large amounts
of funds to Switzerland


[Memorial written per request of the Bern Embassy, by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Ministry of the Interior, regarding: as it has been determined that Armenians who have left Istanbul and settled in Switzerland are utilizing the large sums of of money they have taken with them, against the Ottoman government, taking large sums of money from Istanbul to foreign countries should be prevented; that in addition, the Greek and Armenian railroad employees who facilitate taking the letters written by the troublemakers in Istanbul out of the country, be kept under close surveillance, ant that they be replaced by reliable Muslim employees or that undercover police officers be employed, and that Karabet Hogasyan, an inspector of the Sirkeci sleeping cars be kept under police surveillance until his malicious activities are determined.]

3 R. 1334 (8 February 1916)

Fuad Selim

BOA. HR. HU, Kr.178/20 (3 images)

- 169 -

That Armenians who have not betrayed and who have
no relations with revolutionary committees not be deported


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the governor of the sanjak of Karesi, regarding the reason for dispatching twenty seven Armenian families sent from Karahisar be given and that they be immediately returned to their locations.]

7 Ca. 1334 (12 March 1916)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr.61/2-290


- 170 -

That the deportation of Armenians be ceased


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to some provinces and governors of sanjaks, regarding that due to administrative and military matters, no Armenian be deported for any reason from now on.]

10 Ca. 1334 (15 March 1916)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr.62/21

LIST:
devletarsivleri.gov.tr/yayin/osmanli/armenians_inottoman/2b_170.htm


- 171 -

The report to be prepared by Abdülahad Nuri Bey,
the Director of Deportations


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Aleppo, regarding the report of Abdülahad Nuri Bey, the Director of transportation on the situation of Armenians in Damascus and Aleppo, ant their return to Istanbul.]

30 Ca. 1334 (14 April 1916)

Sakir

BOA. DH. SFR, nr.62/223

- 172 -

Providing information on the situation of Armenians
remaining within the province


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the provinces of Erzurum and Bitlis, regarding that the situation of Armenians who were not deported during the retreat of the army, be communicated.]

15 C. 1334 ( 19 April 1916)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr.63/50


- 173 -

The feeding and lodging of Armenian families


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Kastamonu, regarding that the Armenian families whose menfolk have been transferred, de distributed separately to villages and towns that do not have an Armenian and foreign population, and that their feeding and lodging expenses be paid out of the refugees fund, and that the items they need be provided out of the abandoned properties.]

16 C. 1334 (20 April 1916) BOA. DH. SFR, nr.63/60

- 174 -

Return of Armenian workers to Maras

[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the governor of the sanjak of Maras, regarding that if the Armenian workers from Maras do not return to Maras within twenty four hours, their families will be deported.]

18 C. 1334 (22 April 1916)

BOA. DH. SFR, nr.63/75

- 175 -

The number of Armenians who have not been deported,
who have arrived from other areas and
who are on their way


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to some provinces and governors of sanjak, regarding that the number of the local Armenians who were not deported, and of those who have arrived from other locations and are staying temporarily and who are going to other locations.]

18 C. 1334 (22 April 1916)

Subhî

BOA. DH. SFR, nr.63/72

LIST:
devletarsivleri.gov.tr/yayin/osmanli/armenians_inottoman/2b_175.htm


- 176 -

Providing information on the number of Armenians

[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Konya, regarding that the ratio of the Armenians who are indigenous to the province and who have arrived from outside the province, to the Muslim population, and whether there are any members of revolutionary committees, and that those who helped communicate with other locations, be communicated.].]

22 C. 1334 (26 Nisan 1916)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr.63/119


- 177 -

Protection of the Armenians by the sanjak
governor of Marash


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to Cemal Pasha, the commander of the Fourth Army, regarding that Haydar Bey, an inspector from the Civil Service has been sent to Marass because the reason why the sanjak governor protected the Armenians during the deportation.]

22 C. 1334 (26 April 1916)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr.63/110


- 178 -

Dispersing the Armenians of Balikesir to the
appropriate villages


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the governor of the sanjak of Karahisar-i Sahip, regarding that the Armenians of Balikesir be distributed in appropriate villages within the district.]

26 C. 1334 (30 April 1916)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr.63/137


- 179 -

The feeding and lodging of homeless Armenians


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to various to various provinces and governors of sanjaks regarding that the homeless families who are without protection, be distributed in villages and towns that are not populated by Armenians or foreigners, and providing food for them and marrying the young and widowed women and settling the children in orphanages.]

26 C. 1334 (30 April 1916)

BOA. DH. SFR, nr.63/142

- 180 -

Providing information on the sites where Armenian families
are set up, and on those who are foreign nationals


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the Fourth Army Command in Damascus, regarding that information be provided on the sites where Armenian families are set up, and those who are foreign nationals.]

26 C. 1334 (30 April 1916)

BOA. DH. SFR, nr.63/135


- 181 -

Returning the deported Catholics to their areas


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Aleppo, regarding that those individuals among the Catholics of Maras who were deported be returned and that the reasons for their deportation be communicated.]

28 C. 1334 (2 May 1916)


Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr.63/157

- 182 -

Settling the orphans of those to be evacuated, in orphanages


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the governor of the sanjak of Kayseri, regarding that those whose deportation is necessary due to military reasons, be distributed in our orphanages.]

29 C. 1334 (3 May 1916)


BOA. DH. SFR, nr.63/178

- 183 -

The deportation of foreign Armenians in Aleppo


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to Cemal Pasha, the Commander of the Fourth Army, regarding deporting the foreign Armenians in Aleppo, other than the Catholics and protestants to other locations, and the arrest until the arrival of Esad Bey of those who are linked to revolutionary committees and those who can provide information.]

10 B. 1334 (13 May 1916)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr.63/306

- 184 -

The deportation of foreign Armenians in Aleppo

[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to Cemal Pasa, the Commander of the Fourth Army, regarding deporting the foreign Armenians in Aleppo, other than the Catholics and protestants to other locations, and the arrest of those who are linked to revolutionary committees and those who can provide information.]

10 B. 1334 (13 May 1916)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr.63/307

- 185 -

That the commissions to classify abandoned properties have been annexed to the Ministry of Finance


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, regarding that the commissions to classify abandoned properties sent to classify the properties of those who were transferred to other locations, are annexed to the Ministry of Finance.]

10 B. 1334 (13 May 1916)

Sakir

BOA. HU. Kr.109/3


- 186 -

The return of the relative of Hirlakyan Efendi to Marash


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Aleppo, regarding the reason why the relatives of the Maras deputy, Hirlakyan Efendi, who are claimed to have been sent from Meskene to Deyr-i Zor, were sent there, and if they were sent, that they should be returned to Maras.]

13 S. 1334 (14 June 1916)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr.65/4



- 187 -

Relocating the foreign Armenians in Aleppo to Zor


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Aleppo, regarding that because sending the foreign Armenians in Aleppo to Syria and Mossul is not appropriate, they should be sent to Zor.]

16 S. 1334 (18 June 1916)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr.65/32-1

- 188 -

Treating the Armenians in accordance with the instructions


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the governor of the sanjak of Kütahya, regarding that the Armenians in question should be treated in accordance with the general regulations dated 13 June 1332.]

26 S. 1334 (28 June 1916)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr.65/101

- 189 -

Returning the Armenian woman in Rakka and
her two daughters to Aleppo


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the governor of the sanjak of Urfa regarding that the relatives of the notable Aram Efendi, a woman and her two daughters who are in Rakka, be returned to Aleppo.]

26 S. 1334 (28 June 1916)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr.65/100


- 190 -

Relocating the dangerous and revolutionary
Armenians in Konya to Zor


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Konya, regarding that only the men from among those dangerous individuals who arrived in Konya from other locations and were not relocated, and from among the local ones, only those who betrayed and those with ties to revolutionary committees be sent to Zor.]

9 N. 1334 ( 10 July 1916)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr.65/176

- 191 -


The Feeding of the Armenian orphans


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Aleppo, regarding that if there is no allocation for feeding the Armenian orphans, the amount needed should be communicated in order to be sent.]

12 L. 1334 (12 August 1916)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr.66/229

- 192 -

Settling the Armenian girls with their
families or in Darüleytam


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the governor of the sanjak of Kayseri, regarding that the Armenian girls should be given to their families, that those who have no parents be settled in the orphanage and that the building of the orphanage be turned into a guest house for the refugees.]

23/25 Za. 1334 (21/23 September 1916)


Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr.68/95

- 193 -

That the Armenian railroad officials and temporary employees
not leave their areas without permission


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to some provinces and governors of sanjaks, regarding that no Armenian, including the Armenian railroad employees and workers other than those who are civil servants and who will perform official services and who have military documents, shall be allowed to leave their location without permission.]

23 Z. 1334 (21 October 1916)

Talat

BOA. DH.SFR, nr.69/62

LIST:
devletarsivleri.gov.tr/yayin/osmanli/armenians_inottoman/2b_193.htm


- 194 -

Investigating the location of Armenians sent
from Izmir to be deported to Mossul


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Konya, regarding that the location of Armenians who were sent from Izmir to Karahisar and from there to Konya, in order to be sent to Mossul, and who are said to have been sent to Pozanti, be investigated.]

23 Z. 1334 (21 October 1916)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr.69/58

- 195 -

Providing information on The number and names of Armenians
who are dangerous and who must be expelled


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province Trabzon, regarding that since the dispatching of Armenians has been postponed, the number and names of only those who are dangerous among them who need to be expelled, should be communicated.]

26 Z.1334 (24 October 1916)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr.69/86


- 196 -

Giving permission to the Armenians who have been
announced to leave


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the governor of the sanjak of Eskisehir, regarding that the Armenians who were declared, should be permitted to leave, that the destination of those who leave should de communicated, and that a book should be prepared and sent.]

9 M. 1335 (5 November 1916)

BOA. DH. SFR, nr.69/196


- 197 -

Feeding the homeless and destitute Armenians


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the governor of the sanjak of Canik, regarding that the feeding of those individuals who are homeless and destitute, from among the Armenians who have converted or who do not convert, should de done from the refuges fund.]

16 M. 1335 (12 November 1916)

Sakir

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 69/245

- 198 -

Sending a book indicating the activities of the Armenians, members of revolutionary committees, who have been expelled


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Aydin, regarding a book indicating the names, occupations and identities and activities of two hundred fifty Armenians who were expelled because they were members of revolutionary committees and harmful, be sent.]

16 M. 1335 (12 November 1916)

Halil

BOA. DH. SFR, nr.69/250

- 199 -

Distributing the worthless possessions of Armenians
who left Çanakkale


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the governor of the sanjak of Kale-i Sultaniye [Çanakkale], regarding that if the goods of the Armenians who left Çanakkale, were worthless, they are to be distributed to Muslim refugees.]

16 M. 1335 (12 November 1916)

Sakir

BOA. DH. SFR, nr.69/252

- 200 -

Relocating the revolutionary committee members
who were sent from Izmir, to Marash


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the governor of the sanjak of Karahisar-i Sahip, regarding sending those Armenians who are members of revolutionary committees who were sent from Izmir, to Maras by way of Adana.]

17 M. 1335 (13 November 1916)

Halil

BOA. DH. SFR, nr.69/260


- 201 -

The relocation of Armenian revolutionaries
from Izmir to Zor


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Adana and to the governor of the sanjak Maras, regarding sending the Armenians who are members of revolutionary committees to be sent from Izmir to Zor, under protection.

17 M. 1335 (13 November 1916)

Halil

BOA. DH. SFR, nr.69/262

- 202 -

The Destinations of the Armenians
to be relocated


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the governor of the sanjak of Kütahya, regarding that the locations where the Armenians will be sent, and whether their families are with them, be communicated.]

18 M. 1335 (14 November 1916)

Halil

BOA. DH. SFR, nr.70/6

- 203 -

Providing for the needs of the refugees in Yozgat who are
naked, destitute and without any fuel


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the governors of the sanjaks of Yozgat and Çorum, regarding that because the refugees in Yozgat are in a wretched condition, their daily wages should be increased and their needs should be met.]

19 M. 1335 (15 November 1916)

Sakir

BOA. DH. SFR, nr.70/18

- 204 -

Providing allowance for the Armenians to be sent to Zor


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the governor of the province of Kütahya, regarding that it is not appropriate to settle the Armenians the district, that two hundred liras should be sent from the refugees fund to banish them to Zor.]

29 M. 1335 (25 November 1916)

Talat

BOA. DH. SFR, nr.70/92





- 205 -

Reasons for the deportation of Armenians


[Report of Mehmed Münir Bey, the legal advisor of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, regarding the reasons for resettling the Armenians in other refines.]

1335 (1917)

BOA. HR. HU, Kr.173/5 [12 images; a very long report]




- 206 -

Payment of debts to the Ziraat Bank from the
abandoned real property and land


[Decision of the cabinet regarding the procedures to be implemented vis-a-vis those among the Armenians who were transferred to other locations and those who emigrated to Greece and Bulgaria, whose abandoned real estate and land have been pawned by reason of their debts to the Ziraat Bank.]

20 Ca. 1335 (14 March 1917)

BOA. Meclis-i Vükelâ Mazbatalari, 207/73




- 207 -

Relocating the Armenians who collaborated with
the Armenian revolutionaries in Geyve


[Report sent from the kaymakam of Geyve to the governor the sanjak of Izmit, regarding that from among the Armenians in the subdivision of Geyve, working in the railroad and in workers battalions, should be subject to deportation as they collaborated with the Armenian revolutionary committees.]

29 B. 1335 (27 May 1917)

Hüseyin Sabri

BOA. DH. EUM, 2/227 [2 images]




- 208 -

Expelling five dangerous Armenians outside the district


[Circular note from the governor of the sanjak of Kayseri, to the Ministry of the Interior, regarding that five dangerous Armenians who were arrested by order of the court martial and who stayed after hiding, be expelled outside the district.]

22 L. 1335 (11 August 1917)

BOA. DH. EUM, 2/41





- 209 -

That Armenians are allowed to return


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to some provinces and subdivisions, regarding that the food and lodging be provided for Greeks and Armenians who were transferred to other locations due to the war, and that their return in security has been permitted.]

16 M. 1337 (22 October 1918)

BOA. HR. MÜ, 43/34




- 210 -

Preventive measures taken for the inhabitants
who will be returned to their countries


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to some provinces and provincial subdivision, that those individuals who were sent and transported to other locations due to the war, hove been permitted to return to their regions and that the necessary measures should be taken for their safe return, and that those who do not act accordingly in these matters will be punished.]

17 M. 1337 (23 October 1918)

BOA. HR. MÜ, 43/34




- 211 -

Preventive measures taken regarding the deportation of Armenians

[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Diyarbakir, regarding that the abandoned properties that are being used, be evacuated as Armenians arrive, that if the Armenians arriving from Bitlis are not from Diyarbakir, that they be safely returned to their homes, that those who were sent from Mossul to Mardin be also subject to the same treatment, that those who were sent from Mossul and Cizre be returned to their regions.]

22 M. 1337 (27 October 1918)

BOA. HR. MÜ, 43/34




- 212 -

Returning the Greeks and Armenians to their communities


[Communication from the Ministry of the Interior to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, regarding returning the Greeks and Armenians who were sent to other locations due to the war, to their homes or to their communities, and their numbers.]

26 M. 1337 (1 November 1918)

Mustafa Arif

BOA. HR. MÜ, 43/34





- 213 -

Assisting the return of Armenians and meeting their needs


[Copy of cipher written by the Ministry of the Interior to provinces and provincial subdivisions, regarding that the Greeks and Armenians who were transferred to other locations due to the war, be able to travel without travel documents, that they be provided food free of charge and that their other needs be met, and that they be able to safely reach their destination.]

30 M. 1337 (5 November 1918)

BOA. HR. MÜ, 43/34





- 214 -

Matters to be taken into consideration regarding the return of the Armenians

[ Memorial from the Ministry of the Interior to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, regarding that the necessary steps be taken for the return of Armenians who were sent to other locations due to the war, to their homes, that their various needs be met, that the appropriate decisions be taken vis-a-vis the situation of Armenians who are in different positions and that their return be facilitated, and that the delays that may occur during their return be swiftly eliminated.]

16 S. 1337 (21 November 1918)

Müstesar Hamid

BOA. HR. Mü, 43/34






- 215 -

The return of the Armenians to their countries


[Communication from the Ministry of the Interior to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, regarding that the provinces have been notified of the return of Armenians who were sent to other locations, to their homes.]

18 S. 1337 (23 November 1918)

BOA. HR. MÜ, 43/34



- 216 -

Role of Liman von Sanders in the relocation of Armenians


[Translation of the German letter of Liman Von Sanders Pasha, defending himself, following newspaper accounts holding him responsible for events that occurred during the banishment of the Greeks of Ayvalik and vicinity.]

19 S. 1337 (24 November 1928)

Liman von Sanders

BOA, HR, MU, 43/34




- 217 -

The removal of Greeks from the vicinity of Ayvalik


[Memorial from the Ministry of War to the office of the Grand Vizier, regarding that the memorandum given by Liman Von Sanders, the Fifth Army field marshal, regarding the banishment of Greeks from the vicinity of Ayvalik, has been submitted.]

26 S. 1337 (1 December 1918)

BOA. HR. MÜ, 43/34




- 218 -

That Haçador Bezzazyan was paid

Image: 1

[Memorial from the Ministry of Finance to the Ministry of the Interior, regarding that the sum deposited by Haçador Bezzazyan to the Ottoman Bank as a trust during the deportation, has been paid.]

4 Ru. 1337 (8 December 1918)

BOA. DH. Komisyon-i Mahsûs, 3/18





- 219 -

That a Delegation be sent for the investigation of those
who committed crimes during the deportations, and
that their expenses be met


[Minutes of the deliberations of the cabinet regarding the communication to the Ministries of the Interior, Justice and Finance, for sending delegations to investigate the attacks that occurred during the deportation during mobilization and to investigate the criminals, and that their expenses be paid out of the Finance treasury.]

7 Ra. 1337 (12 December 1918)

Mehmed Serif
Mehmed Riza
Ibrahim Mecid Bey
Kostaki

Riza Tevfik
Ahmed Bey
Ali Bey
.............
Hayri
Mustafa Resid
Abdurrahman
Tevfik

BOA. Meclis-i Vükela Mazbatalari, 213/60





- 220 -

That those who committed crimes during the
deportations be tried by military courts


[Minutes of the deliberations of the cabinet per request of the Ministries of War, Justice and of the Interior, regarding sending those individuals who committed crimes during the deportation during mobilization and who were investigated and whose culpability has been established, to the Martial Law Courts.]

9 Ra. 1337 (15 December 1918)

Mustafa Arif
Kostaki
Ri iza Tevfik

Mehmed Riza
Mehmed Serif
Ahmed Bey

Hayri Abdurrahman
Ibrahim Mecîd Bey
Tevfik

BOA. Meclis-i Vükela Mazbatalari, 213/62 (2 images)



- 221 -

That the expenses of the delegations supervising the deportation and the return of Armenians, be met from the mobilization funds


[Decision of the cabinet regarding that the necessary costs and expenditures of the delegations supervising the deportation of the Armenians to other locations and they be paid out of the Ministry of Finance treasury.]

15 Ra. 1337 (19 December 1918)


Mehmed Riza
Mehmed Serif
Ahmed Bey
Mustafa Arif Ali Bey
Ibrahim Mecid
Tevfik

BOA. Meclis-i Vükelâ Mazbatasi, 213/54





- 222 -

That Greeks who have committed crimes and escaped to
Greece and to other foreign countries be banned
from returning to the Ottoman lands


[Memorial from the Ministry of the Interior to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding that even if permission has been given for the return of those Armenians and Greeks who were deported from one location to another within Ottoman lands who wish to do so, those Greeks who have escaped to Greece or to other areas due to crimes they have committed will not be permitted to return, that this would not be good for the public order within the country, that foreign representatives should be warned that no Muslim or non-Muslim refugee and fugitive should enter the Ottoman lands in vehicles belonging to the Entente Powers.]

30 R. 1337 (3 January 1919)

Hamid

BOA. HR. Mü, 43/16


- 223 -

That a commission consisting of impartial jurists be
established to investigate the deportations


[Diplomatic note submitted to the governments of Sweden, Netherlands Spain and Denmark regarding the participation of neutral jurists in the investigative commissions to be established to investigate the reason for deportation.]

12 Ca. 1337 (13 February 1919)

* The original document is written in French.

BOA. HR. MÜ, 43/17 (4 images)




- 224 -

To assist the neediest of the returning Armenians


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Ankara, regarding providing assistance to the neediest Armenians from among those who have returned. by distributing daily allowances and grains for about 20 days.]

3 R. 1337 (6 January 1919)

Hamid

BOA. DH. SFR, 95/52






- 225 -

Treatment of Armenian children


[Memorial regarding that the lists indicating with whom the Armenian and boys are staying and their treatment, were sent from the Ministry of the Interior to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.]

5 R. 1337 (8 Ocak 1919)

BOA. HR. MÜ, 43/2-17 (7 images)

LIST:
devletarsivleri.gov.tr/yayin/osmanli/armenians_inottoman/2b_225.htm


- 226 -

The deportation of Armenian women, children
and the sick by vehicle


[Ciphered telegram sent from the Ministry of the Interior to the governor of the sanjak of Canik, regarding that it is appropriate to deport the Armenian women and children ant the sick in vehicles, and to deport the men who are able to walk, on foot.]

6 R. 1337 (9 January 1919)

Mustafa Arif

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 95/85




- 227 -

Explaining the regulations relating to the assistance
provided to the frail Armenians in the villages


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior the province of Konya, regarding that the assistance to be provided to Armenian refugees who are located in villages and who are so helpless that they are unable to make a living on their own, be explained in detail, in accordance with the Article 4 of the regulations dated 9 Kanun-i Evvel [1]334.]

12 R. 1337 (15 Ocak 1919)

Ahmed Izzet

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 95/130





- 228 -

Paying the expenses relating to the deportation and feeding of Armenians


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the governor of the sanjak of Mardin, regarding that a money order be sent for the deportation and food expenditures for the Armenians and, regarding the procedure to be implemented depending on whether the railroad administration carries out the transportation in full or partially.]

12 R. 1337 (15 January 1915)

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 95/124





- 229 -

The travel allowance to be given to Armenians
subject to being relocated


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Konya and to the governors of sanjaks of Eskisehir and Izmir.]

13 R. 1337 (16 January 1919)

Ahmed Izzet

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 95/137




- 230 -

Ensuring the protection of Armenian orphans


[Ciphered telegram sent from the Ministry of the Interior to various provinces and governors of sanjaks, regarding that Armenian orphans be handed over to Armenian communities in areas where there is one, and that they be protected by the government in other areas having no Armenian community.]

15 R. 1337 (18 January 1919)

Ahmed Izzet

BOA. DH. SFR, 95/163

LIST:
devletarsivleri.gov.tr/yayin/osmanli/armenians_inottoman/2b_230.htm



- 231 -

Assistance provided to Greeks and Armenians


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Mamuretülaziz, regarding the assistance provided for the feeding, return and other expenses of the Greeks and the Armenians.]

19 R. 1337 (22 January 1919)

Ahmed Izzet

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 95/209




- 232 -

Providing the expenses of the delegation
that will go to Anatolia


[Memorial regarding providing for the expenses of the delegation consisting of the British High Commissioner and of the representatives of the Patriarchate, that has been decided to send to Anatolia in order to investigate the matters of returning the Armenian and Greek families who have been removed from their homes, to their homes and providing for their transportation and feeding.]

23 Ca. 1337 (24 February 1919)

Ahmed Izzet

Dâhiliye Nezâreti Asâyir ve Muhâcirin Müdîryyeti

BOA. HR. MÜ, 43/30




- 233 -

The return of the possessions of Greeks and
Armenians who have returned


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the governor of the sanjak of Eskisehir, regarding that the return of possessions belonging the returning Greeks and Armenians, not be delayed.]

22 R. 1337 (15 January 1919)

Ahmed Izzet

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 95/226




- 234 -

The investigation by the joint committee of the
situation of Armenians and Greeks


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Konya, regarding that after the joint commission which is in Konya to examine the situation of the Armenians and Greeks, completes its work, it will go to the province of Eskisehir, Bilecik and Izmit.]

23 R. 1337 (26 January 1919)

Ahmed Izzet

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 95/262





- 235 -

Investigating the complaints regarding Armenian orphans


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the governor of the sanjak of Kayseri, regarding that the necessary investigation be conducted as news have been received that Armenian orphans in Kayseri are in a wretched condition, that children who are with Muslim families have not been handed over yet, and that the needy ones are destitute measures should be taken in accordance with the previous ad hoc notice .]

23 R. 1337 (26 January 1919)

Ahmed Izzet

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 95/261



- 236 -

That the Muslim refugees and emigrants not be wronged


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to various province and governors of sanjak, regarding the return the return of the real estate and possessions to the non-Muslims who return to their homes, and to lodge the Muslim refugees and immigrants so as to prevent their poverty and unjust treatment.]

23 R. 1337 (26 January 1919)

Ahmed Izzet

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 95/256

LIST:
devletarsivleri.gov.tr/yayin/osmanli/armenians_inottoman/2b_236.htm





- 237 -

That the expenses be paid out of the mobilization fund


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province Konya, regarding that a money order has been sent out of the mobilization allocation, to meet the expenses of Arabs, Greeks and Armenians.]

23 R. 1337 (26 January 1919)


BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 95/255





- 238 -

That the relocation of Armenians en masse not be allowed

[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the governor of the sanjak of Kayseri, regarding that Armenians not be allowed to change location en masse, and that those who will go from one location to another not be hindered.]

28 R. 1337 (31 January 1919)

Ahmed Izzet

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 95/277





- 239 -

The reason for a second request for funds
for Arab, Greek and Armenian families


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the governor of the sanjak of Canik, regarding the reason why funds are being requested again, although funds were sent for the expenses of the Arab, Greek and Armenian families.]

28 R. 1337 (31 January 1919)

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 95/32




- 240 -

That Greeks who were removed from their
villages be allowed to return


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the governor of the sanjak of Kal‘a-i Sultâniyye [Çanakkale], regarding that the necessary measures be taken as information has been received that Muslim refugees are not permitting the Greeks who were previously removed from villages under the jurisdiction of Biga, to return.]

25 R. 1337 (1 Subat 1919)

Ahmed Izzet

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 96/7



- 241 -

The deportation of Armenians, whose postponement is not appropriate


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the governor of the sanjak of Mardin, regarding providing food and transporting by train the Armenians, whose postponements is not appropriate, to their homes.]

29 R. 1337 (1 February 1919)

Ahmed Izzet

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 96/1




- 242 -

Paying the expenses of the commission that will investigate the feeding, dispatching and lodging condition of the returning Greeks and Armenians


[Memorial from the Ministry of the Interior to the office of the Grand Vizier, regarding payment of the travel and necessary expenses of the commission formed in order to investigate on site the food, transportation and lodging of the Greeks and Armenians who have been decided to return to their former homes, out of the Mobilization Fund.]

Ca. 1337 (February 1919)

Ahmed Izzet

BOA. DH. SYS, Kr. 53/2





- 243 -

That the Armenian children who are with Muslim families be
delivered to the commission consisting of Armenians


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the governor of the sanjak of Kayseri, regarding that the girls and children, who are said to be with Muslim families, be handed to the commission consisting of Armenians.]

4 Ca. 1337 (5 February 1919)

Ahmed Izzet

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 96/76




- 244 -

The return of the real estate and land of Armenians
who have returned to Yalova and Laledere


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry the Interior to the governor of the sanjak of Izmit, regarding that the real estate and lands belonging to Armenians returning to Yalova and Laledere, be returned to their owners.]

7 Ca. 1337 (8 February 1919)

Ahmed Izzet

BOA. DH. SFR, 96/117





- 245 -

Paying the expenses of the priest, Simpat Efendi

[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Konya, regarding that the expenses of the priest Simpat Efendi, a member of the Special Commission, who is in Konya to examine the situation of the Armenians, be paid out of the Mobilization Fund and that the date of his departure be communicated.]

8 Ca. 1337 (9 February 1919)

Ahmed Izzet

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 96/127





- 246 -

The return of the properties of Armenians
and Greeks who were relocated


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to some provinces and governors of sanjaks, regarding prevention of the transfer of such properties from one person to another by various means, and of any type of acquisition in order to prevent more difficulties during the implementation of the regulations that are being prepared concerning the return of the abandoned properties belonging belonging to Greeks and Armenians who were relocated, the compensation to be paid and other subjects.]

14. Ca. 1337 (15 February 1919)

Ahmed Izzet

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 96/195

LIST:
devletarsivleri.gov.tr/yayin/osmanli/armenians_inottoman/2b_246.htm





- 247 -

Investigation of those who Mistreated Armenians
during the deportation


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the governor of the sanjak of Kayseri, regarding that an investigation be conducted on two Armenians who are said to have harmed the Armenians during the deportation, and that the result of the investigation be communicated.]

16 Ca. 1337 (17 February 1919)


BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 96/214





- 248 -

Investigating the claim that Talat bey, the kaymakam
of the kaza of Keskin, killed Armenians


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Ankara, requesting speedy information regarding that Talat Bey, the kaymakam of the kaza of Keskin, had Armenians killed during the deportation.]

17 Ca. 1337 (18 February 1919)

Ahmed Izzet

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 96/220





- 249 -

Returning the possessions that were temporarily transferred to government offices, to their owners


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to some provinces and governors of sanjaks, regarding the return of property that was temporarily transferred from the warehouses of abandoned properties to government offices, to their owners.]

18 Ca. 1337 (19 February 1919)

Ahmed Izzet

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 96/230

LIST:
devletarsivleri.gov.tr/yayin/osmanli/armenians_inottoman/2b_249.htm






- 250 -

Returning the non-Moslem children to their relatives
or to their communities


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to some province and governors of sanjaks, regarding that while the non-Muslim children are being handed over to their relatives or their communities, the orphaned Muslim children should not be handed to Christians, thinking that they are non-Muslims.]

19 Ca. 1337 (20 February 1919)

Ahmed Izzet

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 96/248

LIST:
devletarsivleri.gov.tr/yayin/osmanli/armenians_inottoman/2b_250.htm


- 251 -

Feeding the returning Armenians


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Ankara, regarding that food will be provided for the Armenians who are returning, approximately for 20 days at most.]

22 Ca. 1337 (23 February 1919)

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 96/279




- 252 -

Returning two Armenian children who were circumcised


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior the province of Ankara, regarding that the two Catholic Armenian boys who had been converted to Islam in Ankara, be let go and handed over to the office of the Armenian delegate, and if they are not accepted, that they be sent to Istanbul in order to be handed over to their mothers, and that the British military officers be informed of the matter.]

24 CA 1337 (25 February 1919)

Ahmed

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 96/303





- 253 -

Request to return to Aintab the officials under arrest who were dispatched to Aleppo due to the deportation matter


[Memorial from t he Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Ministry of the Interior, regarding that the request of General Mac Ando[sic], that some officials who were arrested because of their roles in the deportation matter and who were sent to Aleppo, be returned to be tried in the military court established in Aintab, is not appropriate.]

15 C. 1337 (18 March 1919)

BOA. HR. HU, Kr. 43/61 (3 images)





- 254 -

Assistance provided to the Armenian and greek refugees



[Memorial from the Ministry of the Interior to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, regarding the assistance provided to date to non-Muslims who are returned to their home, following the claim by the British High Commissioner that sufficient assistance is not provided to the Greek and Armenian refugees returning from Ankara and Edirne.]

17 C. 1337 (20 Marc 1919)

BOA. DH. SYS, nr. 53-2/341903
(2 images; Detailed)






- 255 -

Exempting Armenians and Greeks from some taxes


[Memorial from the Ministry of the Interior to the office of the Grand Vizier, regarding that the Armenian and Greeks who were deported, be exempt for a time from the title and other taxes some taxes for a certain time.]

16 C. 1337 (19 Marc 1919)

Cemal

BOA. DH. SYS, nr. 53/2



- 256 -

Providing food for the Armenians


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Bitlis regarding that the feeding and lodging expenses for the Armenians to be transported and the Armenian children in Mus, be paid out of the refugees fund, ant that the Armenians be swiftly transported to their former homes.]

5 B. 1337 (6 April 1919)

Kesfi

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 98/59





- 257 -

Bringing back Artin Efendi's family who was dispatched



[Memorial from the Ministry of the Interior to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, that the necessary steps be taken for bringing back the family of Artin Efendi, a member of the Antalya court of first instance, who were sent towards Damascus and that the results be communicated.]

12 B. 1337 (13 April 1919)

Kesfi

BOA. HR. MÜ, 43/17





- 258 -

Providing assistance to individuals investigating
the return of greeks and Armenians



[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the provinces of Kastamonu and Ankara, regarding that the necessary assistance be provided to Nüri Bey and the British officer who arrived to examine the return process of the Greeks and Armenians.]

26 B. 1337 (27 April 1919)

Kesfi

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 98/319





- 259 -

Handing over the possessions of those who
have returned to their lands


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Bitlis, regarding that the properties of those individuals who were deported and who returned to their homes, be returned to them and not to their executor or to their agents]

3 S. 1337 (4 May 1919)

Kesfi

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 99/35






- 260 -

The return of those who escaped to Germany


[Memorial from the office of the legal advisor of the Sublime Porte to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, regarding the return of the Grand vizier, viziers, governor and police Director Talat, Enver, Cemal, Sakir, Nazmi, Bedri, Aziz Efendis who escaped to Germany.]

4 S. 1337 (5 May 1919)

BOA. HR. HMS. ISO, 108/2 (15 images)





- 261 -

Regarding the denial of the proposal to
establish commissions


[Regarding the diplomatic notes from the embassies of Holland, Denmark, Spain and Sweden, regarding that their governments are refusing to send two jurists for the commissions to be established in order to determine the officials who acted negligently during the Armenian deportations.]

5 S. 1337 (6 May 1919)

BOA. HR. MÜ, 43/17 (6 images)





- 262 -

Settlement of Armenian widows and orphans


[Telegram from the General Directorate of Police to the Ministry of the Interior, regarding that appropriate site have been found in Arnavutköy for settling the Armenian widows and orphans.]

7 S. 1337 (8 May 1919)

BOA. DH. Komisyon-i Mahsûs, D. 1/337




- 263 -

That money was sent for return of Armenians to their lands


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the province of Mamuretülaziz, regarding that a money order for one hundred thousand kurus has been sent for returning the Armenians to their homes.]

9 S 1337 (10 May 1919)

Kesfi

BOA. DH. SFR, nr. 99/124




- 264 -

The dispatching of refugees free of charge


[Dispatch from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the British High Commissioner, regarding providing that the Muslim and non-Muslim refugees be transported promptly, free of charge, on the Anatolia railway.]

8 N. 1337 (7June 1919)

BOA. HR. MÜ, 5/326 (6 images)




- 265 -

Trying those who committed crimes during the deportations


[Ciphered telegram from the Ministry of the Interior to the various provinces and governors of sanjaks, regarding that it would be appropriate to try those who committed crimes during the deportations in remote provinces such as Diyarbakir and Mamuretülaziz, in martial courts in areas where they are under house arrest, and in the regular army courts if there is no martial court.]

15 S. 1338 (9 November 1919)

BOA. DH. EUM, 5/27

Rifat

BAO. DH. EUM, 5/27 (2 images)





- 266 -

The Armenian industrialist Mardiros applies to the court
for the return of his properties


[Decision of the cabinet regarding that the martial court be brought to Izmir to settle the case relating to the factory of Mardiros, who was deported during the war.]

22 Ra. 1338 (15 December 1919)

Mustafa Resiîd
Ibrahim Mecidi
Ali Bey
Abdurrahman Seref
Mehmed Serîf

BOA. Meclis-i Vükelâ Mazbatalari, 217/593

Mehmed Serif
Mustafa Resid
Ibrahim Mecidi
Abdurrahman Seref

BOA. Meclis-i Vükela Mazbatalari, 217/473 (2 images)




- 267 -

That the claims that the Greek and Armenian inhabitants
were attacked, are unfounded


[Memorial from the Ministry of the Interior to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, regarding that lies are being disseminated that Muslim inhabitants are pressuring and attacking Greeks and Armenians who returned to their homes after the deportation, for them to relocate again, and that these news are unfounded.]

17 Ra. 1338 (10 December 1919)

BOA. HR. MÜ, 71/11 (9 images)





- 268 -

The report of Mehmet Münir Bey, The legal advisor, on the activities of Armenians and the reasons for the deportations


[Report explaining that the Armenians have turned the country into a bomb arsenal, that they collaborated with the enemy and engaged in massacres and atrocities and therefore made enemies of the local population, and for this reason it was decided that the Armenians of certain regions be relocated to other areas, that the majority of the Armenians were relocated, that in some areas the deportation decision could not be implemented well, that those who had acted against the orders were given to Court Martial, that the entire nation was being held responsible for the deportation, but the Armenians, taking advantage of this opportunity, are trying to cover up their own murders and to portray themselves as innocent, and that they have been successful in this propaganda effort, that the Armenians, contrary to their propaganda, are no revolutionary socialists, but in fact follow an imperialistic policy.]

1920
BOA. HR. HU, Kr. 173/5 (2 images)





- 269 -

The letter of Bishop Kendifyan from Diyarbakir about
the activities of Armenians


[Copy of the letter sent by Bishop Kendifian, who went from Istanbul to Diyarbakir, to the Armenian Patriarch Zaven Efendi, mentioning the Armenian activities in the east and that they have opened a branch of their organization in Diyarbakir, just as in Adana and Mersin, and that the British and French inspection officials also attended the meeting they had organized in the church.]

1920

BOA. HR. MÜ, Kr. 57/4 (4 images)




- 270 -

The policy to apply to those who got mixed in the
deportation matter and who are under arrest


[Memorandum from the British High Commissioner to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, regarding the international aspect of the issue of responsibility arising from the deportation of the Christian Ottoman subject, and that it is impossible to accept this request before a decision concerning the treatment of the individuals who were mixed up in these events and who are currently under arrest by the allied states is taken at the Peace Conference.]

5 C. 1338 (25 February 1920)

BOA. HR. MÜ, 8/342



- 271 -

Request for amnesty by the British political
monitor for Ahmed Refik


[From the Ministry of the Interior to the office of the Grand Vizier, regarding the preferential treatment request by the British Political Representative's office to free Ahmed Refik Efendi, the clerk of the Bolu Recruitment Office, arguing that the said clerk had been impressed for having treated the Armenians well.]

18 S. 1338 (7 May 1920)


BOA. DH. Komisyon-i Mahsûs, 3/41





- 272 -

Exempting the Armenians from tax


[Memorial from the Council of State to the Ministry of the Interior, regarding that the Armenians who were relocated during the general war and who returned to their homes, be exempt from certain taxes.]

25 S. 1338 (14 May 1920)


BOA. DH. SYS, 53/2

---

Documents On Ottoman-Armenians, Volume II

"...[T]hese records were at the time compiled for strictly internal use, i.e. for in-house consideration, and were not intended for public consumption, [so that] one may be reasonably safe in declaring the evidence obtained thusly as incontestable."

Vahakn Dadrian was not entirely on the mark when he referred to internal German-government reports as "incontestable" (in his "signal facts" article from 2003); the people who prepare such reports could, after all, be mistaken from time to time. However, what is incontestable is that internal reports are prepared largely with honest intent, and may be generally accepted as trustworthy.

The TAT site has stressed Western and Armenian sources to turn the genocide myth on its ear, since these parties were raised with anti-Turkish sentiments, and had no reason to defend the Turks — very much opposed to the sources demonstrating a genocide, who had every reason to be untruthful, or conned by beloved Armenians whispering in their ears. Now, however, it is time for a change.

It would be absurd to write about a nation's history by exclusively relying upon what the enemies of a nation had to say. Yet that is exactly how the "facts" for the "Armenian genocide" have been compiled. Now we can understand with better clarity why Armenian and genocide scholars can be such frauds.

Prof. Justin McCarthy exposes the likes of these propagandists:

Why rely on Ottoman archival accounts to write history? Because they are the sort of solid data that is the basis of all good history. The Ottomans did not write propaganda for today's media. The reports of Ottoman soldiers and officials were not political documents or public relations exercises. They were secret internal reports in which responsible men relayed what they believed to be true to their government. They might sometimes have been mistaken, but they were never liars. There is no record of deliberate deception in Ottoman documents. Compare this to the dismal history of Armenian Nationalist deceptions: fake statistics on population, fake statements attributed to Mustafa Kemal, fake telegrams of Talat Pasha, fake reports in a Blue Book, misuse of court records and, worst of all, no mention of Turks who were killed by Armenians.

What you will be reading below, time after time after time, clearly demonstrate Armenian treachery and belligerence, and the Ottomans' attempts to perform their governmental duty to preserve order. The reports also demonstrate, far from having it in for the Armenians, that the Ottomans attempted to safeguard Armenian lives and properties. In short, they demonstrate that the concept of "genocide" has no basis in reality.

These documents come courtesy of the Turkish "Military History Documents Magazine," and were compiled into three separate volumes by the Turkish "Directorate General of Press and Information," translated into English and French, for distribution on the world stage (wonder how far that effort got?). The names of these books were "Documents I," "Documents on Ottoman Armenians - II" and "...III," and published in 1982, 1983 and 1986, respectively. The Ottoman originals were also included in these books, where they may be accessed in the .PDF file version of these books, made available on the University of Louisville's web site: Vol. 1, Vol. 2, and Vol. 3.

An average of a quarter-century has passed since these volumes first appeared, and yet it appears no Turkish person, governmental or civilian, has taken the trouble to make these very valuable documents available on the Internet. Isn't that incredible?

What is below has been faithfully reproduced for the most part (for example, retaining the quaint British spelling), but some errors in English have been corrected.


DOCUMENTS ON OTTOMAN-ARMENIANS

Prime Ministry Directorate General Of Press And Information

TABLE OF CONTENTS


NO. DATE OF DOCUMENT SUBJECT


1) 1893 (89) 18 September 1914 Resolutions of Armenian strategists in pre-First World War days

2) 1894 (90) 24 September 1914 Coded message from Third Army Commander on promises of independence by Russians to Armenians.

3) 1895 (91) 7 October 1914 Report by Intelligence Officer Ahmet from Russia on Armenian activities.

4) 1896 (92) 20 October 1914 Report by Eleskirt Border Battalion on assembly of Armenian Army deserters in Kagizman.

5) 1897 (93) 23 October 1914 Report from Third Army Command to the Supreme Command on assembly of Armenians in Kagizman.

6) 1898 (94) 24 October 1914 Report from Erzurum province on capture of Armenian mail raiders.

7) 1899 (95) 31 October 1914 Letter by Erzurum Provincial authority on the formation of gangs by Armenian army deserters.

8) 1900 (96) 9/10 November 1914 Letter by 3rd Army Communications Zone Inspectorate on Armenian raid on the mail.

9) 1901 (97) 31 January 1915 Report by General Directorate for security on secret communications of the Armenian Patriarch with foreign sources through the Italian Embassy.

10)1902 (98) 19 February 1915 Coded message from Elazig on armed clash between Armenians and Gendarmerie in a follow-up operation for deserters in which two gendarmes were killed

11)1903 (99) ( ) 1915 Report on meeting of Armenian Ottoman Parliament members Papasian and Viremian in Erzurum with Dashnak delegates from Caucasia, their resolutions, and provomkes[?] by officers, doctors and enlisted men of Armenian origin in the Ottoman Army.

12)1904 (100) 27 March 1915 Coded message from 10th Army Corps Command on attacks by Armenians on the gendarmerie in Bafra, Tokat and Susehri, and ammunition and arms captured from Armenians.

13)1905 (101) 30 March 1915 Coded message received by Ministry of Defence on clashes between Armenian gangs and a military detachment sent from Silvan to Mus and arms and money seized.

14)1906 (102) 6 April 1915 Report by Special Organisation Volunteer Battalion on Armenian activities in Ulukisla, Sivas and Erzincan and on the Armenians' possession of 30,000 weapons.

15) 1907 (103) 20 April 1915 Order from the Ministry of Defence to the Third Army Command on capturing Armenian and Greek army deserters.

16) 1908 (104) 20 April 1915 Coded message from 10th Army Corps command on arms and ammunition captured in Armenian villages of Horasan and Hafik.

17)1909 (105) 21 April 1915 Urgent emergency coded message from Governor of Van on Armenians' preparations for revolt.

18)1910 (106) 22 April 1915 Affidavit statements of parents of an Armenian army deserter from the 5th Army Corps.

19)1911 (107) 22/23ApriI 1915 Coded Message from the Governor of Sivas on Armenians arming against Ottoman rule.

20)1912 (108) 27 April 1915 Coded message from the Governor of Diyarbakir on arms, ammunition, explosives and military uniforms captured from Armenians.

21)1913 (109) 28 April 1915 Cable from 11th Army Corps Command seizure on the capture of arms and explosives from a concealed cache at the house of Armenian Artin in Diyarbakir.

22)1914 (110) 30 April 1915 Coded message received by the Fourth Army Command on imports of arms by the Armenian Charity Association and its political affiliations.

23)1915 (111) 13 May 1915 Letter to requesting Hunchak Committee Secretary Negyazarian, on trail before Martial Law Court, to be sent to Kayseri to help uncover hidden arms and ammunition.

24)1916 (112) 30 May 1915 Regulation on housing, accommodation and lodging of Armenians being settled in other places because of the state of war, emergency situation and political necessity.

25)1917 (113) 28 June 1915 Coded message from 10th Army Corps Command and massacres by Armenians in Karakus subdistrict.

26)1918 (114) 16 July 1915 Report by the Gendarmerie detachment on the protection of Armenian convoys against attacks by Kurdish gangs.

27)1919 (1 15) 23/24 July 1915 Cable by Konya Conscription Office on crimes and destruction by a 300-strong Armenian gang in Bogazliyan.

28)1920 (116) 27 July 1915 Letter from 1st Army Corps Command on measures against 300-strong Armenian Gang which raided Bogazliyan.

29)1921 (117) 30/31 July 1915 Coded message of Third Army Command repeating instructions for the protection of the Armenians transferred to inner regions and order not to allow any insult or humiliation to them.

30)1922 (118) 29 September 1915 Coded cable from Urfa local authority requesting assistance from the 4th Army Corps Command against rebelling Armenians who wounded three gendarmes.

31) 1923 (119) 21 January 1916 Correspondence related to a $100,000 donation by Armenians living in the United States through the Permanent Mutual Assistance Committee of Philadelphia for Armenians in need.

32) 1924 (120) 9 April 1916 Cable from the 5th Army Corps Conscription Office on abduction of four Moslem women of Caykapu village of Tosya by armed Armenian gangs.

33) 1925 (121) 10 February 1917 Coded cable from Adana Gendarmerie Command of armed clash between a 3C-strong Armenian gang and the gendarmerie.

34) 1926 (122) ( ? ) 1917 Report on Armenian cruelties and atrocities to the local population in Ottoman lands evacuated by Russian occupation forces.

35) 1927 (123) 24 May 1917 Correspondence related to attacks on Moslem Population by Armenian gang in 1915 on Adana-Maras Road.

36) 1928 (124) 2 February 1918 Letter from Third Army Commander General Mehmed Vehib to Commander-in-Chief of Russian Caucasian Armies General Perjovalsky on Armenian cruelties and atrocities to the Moslem population in territories evacuated by Russian Occupation forces.

37) 1929 (125) 3 February 1918 Army reports on Armenian cruelty to Turkish population and information received from refugees and deserters.

38) 1930 (126) 6 February1918 Coded message from 1st Caucasian Army Corps Command to Third Army Command on indiscriminate murdering of Moslems the aged, women and children alike, by Armenians in Erzincan and gun-fire on villages. There will be no living human being left, if no help arrives within days, said the message.

39) 1931 (127) 7 February 1918 Translation from Russian of the affidavit statement of Russian Captain Kazmir from 13th Turkistan Snipers Regiment who witnessed Armenian murders, plunder, destruction and atrocities.

40)1932 (128) 7 February 1918 Orders from Third Army Commander General Vehib to attached army corps on fair and humanitarian treatment of all populations without discrimination, to comply with the "Geneva Convention" for hospitals and patients and strictly abide by laws and regulations in all applications to the local people in the advance operation following the agreement with the Russians.

41)1933 (129) 8 February 1918 Information on Armenian cruelties in Erzincan given by four Turks who escaped.

42)1934 (130) 1918 Report by 13th Caucasian Regiment Commander on Armenian cruelties in Bayburt.

43)1935 (131) 23 February 1918 Third Army Command Report on the murder and burning of 300 defenceless Moslem Turks by Armenians.

44)1936 (132) 27 February 1918 Summaries of cables from the Third Army Command to the National News Agency, foreign and local newspapers, on Armenian cruelties.

45)1937 (133) 1918 Statement of Ali from Hospiya on Armenian cruelties he witnessed as prisoner of war at Ahilkelek.

46)1938 (134) 21 April 1918 Report from Group Command to Third Army Command on repeated Armenian cruelties to the Turkish population in the region between Ahilkelek and Ardahan.

47)1939 (135) 25 April 1918 Letter from the Third Army Command to the Supreme Command assuring just, civilised and humanitarian treatment to all Armenian and Greek populations in Kars, Ardahan, Artvin and Caucasia upon liberation of these provinces from occupation.

48)1940 (136) 5 May 1918 Cable to General Headquarters on the murders massacre and destruction by Armenians in Erzurum.

49)1941 (137) 8/9 May 1918 Cable to General Headquarters on the murder and destruction by Armenians in Mamahatun.

50)1942 (138) 17 May 1918 6th Army Command's Sitcation Report on Armenian cruelties in Baku, Tiflis, Genc and Eastern Caucasia.

51)1943 (139) 14 July 1918 Letter from Third Army Commander replying the official letter of P. Donikalatozev, leading figure of the Armenian Catholic Community of Batum, assuring fair and humanitarian treatment to Armenians and all other groups living in Ottoman territories; :hat of their lives, dignity and porperty security is guaranteeing and saying problems which arise can always be discussed and settled mutually.

52)1944 (140) 26 July 1918 Report by Caucasian Islamic Army Commander Nuri Pasha on horrible murders of the Moslem population by Armenians in Gence and Baku regions.

53)1945 (141) 27 July 1918 Report by a Turkish Officer sent to Erivan as delegate by the 9th Army indicating that "Moslem Turks under the jurisdiction of the Armenian Government face a constant threat."

54)1946 (142) 30 December 1918 Coded message from 9th Army Command to the Ministry of Defence on the British seizing arms and equipment of Turkish troops and handing them over to Armenians in Batum.

PREFACE

This is the second book compiled of documents from the Turkish Military History Archives showing the hostility provoked by the Armenian militants and the atrocities committed by them toward the Ottoman State and the Turkish Moslems of Anatolia during the First World War years. The facsimiles of the original documents in the old Turkish script together with their modern Turkish transcriptions in Latin alphabet were published in the periodical "Military History Documents" No. 8311983 by the Military History and Strategic Studies Department of the Turkish General Staff. The English translation of the Documents is presented to enlighten the world public opinion on the real nature of the historic facts and to encourage research activities in this field.

Necati Ozkaner

In other words, the purpose of publishing these documents is not to revive the hatred and enmity continuously fanned today by distorting the past but to demonstrate in an unbiased way the baselessness of the genocide allegations. Documents published herein again reveal in a catalogue the Armenian atrocities and massacres perpetrated on Turkish people during the First World War years. The documents also very explicitly demonstrate the just and fair treatment accorded by the Ottoman Administration to all citizens. irrespective of their religion, race, sect or any other consideration.

We hope that this book, by exhibiting the realities will bring common sense to the issue and help eliminate distortion of the facts.

Necati OZKANER
Director General of Press and Information

DOCUMENT NO: 1893 (89)

Decoded Message from Mustafa Bey, Governor of Bitlis
Dated 5 September 330 (18 September 1914):

Recent decision and instigations of Armenian strategists envisage the following moves: To preserve their loyalty in peace to the Administration pending the declaration of war. If war is declared Armenian soldiers in the Ottoman Army will take shelter on the enemy side with their arms. If the Ottoman Army advances. to remain inactive, if the Ottoman Army retreats, to form armed bands and hinder transport and communications. The above information based on documentary evidence was filed from Provincial authority of Mus.

Section 216 (19)

Info. noted and filed to Section 1 for action

Director Section 2
A. Muhtar

Archive No : 4/3671
Cabin No : 163
Drawer No : 1
File No : 2811
Section No : 26
Index No : 28

DOCUMENT NO: 1894 (90)

OTTOMAN ARMY ACTING SUPREME COMMAND

Section
No.
(COPY)

TO: THE SUPREME COMMAND

(Summary)
Copy of decoded message from Hasan lzzet Pasha, Commander of the Third Army in Erzurum, dated 11 September 330 (24 September 1914):

The Russians have provoked Armenians living in our country, through Armenians in the Caucasus, by promises that they will be granted independence in territories to be annexed from Ottoman land, they have brought many of their own men disguised as Turkish peasants to the Armenian villages in our country, they have been engaged in forming armed bands, and storing arms and ammunition in many places to be distributed to Armenians, according to reliable information. In the same context they have resolved to preserve their loyalty in peace pending the declaration of war and if war is declared Armenian soldiers in the Ottoman Army will join the Russians with their arms. If the Ottoman Army advances to preserve loyalty and peace, should the Ottoman Army then retreat, to form armed guerilla bands and fight against us. Arms have been uncovered in a number of Armenian houses which were searched.

To counter this move, the units were instructed as follows: Border units will capture all non-Moslem persons who try to enter our territories without a passport. Anybody who attempts to import arms and ammunition will be executed. Armenians will to the greatest extent possible be placed along with noncombatants. Any action against us will be suppressed and those who lead the action will be executed.

Recommendation to Local Administrations:

To increase investigations and form a militia force from Moslem people with no military service commitment. These will stay in their villages and be called when needed.

Archive No : 1/131
Cabin No : 158
Drawer No : 3
File No : 2703
Section No : 308
Index No : 23-1

DOCUMENT NO: 1895 (91)

SECRET
No : 87

Horasan
24/25 September 330
(7/8 October 1914)

TO: THIRD ARMY COMMAND -- ERZURUM

Ahmet who was dispatched to Russia had to return tonight at seven o'clock as he came across with the patrol from Mecingred. Related to issues requested in the coded message of your high command dated 14 September 330 (27 September 1914) the following information is submitted herewith:

1. A part of a map is submitted in enclosure.

2. Information on the military position in Russia:

In Hendere there are some three thousand Saltats (Russian Soldiers) together with eight mobile artillery guns and ammunition. The guns are in Heridere. A number of soldiers with two guns and some ammunition is in Serbasan village. In upper Mecingred there are some 200 Saltat and around 70 or 80 Cossack soldiers. Soldiers also exist in Karaurgan, their number, however is unknown. In Sarikamis there are some 3000 soldiers, out of which some 800 are Cossacks and the remainder are Saltats. There are over 30 mobile artillery guns drawn by three double-horse units each. In Kosakilise there are about 200 soldiers. The number of soldiers in the Revan direction is unclear, some soldiers in this region and in the Gumru region have been sent to the German border, the sources said. The informant said his friend. Arshak had been to Kars and observed ditches dug around Kars, wide enough for people to move in about and with the tops covered. They have also laid rails in parts of Kars, using trains for transport. The number of workers employed in digging the ditches exceeds forty thousand daily, while, the number of soldiers in Kars is around 15,000 out of which some three thousand are regulars and the remainder reserves. Reserves are equipped with bolted rifles. There are also some two thousand Cossacks with Mauser-type rifles. In Karakurt there are 300 Cossacks and 750 reservists with four artillery guns. The Commander of Caucasia is the same, name unknown, Commander of Kars is Zivemn and Commander of Sarikamis is Bratov. A new commander is expected from Russia, the informant learnt. Armenians in Russia are registering as volunteers to join the war, arms and bread to be supplied by Russia and horses and clothing by themselves. Leaders for drafting volunteers are Aramalis from Papsin of Bitlis in Sarikamis and an Armenian named Antranik in Kars. Antranik had reportedly proceeded to Tiflis to conscript volunteers from among the Christians there, after conscripting a number of volunteers from Kars. All Armenians in Russia will join the volunteers. Russia promised to allocate some of the lands to be captured from the Ottomans to them. Arshak, friend of the informant was was taken by force to Kan by volunteers to join them.

Third Regional Commander

(Signature)

Archive No : 4/3671
Cabin No : 163
Drawer No : 2
File No : 2818
Section No : 59
Index No : 2-15

DOCUMENT NO: 1896 (92)

Coded Message No: 319 Dated 7 October 330 (20 October 1914) from Amad Border Battalion in Eleskirt to the 9th Army Corps.:

1. The great majority being from Armenians of our land and army deserters, over 8000 Armenians gathered in Kagizman.

2. Their formation is some sort of guerilla band. They are armed by the government and their needs are supplied by the people on the basis of war commitments.

3. Kosti from Karakilise, Aramis from Central Eleskirt and lpik from Bacli village of Eleskirt are the leaders of the gangs.

4. Ten more Plaston companies arrived in Kagizman in the last four days. Total forces in Kagizrnan are estimated at 15,000.- This information was furnished by a reliable Moslem from Kagizman through a special messenger.

Battalion Commander
Hakki

Certified true copy
Seal, 9th Army Corps
Staff Section
9 October 1330 (22 October 1914)

Archive No : 4/3671
Cabin No : 163
Drawer No : 2
File No : 2818
Section No : 59
Index No : 2-39

DOCUMENT NO: 1897 (93)

Third Army
General Staff Section

Copying official
(Signature)

Coded Cable
No: 150

Date of Copying:
10.8.330 (23 October 1914)

TO: SUPREME COMMAND

1 . In addition to the Second Turkistan Army Corps, the First Turkistan Army Corps has been reportedly deployed to the Caucasus, ready to fight against us. Please convey any available information in this regard to our headquarters.

4. It has also been reported this week that, as it was submitted in earlier reports, Russians have deployed anew part of outfits in Kars to the German border. Any information available in Istanbul in this regard, please convey to this headquarters.

5. Further information said, people of villages in the vicinity of the border have been ordered by Russians to evacuate their villages and to withdraw to inner Caucasia.

2. Although there are no other changes noted in the border region, some 8,000 Armenians from Mus, Van, Bitlis, including army deserters, are assembled in Kagizman, led by gang leaders from Karakilise and Eleskirt. Further, according to information reaching here, many Armenians in the Van region have been conscripted and armed.

3. There battalions from the Plaston units which up to date have been stationed in Erivan, have been deployed to Kagizman, while a cavalry regiment and two artillery batteries in Kagizman were recently deployed to Iran. Reinforcement of Russian forces in lran by cavalry units is apparently a measure against the tribes.

Signature
Initials
(To the Memoranda File)

Archive No : 4/3671
Cabin No : 163
Drawer No : 2
File No : 2818
Section No : 59
Index No : 1-41, 1-42

DOCUMENT NO: 1898 (94)

Provincial Authority
Erzurum
Correspondence Section

No: General : 27285
Special : 658

Hour: 10.5

TO: THE THIRD ARMY COMMAND

Dear Sir,

Further to our letter No: 271441540 of 11 October 1330 (24 October 1914).

One of the armed bands which raided the mail was captured in the vicinity of Of. Also captured were Agop, son of Keshis and Agop son of Ohannes, both from the Araksa village of lspir and Yumra, Sihak from Pulur of Bayburt and Ohannes from Rüstü village, according to information from the District Governor of Bayburt.

We are awaiting your orders in this regard.
15 October 1330 (28 October 1914)

Governor a.i. of Erzurum
Cernal

Section 3 15/16 (28129)
Document No: 2121

File (16129)
Nuri

Archive No : 4/3671
Cabin No : 163
Drawer No : 2
File No : 2820
Section No : 69
Index No : 1-9

DOCUMENT NO: 1899 (95)

Provincial Authority
Erzurum
Correspondence Section 646/18/19
Hour: 10

No: Special : 740
General :

TO: THE THIRD ARMY COMMAND

Dear Sir,

Enclosed please find copy of coded cable by Beyezid District Authority dated 16 October 1330 (29 October 1914) covering statements and remarks related to fleeing to Russia of many army deserters and many Armenians from the villages of the region, with the help of some Kurds, to join the bands formed by Surin in lkdir (Igdir). Awaiting your orders for action. 18 October 1330 (31 October 1914).

Governor a.i. of Erzurum
Cemal

Section: 1.3
18 (31) dated
K (commander Documentary: 2234.18/19 (31/1) dated
As reserve units are on action, to be filed. 19 (1) dated
Nuri

Archive No : 4/3671
Cabin No : 163
Drawer No : 2
File No : 2820
Section No : 69
Index No : 1-15

DOCUMENT NO: 1900 (96)

". . . . . Erzincan
27/28 October 330
(9/10 November 1914)

THIRD ARMY COMMUNICATIONS ZONE INSPECTORATE
Staff Section
Branch : 1
3838
TO: THE THIRD ARM COMMAND ERZURUM

Summary: Some of the persons who raided the Erzurum mail confessed their crime, while some others are likely to be found guilty upon their investigation; however, the seized money was not recovered.

From persons who raided the Erzurum Mail, Strak from lzaska Village of Yumra subdistrict, enlisted man at Third Construction Battalion of Bayburd, AWOL and concurrently under custody at Gümüshane; Sükrü from Sarasor Village of Akcaabad, enlisted man at the 1st Bn. 12th Reg. lXth Corps, AWOL and concurrently under custody at the provincial centre have confessed their crimes. Although Strak has denounced Agop, son of Artin and Osbek son of Sisman from lzaska village (both AWOL and under custody in Bayburd) for being involved in the raid, and Sükrü denounced Süleyman, son of Faik from Yanika village of Macka district of also being involved, investigations proved Süleyman innocent and he was released.

Further Agop, son of Malkon and Ohannes, son of Sacan from Rahanoglu family from lzaska village, both AWOL and concurrently under custody at the provincial centre, are likely to be found guilty upon investigation. The seized money could not be recovered. Investigation running. Based on the statement of Fixed Gendarmerie Regiment Command.

Third Army Communications Zone
Acting lspector
(Colonel)
(Signature)

Section 3: 7 (20) dated
File. 7/8 Dated (20/21 )
Nuri

Archive No : 4/3671
Cabin No : 163
Drawer No : 2
File No : 2820
Section No : 69
Index No : 1-14

DOCUMENT NO: 1901 (97)

SUBLIME PORTE
(Ottoman Government)
Ministry of Interior
General Directorate of Security

SECRET

No: General . . . . .
Special 2086 (Correspondence)

DIRECTORATE OF INTELLIGENCE OF GENERAL HEADQUARTERS

1. Reliable sources reported irregular communication of the Istanbul Armenian Patriarchate with the Etchmiadzin Catholicos through the Italian Embassy. Requested to conduct extensive and secret investigation on the method of this communication which is likely to facilitate and effect transmitting of our most important secrets and our military position to Russia.

2. Despite the censorship of correspondence and communication with foreign countries, Armenians have been reportedly carrying on external communications in transit, and also passing out information under coded words and sentences of which the meanings are known only to themselves, this being a very useful way of communicating on their part. Requested that all concerned are instructed to take necessary measures related to cables of this nature. 18 January 1330 (31 January 1915).

Director General for Security
Ismail
Abdullah

Section 2: 5900
18 January 1330 (31 January 1915)
Branch 2/18 (31) dated

Archive No : 1/2
Cabin No : 113
Drawer No : 3
File No : 521
Section No : 2029
Index No : 2

Holdwater: The Catholicos of Etchmiadzin had already pledged his support to the Czar in the summer of 1914, with the terrorist Armen Garo as his agent. The Patriarch, Zaven, was certainly in cahoots.
DOCUMENT NO: 1902 (98)

Ministry of Defence
Correspondence Department
Coded Messages Section

COPY
Coded message received from Mamuretulaziz (Elazigi):

As I reported earlier, upon killing of two gendarmerie soldiers adequate forces have been dispatched, accompanied by the district governor, to the scene of armed attack by the Armenians on the gendarmes which were sent to Sekur village of Hizan in Ahvus direction to arrest army deserters, while a great number of Armenians were assembling at Korsu, Sekur,and Arsin villages and a detachment was dispatched from Gevas and one from Bitlis with necessary instructions. According to cable I have received, in clashes with rebels during the last three days, the detachments have occupied the Mezkkapan Pass and Eznis village, carrying on toward Hakes. The gendarmerie suffered six dead and one wounded, while eight Armenians were killed. All fortifications in these are as have been demolished while preparations are under way for an attack against their stronghold in Tasu village.

Copy of coded message from Bitlis Provincial authority on 5 February 1330 (18 February 1915) is hereby quoted. 6 February 330 (19 February 1915).

7/12/33O (20 February 1915)
One copy to Hq.
449/12/330

Acting Commander XIth Army Corps
Hakki

Public Order/965
To the independent Public Order
Section
Seal "Army Department/12 February 330
(25 February 1915) Supply Section"
Seal

Archive No : 1/131
Cabin No : 149
Drawer No : 4
File No : 2287
Section No : 12
Index No : 6

DOCUMENT NO: 1903 (99)

(The following lengthy report has already been featured on TAT; the translation below is much better.)


OFFICE OF THE ACTING SUPREME COMMAND OTTOMAN ARMY
Section
No:

Continued from Format One (Last Part)

The moment for Turkey's collapse is fast approaching, it is being declared everywhere. Parliament Member Papasian and Viremian came to Erzurum, bringing along with them the conclusions of the general congress held in Istanbul, to proceed with their arrangements. An assembly was held in Erzurum with the participation of the Dashnak delegates arriving from the Caucasus.

The form of understanding reached with the Russians regarding promises that Armenians will be given independence in territories to be annexed from Ottoman land was discussed at the Erzurum meeting. The Congress approved the Russian-Armenian agreements and resolved the following in summary, to be transmitted to the committees:

1. To preserve loyalty in tranquility pending the declaration of war. but to carry on with the preparations for arming with weapons being brought from Russia and others to be obtained locally.

2. If war is declared Armenian soldiers in the Ottoman Army will join the Russian army with their arms.

3. If the Ottoman Army advances to remain calm.

4. Should the Ottoman army then retreat or come to a standstill position, to form armed guerilla bands and begin programmed operations behind army lines.

Following the dissolution of the congress, after taking its resolutions, Parliament Member Viremian visited the Governor of Erzurum and proposed the following:

"Should the Ottoman Government declare war on Russia and attack Caucasia, the Ottoman Government must make a concrete promise on the establishment of Armenia, in order to propagate the arrangement for cooperation of the Armenians there with the Turks."

This approach of Viremian to the Governor of Erzurum after signing the above four-article resolution of the Congress, had two particular purposes:

1. If the Ottoman Army ends the war victorious to continue preserving national aspirations.

2. To mislead the Ottoman Government and thus protect and conceal the secret Armenian Organisation against any search or investigation. After setting their affairs in Erzurum as explained above, Viremian and Papasian, accompanied by some of the leading Dashnak Committee leaders, proceeded to Canakkale Monastery, assembled the Armenian people of the region and conveyed the Congress resolutions. Papasian stayed in Mus to lead the activities there and Viremian proceeded to Van accompanied by his friends.

The Third Army was informed about these developments. The Governor and subordinate commanders were instructed to be vigilant.

Information reaching the Third Army on the arrangements by Armenians in Russia and in Turkey until war was declared follows:

1. Moslem dwellings in towns and villages East of the border in Russia were being searched, all weapons confiscated and issued to Armenians.

2. A huge amount of arms and ammunition was being stored at Oltu, Sarikamis, Kagizman and Igdir regions to be used in arming Armenians West of the border, in Turkey, with those living in towns and villages close to the border in particular. The son of Russian General Loris Melikov, accompanied by Melkon and Ohannes, both leading Dashnak figures, proceeded to Van on 27 September 330 (10 Oct. 1914) through Abaga to decide on the future arrangements and the weapons to be distributed in the Van and Bitlis regions.

3. Russian consuls in Iran, after promises that an Armenian will be established in territories to be annexed from Ottoman land, have reportedly armed Iranian Armenians, with those of Rumiye and Salhas in particular, and deployed them over the border.

4. A group of Dashnak Committee leaders of Caucasia and in Turkey have been organising Armenian guerilla bands in the border region as follows:

a. Six thousand Armenians, comprising mostly Armenians from Pasinler, Erzurum, Eleskirt. Hinis and Malazgirt and army deserters, have assembled in Kagizman, to be armed by Russians and their rations to be supplied from the people under war commitment arrangements with the help of Russian civil servants and Armenian leaders. 3500 of these were sent to Iranian Azerbaidjan on 18 October 330 (31 October 1914), while the rest are in Kagizman.

b. According to reliable information, a 1500 strong cavary band was formed from Armenians fleeing from Oltu, Kars, Sarikamis and Trabzon, 1000 of which proceeded to Igdir to be deployed in the Bayezid region, while the 500 were sent to Oltu for proceeding to Hodicor.

c. The major part being Armenians of Bayezid. Van and Bitlis and army deserters, and Armenians of lgdir, some 6000 Armenians assembled in Igdlr and were organised in guerilla groups and armed, according to soldiers from Russian border companies who sought refuge and other sources.

d. Armenian guerilla bands are being organised at Biyecek Church in Koni direction of Maku and bands established at Salhas prepare to proceed tu Van.

5. The leading organiser for Kars, Sarlkamis and Bayburd regions are well-known, Antranik, Ershan from Bayburd and Aram from Bitlis, organisers for the lgdir region are Pharmacist Rupen Migirdician from Ercis, Portakalian, and Surpin, Dashnak delegate from Bayezid.

6. Intelligence bureaus have been established in each of the towns of Trabzon, Erzurum, Mus, Bitlis, Van and, in the rear, Sivas and Kayseri, to inform the Russian Army on the position, movements and operations of the Turkish Army.

7. Of the firearms and ammunition smuggled from the border, the surplus has been stored at Karahisar, Sivas and Kayseri.

8. An Executive Board has been established in Batum comprised of Russian, Armenian and Greek members, to facilitate the import of arms, ammunition and explosives into Turkey, to provoke rebellion in the Black Sea region under Turkish control, utilising the services of Armenians and Greeks there and for intelligence on the Turkish Army for the Russians. The following information is from the files of the Third Army on the attitude and moves of Armenians on Turkish territories up to the declaration of war with Russia:

1. From Armenians with conscription obligations those in towns and villages East of the Hopa-Erzurum-Hinis-Van line did not comply with the call to enlist but have proceeded East to the border to join the organisation in Russia.

2. The Third Reserve Cavalry Division proceeded to its assembly in point of the Yagan lsigi - Yanan Koprijkoy area and a great number of Russian weapons were uncovered in the houses of Ovanis, son of Manuk at Koprukoy and of Papas at Yagan. In Hasankale. Russian weapons were uncovered in various houses, and the perpetrators were court-mantialled As its seems, the first stage of the Congress Resolutions is being implemented

3. Strak, son of Eksi from lzaksa village of Yumra, with a 25-man group led by the son of Aralik, murdered Moslems who happened to be in the solitary places of Hodicor and also raided the Trabzon-Erzurum mail cart near Gumushane, murdering the cart driver and seizing the mail and escaping. Several of his accomplices were captured and prosecuted before a courtmartial, and it become clear that they are members of the band which came to Oltu.

4. Russian outposts opposite our border posts at Hehas. Kotek, Pasin Kara Kilisesi, Gurcu Bulak and further to the south are being replaced by Armenian guerilla patrols. The raid by a 20 strong cavalry troop led by Kegork from,Malatya, who deserted from the Pasin Kara Kilisesi Border Battalion with his weapon, the abortive attack by Armenian gangs on the Kotek Border Battalion from Gurcubulak direction, the raids by 500-strong Armenian gangs led by Pharmacist Rupen and Surpin from Bayerid around Moson, made it clear that they were all aimed at initiating Ottoman-Russian hostility and that the Armenians were to serve as the vanguards of the Russian Army.

5. Some Armenian soldiers in our units, particularly those in units in the border regions, have fled to Russia with their weapons.

6. Moslem soldiers on sick leave in their villages which happened to be around Armenian villages have been murdered. In this way. Third Lieutenant Sabri from the Artillery Battalion of the Lazistan Regional Command was brutally murdered and his corps was dismembered and buried in the garden of his house by his Armenian landlord Bedros at Hosmasa village. The murderer resisted the gendarmerie detachment which went to the village to arrest him and after losing hope of escaping, he committed suicide. It was not possible to uncover the accomplices.

This and many similar individual cases are reported every day.

Judging from the above mentioned preparations and plans, it was acknowledged by the Third Army that a rebellion was being plotted. In fact, plans for a rebellion were under way in suitable regions and arms, ammunition and explosives were being stored for future use. As it will be explained below, the principal centres for the rebellion were, among the Eastern provinces, Van, Bitlis, Erzurum, Karahisar and to a secondary degree Sivas, Kayseri and Diyarbakir. As it became evident from the confessions of Armenians before courtmartial in Sivas later on, the Armenians had already designated general inspectorates, war commanders, and guerilla leaders and had ordered the registration of all males above 13 years of age at the Dashnak branches who would consequently be armed according to the same orders.

A look at the principal centres for rebellion shows that locations on the supply line were selected. As a matter of fact, with the proclamation of mobilisation, the Ottoman Government annexed the majority of the gendarmerie forces to the mobile army and the Kurdish region was left to the jurisdiction of the second grade gendarmerie. It was therefore assumed that, the rebellion would necessitate the deployment of part of the forces to the region of the Kurds, putting the army in a very difficult position.

When conflicts arose between Turkey and Russia, it was observed that units of the Russian army started aggression on the border. A Plaston brigade from the Russian army along with the First Cossack Cavalry Division was sent to the Id, Kotek. Pasin Kara Kilisesi and Bayezid direction in support of the Armenians which were also reinforced by machine guns and artillery. All properties in Moslem villages were plundered by these passing gangs, all Moslems including babies in the cradle were massacred. Hearing of these atrocities and inhuman acts of Armenian gangs, inhabitants of other villages in the areas were escaping, leaving behind women and children. In a short time, Erzurum. Van and Bitlis became centres of misery. In fact, the Moslem youths in these regions were conscripted for military service, leaving behind only aged, women, children and disabled who fell victim to the Armenian cruelties and atrocities or to poverty.

The Armenian atrocities reported by the Eleventh Army Corps will be noted. The Second Section could not find the Report. Sadik Bey has the draft report of the Third Army. The list of the Refugee Committee will be added to this.

The position of the Ottoman Army in the Caucasian Front on the date of declaration of war:

Units attached to the Third Army: The Ninth, Eleventh Army Corps and the 13th. Army Corps to arrive from Baghdad. First, Second Third and the Fourth Reserve Cavalry divisions, the Second Regular Cavalry Division and Van and Erzurum Gendarmerie Divisions to be established. Those units which had completed their mobilisation supplies, could not all reach the assembly zone. These units included in the Table of organisation of the Third Army, as it will be seen on the attached No. 1 sketch, were either on the move or in the Erzurum area.

Ten days before the declaration of war, upon orders from the Acting Supreme Command, winter regions were allocated for the units proceeding to the assembly zones, and the units arriving were on their way to their settlement points. Accordingly, the political decision of the Government was not yet certain. The Third Army, believing that a winter war would not be desirable, obliged Moslem people in the border region who anticipated migrating to remain in their homes.

This was the position of the Third Army during the above mentioned horrible Russian operation for bringing the evils of war to Turkish land. The Russians succeeded in reaching the Hasankale vicinity in their first stride. Pending the completion of strategic preparations, the Third Army was withdrawing its units from the border region, taking advantage of the Erzurum fortress, and decided to set up its resisting operation at the Hoyukler Line beyond Erzurum. In view of the four-day resistance of the forward Second Cavalry Division, which blocked the Russian advance, and as it became clear after reconnaissance that the enemy consisted of Armenian gangs, one Plaston brigade, and the Cossack Cavalry Division only, it was decided to deploy the main body of the Third Army. Thus, the Turkish Forces repulsing Russian forces advanced all the way up to Zivin fortified positions.

The attitude of the Armenian officers, doctors and enlisted men in the Turkish Army and of the Armenian people behind the front lines:

Advancing all the way to the East of Erzurum. Armenian gangs moved all Armenian villages with all their families to Russia, forcing those capable of using arms to join them. And, while withdrawing, as explained above, they resorted to every inhuman act and atrocity toward the Moslem villages, burning the villages to the ground, murdering the people. Armenian enlisted men in the Turkish army were taking this opportunity to flee to the Russian Army with their weapons. Officers and doctors, were also joining the Russian Army, taking with them much information about the Turkish army. It was observed on many occasions that in the most critical moments of the battle, positions of ammunition, batteries or the reserve positions were shown to the Russians. In this context, Kirkor, son of Ohannes from Gumushane, was seen showing the Pazacur position to the Russians. He confessed his crime at a courtmartial. Again during the most critical moments of the battle, some Armenian enlisted men were inciting Turkish enlisted men to flee, creating confusion in the battle lines. Armenian people behind the lines, did not hesitate to murder wounded soldiers who were sent back for treatment. Further, they had constant communication with Armenians in the Russian Army, informing them of the position and state of the Turkish units, and deciding their stand and position accordingly. Such coded messages were seized from spies many times. A few of the numerous documents showing evidence of spying on the position and state of the Turkish Army and supplying arms and ammunition to the Armenian people living in Turkish territories are underlined below:

Translation of a letter seized in the lining of the coat of (....) on his way from Van. The letter is written to the Dashnak Committee in the Armenian language:

"Our Dears (This is a form of address among committee members) Your letter was received on time. The properties known to you and to us where shipped via your designation (means arms, ammunition, bombs). It is difficult to ship you properties without risk. Roads are blocked. Clashes. have begun in the borders. As it seems, the operation will be joined. Uncle Shekyager is the "nom de plume" of the leader in Bursa, who fled. He does not cherish the same feelings. You will appreciate this? He had placed many immobile things around us. Arrival of mobile things continue. We have plenty of goods here and we know the shortage you suffer there. We are all affected by the death of Dervish: If ours does not reach you immediately dispatch vour messenger. Write about kind and number of troops in movement. (Asks information about Turkish army units).

Friendly regards
Minarian

Inhabitants of Armenian villages secretly moved to villages in areas with an Armenian majority, leaving behind only old and disabled Armenians in the evacuated villages.

The first rebellion started in the province of Bitlis. The strongest forces of the committees were in the Hizan district and the Karkar area of Bitlis, both bordering Van and Mus. The mutiny started during the past 15 days in various sections of the town by murdering the limited number of soldiers and gendarmes. An account of the happenings follows:

On 27 January 1330 (9 February 1915) two gendarmes sent to the Sekur Village of Karkar in the Hizan District were driven away from the village, being told that Government orders will henceforth not be obeyed. An eight-strong gendarme force was sent to the scene, but remained under strong fire from Armenian committees fortified positions in the village. Six of the gendarmes were killed, two succeeded in escaping. Further, no information was received from two gendarmes dispatched to Korsor village. A great number of Armenian gangs assembled in Korsor, Sekur and Arsin villages, starting raids on Moslem villages in the area, committing murders and atrocities. In the Karkar region, a group of gangs attacked the district capital of Hizan, in an effort to capture the town.

The rebellion expanded, Armenian gangs attacking Hizan were forced to halt by the resistance of the gendarmes and armed people in the town.

A strong detachment led by the Gendarmerie Regiment Commander of Bitlis was dispatched to the scene, while a message was transmitted to Van, to dispatch another unit from Van and one from Gevas. The unit dispatched from Gevas was ambushed on its way to Hizan and six gendarmes were killed in an armed clash with the Armenian gangs, one gendarme was wounded. The detachment continued to advance after being reinforced. The units dispatched from Van and Bitlis recovered the Kapan Yolu and Arnis villages from Armenian occupation and broke the siege of Hizan. The units continued their operation towards Ahkis. After two days of armed clashes, the Ahkis and Bigeri villages were recovered but the insurgents escaped.

On 4 February 330 (17 February 1915) the detachments assembled at Tasu village, turning over to the threatening insurgents. After one day's strong resistance, the village was recovered. This was followed with the recovery of the Korsu and Sigor villages, after a two-day battle. Many Russian uniform caps and Russian material and equipment, abandoned by the insurgents, was found. It was also observed that the villages were turned into fortified field positions. The corpses of the two gendarmes murdered in Sigorvillage were uncovered, their eyes gouged out, their lungs taken out from ripped chests and their heads smashed. The marked mare of Van Committee Leader Ishan was found during the recovery of Viris village. Among the corpses were also those of Vahan, one of the famous committee leaders of Van, son of Kesis from Humnis village, and of Kalon from Sekur village. This makes it clear that Vahan was specially sent from Van to lead the rebellion. The start of the rebellion in the above places, soon ignited revolts in the plain villages of Mus. On 28 January 1330 (10 February 1915) that is to say just one day after the start of the rebellion in Hizan, a gendarmerie detachment on its way, came under fire around Serunek village of Mus, and was forced to an armed clash which ended with casualties and loss of horses. Supporting detachments dispatched from Mus under the command of three officers, reached the scene and surrounded the insurgents. Nine of the Committee members were captured dead. Others succeeded in escaping. On the same day, the house where the sub-district head and the Gendarmerie detachment stayed in the Kumes village of Aksan, was surrounded by the insurgents after an eight-hour armed clash, nine gendarmes were brutally killed and the house was set on fire by the Armenian gangs. The sub-district head and one of the gendarmes escaped in the dark of night, after fighting his way out through the flames of the building. The detachments from the Mus Depot Regiment dispatched to capture the perpetrators came under fire and after two-day armed clashes the insurgents escaped. The presence of Dashnak Mus Committee Delegate Rupen and one of the leading Dashnak Committee figures of Mus, Esro, at the scene of the Kumes incident, and, as it became clear afterwards that the operation of the insurgents was led by these two Armenian figures, clearly shows the actual face of the rebellion. As a matter of fact, following the Kumes incident. Rupen and Esro did not return to Mus. They stayed with their gang and continued to threaten the Government here and there.

Upon learning that the perpetrators of the Kumes and Seronik incidents were hidden in the Arak Monestary of Mus, a gendarmerie detachrnent was dispatched under the command of 2nd Lt. Ahmet on 12 February 330 (25 Februay 1915). While the detachment was approaching the monastery, it came under severe fire from the front and the flanks. Lt. Ahmet and four of the gendarmes were killed, while the rest of the detachment continued the armed clash until night and were obliged to withdraw after dark. A second stronger detachment from the Mus Depot Regiment was dispatched on 14 February 330 (27 February 1915) as in reinforcement but the Committee gang had already escaped, evacuating the monastery. They had always maintained their occupation of the monastery as one of their shelters.

Further, on 13 February 330 (26 February 1915) four gendarmerie patrols, were attacked while eating their lunch on the river bank near Kelikozan, by the people of Kelikozan, and brutally murdered, their corpses were cut into pieces with axes and buried at a one hour distant place. With the sudden loss of the four gendarmes, authorities already assumed that they had been annihilated by the committee. The investigation gave clues and traces which led the investigators to the Kelikozan area, uncovering the murder. The perpetrators were captured and put on trial before a military court. As a matter of fact, without any hesitation, they confessed their crime and all the brutality. Similar incidents followed.

The immediate suppression of the rebellion on the spot by Government forces surprised the committee gangs, bringing relative calmness in Bitlis. Armenians of Bitlis realized that the Government's strength was superior to the committee's. The protection by the government of lives and properties of Armenians who were not involved in any armed clash was very effective and leading Armenian personalities both in Mus and Bitlis who had no links with the Dashnaks, openly condemned the happenings.

Parliament Member Papasian was in Mus, commanding the operation from the Centre. As the conclusion of the developments was contrary to his line, he immediately approached the Government, saying that perpetrators of the Hizan, Kumes, Serenek and Monastery incidents were ignorant army deserters, and that the clash at the Monastery was because the army deserters sheltering there fired their weapons in fear of the attack of the Gendarmerie, claiming that the Dashnak Committee had no involvement at all in the incidents, and that they were ready to assist the Government. He was afraid that the plot for a rebellion would be uncovered by the Government. He went on to send letters to the Armenian Patriarch in Istanbul, with a different version of the happenings. Here was the explanation of the Patriarch based on the information received from Parliament Member Papasian:

"With the assignment of Yasar Ceto and Mehmet Emin recently for the preservation of public order, Armenians became victims of disasters and with the killing of the bailiffs of Halsi, Hunz and Ruhte villages by gendarmes, the inhabitants were so upset, that in retaliation they killed the four gendarmes. Also two gendarmes were killed in retaliation for the killing of a boy by gendarmes in Zigo village and of four of eight army deserters while being taken to the centre. If the people were obliged as a last resort in protection of sacred things to resist the aggression of the gendarmerie, this cannot be described as a revolt and the burning and plundering of houses of the people and attempts to kill the people is incompatible with justice ..."

Upon this application of the Armenian Patriarch. Istanbul requested the Third Army Command to investigate the matters and if things had really happened as reported above, the perpetrators must be severely punished. It was also reported from Elazig that it was the Director who caused the Meksi incident. Upon the request from Istanbul, the Third Army Command ordered the Eleventh Army Corps Command in Elazig to send an Investigation Group led by Colonel Veysi Bey, Acting Commander of the 33rd Division.

Here are the conclusions of the investigation:

1. The assignment of Yasar Ceto and Mehmet Emin as officials for public order was completely baseless. In fact, Yasar Ceto, together with his men, volunteered to Azerbaidjan in the initial stage of mobilisation and was killed in the Hoy Battle three months before the incidents in question happened.

Mehmet Emin was ambushed by Armenians on his way to Azerbaidjan also three months ago, was wounded and is currently under treatment.

2. There was no Armenian village bailiff killed in Bitlis Province.

3. As to the boy the Patriarch claimed to be killed in Zigo Village: There is no village within the Bitlis Province with the name of Zigo and the killing of a boy by the Gendarmarie was completely unfounded.

4. It was clear that the actions were not retaliation or moves of legitimate self-defence as the Patriarch claimed, but were absolutely audacious aggressions.

As it was clearly understood the conclusions of the investigation. referring to officials related to public order (Yasar Ceto) who was killed. long ago not making clear the place for which the persons were assigned the duty of preserving public order, and claiming the murder of a boy in a village which does not exist on the map, are sufficient to judge the degree of accuracy of the allegations.

As a matter of fact, the Van and Karahisar rebellions which followed made it clear that the purpose was to create confusion, leading to dispersion of the Government forces and a sudden strike in Van. All the incidents were followed by the general rebellion in Van.

Sukru
Van

Archive No : 112
CabinNo : 113
Drawer No : 4
File No : 528
Section No : 2061
Index No : 2.21-18

Holdwater: The above reflected pretty good intelligence! The bit where the Patriarch got caught with his pants down (with the made-up village of Zigo) was very amusing. The Parliamentarian Papazian shed very important light on the treachery of his people, in an article he had written, representing the kind of traitorous "Armenian intellectuals and cultural leaders" arrested on April 24.
DOCUMENT NO: 1904 (100)

Cable No: 3949
No: 343

CODED MESSAGE RECEIVED FROM LT. COL. PERTEV BEY ACTING COMMANDER TENTH ARMY CORPS, ON 14 MARCH 331 (27 MARCH 1915):

1. Two elderly conscripts accompanied by the gendarmarie on a mission to capture army deserters in Bafra were shot dead by deserters on their way to the town near Naki and Kayavila Greek villages on March 2, their corpses were burnt and thrown into the nearby river. Kisa Avram, one of the perpetrators, was captured while others are being sought. Instructions have been issued to send stronger detachments for such missions and take other necessary precautions to prevent a recurrence of similar incidents.

2. Several firearms and a quantity of rifle ammunition was seized in an Armenian house in Tokat. An Armenian army deserter, currently under arrest, reported that arms and ammunition were stored by Armenians at the Ulas sub-district of Kangal near Sivas and the provincial authorities have been notified.

3. In Porek village of Susehri, on 12 February 330 (25 February 1915) Armenians attacked a group of unarmed volunteers on their way to the village. A follow-up force came under fire and the force could enter the village only after an armed clash. One gendarme from the follow-up force and an unarmed volunteer were wounded. Two Armenians were killed.

Four rifles, 75 gras, 57 old model rifles, two Russian weapons and one Winchester gun were taken from the gang and the village along with 95 army deserters and five wanted persons, according to the report of the Commander of the Mobile Gendarmerie Detachment, part of the follow-up force. A copy of the said report which also included important information on the seditious aims of Armenians has been mailed to your authority.

As the need for maintaining the forces here following the joining of the enlisted men to the training centre is becoming more apparent, the issue is brought to your kind attention for permission for necessary precautions.

Section: 116 (29) date
Branch : 2
Initials (not clear)

Archive No : 4/3671
Cabin No : 163
Drawer No : 2
File No : 2818
Section No : 59
Index No : 1-37.1-38

DOCUMENT NO: 1906 (101)

Ministry of Defence
Department of Correspondence
Coding Section

CODED CABLE FROM ELAZIG TO THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

Hadji Abdul Aziz Effendi, responsible for the group sent from Silvan to Mus, accompanied by five gendarmes, was confronted with a nine-man Armenian band around Murz Village four hours' distance from Bitlis. After a two-hour armed clash, five Armenians escaped, four were captured (dead) together with four short Russian... three sword belts, 380 rounds of ammunition. 100 Ottoman Liras found on one of them was delivered to the Bitlis provincial authority. The above information was submitted by the coded message of Division Command in Mus on 16 March 1331 (29 March 1915) and was conveyed to the Army and to the Army Corps. 17 March 1331 (30 March 1915)

Acting Commander Eleventh Army Corps
Hakki

Public Order 72/18 March 331 (31 March 1915)

Public Order Section
18.1.331 (31 March 1915), K.A.E.

Info. to Ministry of Interios. To be returned after info. (18.1.331) (31 March 1915)

Hakki Cemal
(seal)
Section: 331/3
Independent Public Order Section
Hereby returned 18.1.331
(31 March 1918)
Ismet

Archive No : 4/131
Cabin No : 149
Drawer No : 4
File No : 2287
Section No : 12
Index No : 6-16

DOCUMENT NO: 1906 (102)

SEAL (Not clear)
No : 35

TO THE THIRD ARMY COMMAND

Honourable Commanding General,

After leaving Istanbul by train on January 29 and arriving in Ulukisla, I have continued following the rear-line communications programme issued by the Special Service Deportment. Several days before our arrival in the 300-dwelling Armenian village of Purek of the Susehri District of Sivas (province), in other words on February 12, two horses were taken from the village to carry two sick enlisted men of the Zaro comrnandos up to the communication Zone. Agop, the Moughtar (headman) of the village, revolver in hand, led and incited the people, all armed with revolvers, and attacked the Commandos, forcing them to take shelter with the unarmed recruits of the training centre, after which they attacked, wounding two enlisted men. District Governor Ahmet Hilmi, Mobile Gendarmerie Unit Commander Salim and Stationery Gendarmerie Unit Ziya and Public Prosecutor Fuat, the same mob of Armenians attacked the gendarmes, murdering one gendarme and escaping to the mountains from where they continued their raids. They were later suppressed and investigation started. In this way the following information was obtained:

The Karahisarisarki Flag and attached organisations of the Dashnaksoutiun Committee, have been arming 111 Armenian youths in the Sivas region ever since the Proclamation of the Constitution, bringing together an armed and equipped contingent of some 30,000 men in the region when mobilization was declared. Of these 15,000 men were sent to Russia while 15,000 remained ready for a rebellion upon instructions from Russia. Sources said they are capable of carrying on with the revolt for 30 days, with sufficient ammunition for 1000 rounds per man daily. A 30-men War Command has been designated by the Committee headed by Armenian Bishop of Karahisar for the Karahisarlsarki region. Investigations have been extended. When our designated battalion arrived in the said village, the investigation committee persistently requested our assistance the investigation. During the one-night investigation, some 100 Greek gras (a type of rifle) were captured and delivered to the investigation board against receipt. Throughout, district and sub-district governors representing the Government explained that all Armenian villages are armed, ready for a rebellion. As their forces were not sufficient for the necessary inquiries and searches, they asked for our assistance. During our search in these places, escorted by sub-district governors of Ezbider (Refahiye) and Agvanist (Karahisar) and District Governor of Refahiye, we uncovered some 1000 weapons which we turned over to the local authorities against receipt. Proceeding from Erzincan, accompanied by sub-district governor of Pulur (Bayburt) and Commander of the Training Unit of Kesanti village, we uncovered some 40 weapons in the said villages and in Pulerik, Kaleverik, Hendi, turning them over to the district authority of Bayburt against receipt.

As it was explained earlier, the investigation related to the Purek village has shown that arms have been supplied in preparation for a rebellion, each individual Armenian guarding these as carefully they guard their lives. Each Armenian owned one or more weapon, with abundant ammunition, apart from arms and ammunition stored in depots. Printed rebellion leaflets and programmes were also seized. It became evident that only in the Sivas and Erzincan regions, the number of arms possessed by Armenians is around 30,000. It is worth noting that during brief searches on over-night stays in these places more than 200 weapons were uncovered. An extensive search, is therefore likely to end up with large quantities of armaments. Awaiting your orders. Section 3 27/28 Date

Special Service Volunteers Battalion
Commander
(Signature)

To the First Section for comments
29 Days
(Signature)

Archive No : 113671
Cabin No : 163
Drawer No : 2
File No : 2818
Section No : 59
Index No : 1-59, 1-60

DOCUMENT NO: 1907 (103)


MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
Independent Public Order Section 183
Istanbul 7.2.331 (20 April 1915)

TO THE THIRD ARMY COMMAND

1. Some of the Armenian and Greek soldiers under military service, particularly those employed in the labour battalions are deserting, forming small bands (gangs) here and there, resorting to arms against the gendarmerie, dispatched to arrest them, and becoming tools of certain political aims in parts where large Armenian and Greek communities live.

2. As the number of desertions is rising and the number of stationed gendarmerie in provinces and districts has declined, their number is increasing every passing day because they cannot be captured.

3. In the case of assigning the duty to the units of the army corps and of mobile gendarmerie, this will require the undesirable deployment of army corps units. The practice of the stationed gendarmerie arresting those deserters will be continued, yet their capture with the help of the local population is also under consideration.

4. From the local population, whoever arrests a Moslem or non-Moslem army deserter and delivers him to the military authorities will be financially rewarded with not less than one Lira. All army corps, and district authorities will be informed accordingly.

5. Written to all armies, army corps and to the Ministry of Interior.

Defence Minister
Enver

Section: 3-1
2/21 date

First Section. Noted. To the Third section. 23.2.31 (6 May 1915)
File. 12.3.31 (25 May 1915)

Archive No : 4/3671
Cabin No : 163
Drawer No : 2
File No : 2820
Section No : 100
Index No : 2

Holdwater: You know what is really interesting about the above? Armenian propaganda tells us Armenian soldiers were put in labor battalions as a means to murder them, which implies they would be kept under lock and key. Yet, they obviously enjoyed freedom, in order to be deserting (Point one). Otherwise, Enver would have written, "escaping."
DOCUMENT NO: 1908 (104)

No: 1011

CODED MESSAGE FROM PERTEV BEY, ACTlNG COMMANDER 10TH ARMY CORPS (SIVAS) RECEIVED ON 7.2.331 (20 APRIL 1915)

Annex to Coded Message No 713 of 26 March (8 April):

1. The Gendarmerie detachment dispatched to Horasan village to look for army deserter Armenian Mirad upon suspicion did not find the deserter but captured a crate of 'Gra" rifles (a type of Greek rifle) a crate of bombs and dynamite. Searching continues.

2. In searches conducted by the Government at Tuzlasar village of Hafik yesterday, 16 crates of weapons, 20 bombs, and a crate of brand new blue uniforms were uncovered and confiscated. During the search, 30 partisans together with two persons from the gang of Armenian Mirad from Gokdin village, opened fire on gendarmerie guards on the outskirts of the village but succeeded in escaping in the dark. The detachments have been reinforced and searches continue. All mobile gendarmes have been deployed on the scene. As to the infantrymen in the centre, their Schneider type weapons can hardly cope with the Manliher weapons possessed by the Armenians. It was therefore considered inappropriate to utilise the infantry in the centre as this would result in a high number of casualties.

It is requested that sufficient cavalry and infantrymen are dispatched from the garrison as soon as possible. As many of the Armenians hide weapons, bombs and dynamite in their homes and many are armed, action is necessary accordingly. For this, 20 armed cavalry men from Depot Cavalry company were dispatched to the scene. It has been ordered to assign all trained men of the Depot Battalion at Hafik under the order of the Government and every measure is taken to suppress the upheaval.

Section: 1
8 (21 ) Date

Archive No : 4/3671
Cabin No : 163
Drawer No : 2
File No :. 2820
Section No : 69
Index No : 3-10

DOCUMENT NO: 1909 (105)

URGENT
NO :
EMERGENCY
CODED MESSAGE FROM GOVERNOR CEVDET BEY OF VAN RECEIVED ON 8.2.331 (21 APRIL 1915):

Firing continued throughout the city the whole night. Hundreds of Armenian rebels from the Armenian districts of Kaledibi, were directed toward capturing the fortress, taking advantage of the confusion. Despite the dominant artillery from the fortress, we suffered casualties. Buildings of the Public Depts, Post Office, Tobacco Monopoly and the Ottoman Bank were burnt down and destroyed. They attempted to escape during the confusion but they failed. Fire with obsolete artillery guns from the fortress started anew. I am doing my best to repulse these cursed persons who disturbed us so much the whole night.

The Armenian district in the vineyard part of the town attacked the outposts, the military barracks and the Islam sections of the town but they were repelled. Clashes continue. Two artillery guns were placed in dominating positions, however, their range and fire accuracy is ineffective. One of the two mountain artillery guns is with detachments at Gevas.

The other gun is again defective. We are trying to repair it. The militia are trying to make the best use of the three small "Vitvort" guns. Their ammunition, however is scarce. Armenians of villages surrounding the north, east and south, have been digging positions to block the arrival of our support detachments. The engagement in the city itself, does not allow the repulse of the rebels in these positions. When it is clear that they will wage attacks on our forces arriving from Ercek and Timar, I shall try to assign some troops to help, Gevas road is clear.

Initials
8 (21) date

Archive No : 4/3671
Cabin No : 163
Drawer No : 2
File No : 2820
Section No : 69
Index No : 3-26

Holdwater: Cevdet Bey was really under the gun. I have a feeling he was hard-pressed to engage in his favorite hobby, nailing horseshoes onto the feet of Armenians.
DOCUMENT NO: 1910 (106)

INTERROGATION OF CHAKCIAN KlORK (Continued)

Who was with him in the house ?
Some army deserters. I don't know their names.

What is your job ?
I am a clerk.

Does your son come home at nights ?
No, he never comes. I don't know where he stays.

Where is he now ?
I don't know where he is.

When did you throw the seven military uniforms which were recovered from the well during the search today?
I have no information about this. There has bean nobody at our home for five or six days. Our home was empty with the door open.

Who threw the uniforms into the well?
I don't know. Mehmet Effendi (military police) told me that they had learnt from the informant denounced. Who ever is the informant may be he threw the uniforms in. I have no information whatsoever.

Tell us the truth ?
Our home is deserted.

Where was your son then ?
He was in the street then.

At home ?

Did you give food or goods to these deserters any other time ?
No, as I said before, I gave them food and bread only one day.

Does your wife have any information about the uniforms in the well ?
No, she doer not.

Now seal your statement.
I have no seal. Let me put my fingerprint. 9 (22) date

Aforesaid women Luaik
(Fingerprint)

Drafted by Assistant Police Commissioner
Signature (Seyit lbrahim)

Interrogation statement of aforesaid woman Lusik's
husband Chakcian Kiork. 9 April 331 (22 April 1915)

Where is your son Dikran now ? Where was he before ?
I have not seen him for five or six days. He is an army deserter. He is hiding in the houses.

You should have known by now where your son is and sent him food ?
No, I don't know his whereabouts.

Today these seven sets of khaki uniforms (jackets, trousers and Enveriye (head gear attributed to Enver Pasha) of Armenian Army deserters were recovered from the well in sacks
You have seen these. Who brought them and threw them into the well?'
I don't know. I have no information

You a while ago admitted that you have given food to the deserters from mobilisation forces ? What way and how ?
One of the deserters with three friends asked for food and bread. I gave them cooked spinach and bread, they took it away.

Interrogation statement of Mrs. Lusik, daughter of Kirakos, wife of Chakcian Kiork. Armenian from Hasirli section of Diyarbakir, father of Dikran, involved in the case of uncovered uniforms of Armenian soldiers deserting from the Fifth Army Corps. 9 April 331 (22 April 1915).

Your name - Name of father ?
My name is Cusik. I am wife of Kiork.

Your age ?
60 years old. I live in Hasirli section.

Name of your son ? How old is he ? His profession ?
His name is Dikran, He is around 30. He is a shoemaker.

Where were you yesterday and last night ? Was your son with you?
Yesterday I was in the house of my daughter Haiganosh. At night I stayed at the house of Minosh, sister of my husband. My son Dikran was not with us.

For how many days have you not seen your son?
He left on Wednesday, saying he will surrender to the Government. I don't know his whereabouts now. Give me time to go and look for him. When I find out, I will come and let you know.

Did your son have good relations with army deserters ?
I have no information. He was wondering around houses.

You have a seal, can you write ? Sign your statement.
I have no seal. I can write. I sign. 9 April 331 (22 April 1915) Chakcian Kiork.
(Date and Signature.)

Archive No : 5/1920
Cabin No : 204
Drawer No : 3
File No : 4608
Section No : 1
Index No : 33, 331-1

DOCUMENT NO: 1911 (107)

No: 10327
CODED MESSAGE RECEIVED FROM GOVERNOR OF SIVAS, MUAMMER BEY on 9/10.2.331
(22/23 April 1915) :

C. 8.2.331 (21 April 1915)

1. The places within the province with a high Armenian population are Karahisar, Susehri, Hafik, Dirigi and Gurun, Gemerek, Amasya, Tokat and Merzifon.

2. To date a great number of prohibited weapons and dynamite have been seized in searches in villages around Susehri, at Tuzhisar and Horasan villages of Hafik and at Ulalas sub-district of the Central region.

3. Armenians have organised and armed a 30,000 strong force from this province, of which 15,000 this way or the other joined the Russian Army while the remaining 15 (thousand) have been assigned with the mission of occupation in the rear, should our Army fail to be successful (May God forbid). These have been confirmed with the interrogation statements of the arrested suspects.

4. It has been felt that Armenians are preparing for a rebellion in the spring, when sheltering is possible in the mountains. This has been confirmed by the captured arms and explosives during the Van incident and with the flight of some of the leading figures of the committee.

5. Upon reports that Mirad, a leading Dashnak figure was hiding at Tuzhisar village, I dispatched a contingent. During an armed clash several of the Armenians were killed and about 20 surrendered, the rest escaped. Follow-up operations continue.

6. Upon request from stationed and mobile gendarmerie for support, a strong detachment was sent toward Hafik. Villages expected to take part in the rebellion have been cleared by the military of materials, vehicles and means of attack and defence.

7. The provincial authority has been authorised to invite all men up to 40-50 ages for military service and take all necessary precautions. We are gratified for this permission, however, as most of the people of that age are sick or disabled, their presence would make hospitals more crowded. In fact, only men of that ages are left in villages now, because of mobilisation. Their conscription would mean the evacuation of the villages and would have negative effects on the morale of the people. I therefore consider it appropriate to delay this move for the time being, after arming those able, pending their call when needed. Two artillery guns, would be sufficient for the purpose, if sent here.

Section : 1
10 (23) dated

Archive No : 4/3641
Cabin No : 163
Drawer No : 2
File No : 2820
Section No : 69
Index No : 3-45.3-46

Holdwater: The "Mirad" from above must be "Murad."
DOCUMENT NO: 1912 (108)

No: 5319

CODED MESSAGE FROM RESID BEY, GOVERNOR OF DIYARBAKIR OF 14.2.331 (27 APRIL 1915).
(Received on 15 (28) dated)

Firm action has been carried against army deserters for ten days. During searches, a great number of weapons, ammunition and army uniforms were found in Armenian homes. In yesterday's searches, a great amount of explosives, 50 bombs, plenty of ammunition and weapons, state property and dynamite powder were captured. 12 members and leading figures of the villages were arrested. Up to date, over 1000 army deserters, most of them affiliated to the committee have been arrested.

Investigation and search continues.

Section : 1 1 5 (28) dated
Branch : 2-1 5 (28) dated

Archive No : 4/3671
Cabin No : 163
Drawer No : 2
File No : 2820
Section No : 69
Index No : 3-42

DOCUMENT NO: 1913 (109)

TELEGRAM
OTTOMAN GOVERNMENT TELEGRAPH ADMINISTRATION

Cable No : 258
Origin : Elaziz
No : 934
Number of words : 120

TO THE ARMY COMMAND

Based on information derived from the interrogation of those who had not complied with conscription and deserters in Diyarbakir, the house of Artin, son of Bogos, was searched and in a built-in section the following weapons and ammunition and materials were uncovered and confiscated: Seven Mauser rifles, one Bulgarian Menliheri weapon, one British Martini rifle, several pistols, 16 fused and 30 unloaded bombs, a great number of fuses, twenty two okes (1 oke: 1282 grams) of dynamite powder, 40 okes of gun powder, plenty of rifle ammunition and a manual of instructions on explosives. Aforementioned Artin has been arrested. lnfo. submitted to Army corps. 15 (28)

Acting Commander
11 th Army Corps
Hakki

Archive No : 4/3671
Cabin No : 163
Drawer No : 2
File No : 2820
Section No : 69
Index No : 1-21

File
16.2.31 (29 April 1915)
Section: 3/1652-16/29) dated

DOCUMENT NO: 1914 (110)


Section : 2/9499
Drafted by : Ali Cevat (Signature)
Written by :
17 April 331 (30 April 1915)

CODED CABLE TO FOURTH ARMY COMMAND

C/13 April 331 (26 April 1915) Coded message No: 3519.

The Armenian Charity Association has nothing to do whatsoever with its title (name). Many committee members from Egypt and other countries disguised under this title, are going to Adana, Aleppo and near Syria to bring in weapons and for political motives and purposes. This Association is similar to other political organisations and its leading members are committee members.

Tevfik
(Signature)

M : 1736 Coded
20 April 331 (3 May 1915)
Section l l, File: 6/172

Bogos Nubar Pasha Armenian Charity Association

Archive No : 1/2
Cabin No : 112
Drawer No : 3
File No : 483
Section No : 1893
Index No : 1

DOCUMENT NO: 1915 (111)

SUBLIME PORTE MINISTRY OF INTERIOR
Coding Office

Source of Origin: Kayseri
Date of cable: 1 May 02.24
Arrival : 1 May / 04.30

ISTANBUL MARTIAL LAW MILITARY COURT

C. 29 April 331 (12 May 1915) Stephan Negyazarian, son of Ohannes. while serving as executive board member and secretary for the Armenian Hunchak Association, together with President . . . . . . (not clear) Apioviscavic of the Association, supplied arms and ammunition to special platoons established under special names, participating in the arrangements for the rebellion, the courtmartial military prosecutor reported. As he is needed here for uncovering hidden arms, it is requested that he be sent here if possible.

Governor of Kayseri
Midhat

Add to file
2 May 331 (15 May 1915)

Archive No : 1/2
Cabin No : 108
Drawer No : 2
File No : 292
Section No : 190
Index No : 4-8

DOCUMENT NO: 1916 (112)

SUBLIME PORTE
Ministry of Interior

Department for Settlement of Tribes and Immigrants

General :
Special :

REGULATION RELATED TO SETTLEMENT AND BOARD AND LODGING AND OTHER AFFAIRS OF ARMENIANS RELOCATED TO OTHER PLACES BECAUSE OF WAR CONDITIONS AND EMERGENCY POLITICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Article l: -- Arrangements for transportation of those to be transferred is the responsibility of local administrations.

Article 2: - Armenians to be transferred are free to take all their movable properties and animals along.

Article 3: -- Protection of lives and properties of Armenians to be transferred en route their new settlements, their board and lodging and their rest is the responsibility of local administrations en route. Civil servants in all echelons are responsible for any negligence in this regard.

Article 4: -- Reaching the destinations of their new settlement, Armenians will either be settled in individual towns and villages in houses to be built, or in the villages to be established in locations designated by the Government. Due attention will be paid to establishing the villages in places which suit public health conditions, agriculture and construction.

Article 5: - If there is no unowned and derelict land in places of settlement for establishment of villages, state owned farms and villages may be allocated for this purpose.

Article 6: - Boundaries of villages and towns to be established anew for the settlement of Armenians will be at least 25 kilometres away from the Baghdad railroad and from other railroad links.

Article 7: - A Registration log will be established covering very accurately in an orderly way the name, family name, age, profession. place of origin, place of settlement, together with names and ages of all members clearly indicated for all Armenians to be settled in villages and towns or in newly established villages, this log being the basis of the population registers.

Article 8: - Persons to be settled at the designated places are prohibited to go to other places without permission from the Commission to which they are attached and without the necessary special document from the local security force.

Article 9: - All boarding needs of the people arriving, and the construction of houses of those who are in need, is the responsibility of the Government, such expenses to be financed from the immigrants' appropriations (funds).

Article 10: - Arrangements of boarding and housing, expediting the completion of these, preservation of health and welfare of the people, is the responsibility of the immigrant commissions, led by the highest local civil servant. In places where there are no immigrant commissions, these will be established anew, in accordance with the Regulation on Immigrants.

Article 11: - District and provincial governors are authorised to assign sufficient civil servants necessary to carry out efficiently the task related to transport, board, lodging and settlement, with the concurrence of the Ministry.

Article 12: - Each family to be resettled will be allocated appropriate land. taking into account their previous economic condition and their present needs.

Article 13: - Allocation and distribution of land will be handled by the commissions.

Article 14: - Boundaries and areas of the allocated iand will be indicated in a Temporary (Provisional) Receipt which will be issued to the owner, with identical information clearly registered in the special book.

Article 15: - Those engaged in agriculture and craftsmen who are in need, will be issued an appropriate amount of operating capital, or necessary tools and instruments. Recep 333/17 May 331 (30 May 1915)

Certified True copy.
Seal (Department for Settlement
of Tribes and Immigrants, Ministry of Interior)

Archive No : 1/2
Cabin No : 109
Drawer No : 4
File No : 361
Section No : 1030 (1445)
Index No : 1

DOCUMENT NO: 1917 (113)

URGENT
No: 2462

CODED MESSAGE FROM ACTING 10TH ARMY CORPS COMMANDER PERTEV BEY OF 15.4.31 (28JUNE 1915)

Copy of coded message from Niksar Training Command
of l 5 June 331 (28 June 1915) is below:

COPY

Armenians have raided the Seferli village and Camlikiris section of Karakus sub-district, carrying out a massacre of the inhabitants. Upon request from the district governor based on information from the subdistrict administrator, an adequate contingent was dispatched this morning to the subdistrict centre under the command of 2nd Lt. lhsan Efendi from the 91st Regiment Depot, comprising 18 conscripts, 21 enlisted men from the 10th conscripts (born in 1310), 61 enlisted men from the 11th conscripts (born in 1311), 2 sergeants and 6 corporals. Hereby for your information. B. Behic

Section : 1/3417/16 (29) dated
Branch . 1

Archive No : 4/3671
Cabin No : 161
Drawer No : 2
File No : 2835
Section No : 127
Index No : 3-54

DOCUMENT NO: 1918 (114)

From: Erzurum
3.5.331 (16 July 1915)

TO THE THIRD ARMY COMMAND ERZURUM

The contingent assigned to protect Armenian convoys against attacks by Kurdish gangs was attacked by Kurdish gangs from all four directions on their way through the Kop mountains on 28.4.331 (11 July 1915). The contingent, dispatched from Bayburt under the command of 2nd Lt. Salih Efendi comprised 56 enlisted men from the communications zone troops. After a two-hour armed clash, two of the gang were killed, the rest escaped. The contingent suffered no casualties and the Armenian convoy was saved, according to the information from Bayburt post.

Communications Inspector
Fuat Ziya

Section : 1/3731/4 (17) dated
File./ 4.5.31 (17 July 1915)

Archive No : 4/3671
Cabin No 161
Drawer No : 2
File No : 2835
Section No : 127
Index No : 1-11

DOCUMENT NO: 1919 (115)

FIRST ARMY CORPS COMMAND
Cable : 17228

COPY

According to a cable message just received from Urgup Conscription Office, a 300-strong Armenian armed gang raided the Bogazliyan village in Avanos District, murdering the people and destroying and burning the village. According to information based on instant cable communications from Urgup. Nevsehir, Nigde and Avanos, Nigde only, requested the urgent arming of 250 enlisted men. In this context, instructians have also been issued by the Ministy of Defence as understood from the report of district authorities. The Nigde Conscription Office has been immediately instructed to promptly conscript and turn over to Nigde Gendarmerie Command 250 enlisted men. Civil Administration authorities have also been informed. 10/11 July 331 (23124 July 1915)

Konya Conscription Department Head
Ziya

Archive No : 1/131
Cabin No : 149
Drawer No : 4
File No : 2287
Section No : 11
Index No : 3-1

DOCUMENT NO: 1920 (116)

FIRST ARMY CORPS COMMAND
1193
14.5.331 (27 July 1915)

Double, Crescent (Top Secret)

TO THE SUPREME COMMAND

A 300-strong Armenian armed gang emerging in the Nevsehir region, within the Army Corps zone, raided the Bogazliyan village, conducting murders and destruction as reported by cable to the Ministry from Konya Conscription Department on 11/5/331 (24 July 1915). The Second Section of the General Headquarters was informed on the same date by telephone and it was written to the Defence Ministry. Nigde Gendarmerie Command has dispatched sufficient forces to follow up and punish these brutal rebels. No other action of this gang has been reported so far, and it did not clash with the follow-up forces. The Nigde Gendarmerie Battalion has been instructed to intensify the follow-up operation. Further information will be submitted. The Fifth Army Corps also informed. A code-key is requested for classified communications between the First and the Fifth Army Corps in this regard.

First
For Acting/Army Corps Commander
Colonel Fuat

Stamp (Supreme Command Correspondence)
6453
Section : 1-2/15 (28) Dated
Branch : 4/15 (28) Dated
Section: 1-3/3717

Second Section
Written to Section 10 for issuing a copy of the code at Army Corps
Command. Submitted/15 (28) dated

On order of Director
(Signature)
Section: 211 3602
15 July 331 (28 July 1915)

Archive No: 1/2
Cabin No : 110
Drawer No : 2
File No : 385
Section No : 1530
Index No : 17

DOCUMENT NO: 1921 (117)

OTTOMAN ARMY
ACTING SUPREME COMMAND

Section Directorate
No: 5998

CODED MESSAGE RECEIVED BY THE ACTING SUPREME COMMAND FROM ERZURUM

Orders and instructions were issued not to give way to insults or humiliation of Armenians being transferred to inner regions and for strict protection of their properties and goods. The same orders are reiterated 17/18 July 1331 (30131 July 1915)

Third Army Commander
Mahmut Kamil

Seal
(Acting Supreme Command
Documentary Section)

Section 2/18 (31) dated
Section : 2/13715
18 July 1331 (31 July 1915)

Archive No : 112
Cabin No : 109
Drawer No : 4
File No : 361
Section No : 1445
Index No : 3-3

DOCUMENT NO: 1922 (118)

Writer :
No : 9473

OTTOMAN ARMY
ACTING SUPREME COMMAND
Section: 1

Drafters Signature :
Date of Drafting :
16.7.331 (29 September 1915)

TO THE FOURTH ARMY COMMAND VIA DAMASCUS (CODED MESSAGE)

Unrest is being observed among the Moslem people of Urfa in reaction to the wounding of three gendarmes by fire opened from an Armenian house, according to reports from the Governor. The Governor further reports that the existing gendarmerie force in the region is not sufficient to quell the unrest and to suppress the revolting Armenians and to prevent any attack by surrounding tribes on the town and requests supporting military force. I have written him to apply to your command. Necessary immediate action is requested.

Signature
(Ismet)

Provincial Authority of Urfa
Reply - 16 September 331 (29 September 1915)

Action has been requested from the Fourth Army Command. Apply there.

Signature

Section : 1/5447
Coded - 16 (29) dated
Signature :

Archive No : 1/1
Cabin No : 101
Drawer No : 2
File No : 13
Section No : 63
Index No : 15-3

DOCUMENT NO: 1923 (119)

Section : 2/221 -9
Drafter : Signature
Write : Signature
8 January 331 (21 January 1916)
Reply : 10 (23) dated
Signed : Tevfik
Letter No : 9835

TO THE MINISTRY OF THE INTERIOR

In a cable from the U.S State Department to the U.S. Embassy in Istanbul the following was reported:

The Permanent Mutual Assistance Committee of Philadelphia has delivered $ 100 thousand by Armenians living in the United States for distribution among Armenians in Turkey who are in need and have financial difficulty.

Earlier another sum of money was sent from the United states. The Embassy, however, rejected distribution by us. Both this last amount and the sum reached earlier is undoubtedly being distributed through secret channels. Investigation of this matter with the outcome is requested.

Section 1 1.8/15
Signature

Armenian instruction not to be quoted

Archive No : 1/2
Cabin No : 113
Drawer No : 4
File No : 533
Section No : 2082
Index No : 2-98

Holdwater: Ambassador Morgenthau's term was up by around this time, but one can imagine the predicament. Naturally, Morgenthau would not have entrusted such monies to be distributed by the villainous Turks. Yet, this document presents the other side of the coin. Given the treachery of Armenians, and the blind support provided by the missionaries and Morgenthau, who was to say whether such monies would not have been diverted toward revolutionary ends?
DOCUMENT NO: 1924 (120)

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

Correspondence Department
Coding Section

CODED MESSAGE FROM ANKARA TO THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

Four Moslem women from the Caykapu Village of Tosya were kidnapped by four armed Armenian gangs on March 25 (April 7) and a detachment has been dispatched as reported from the region. Hereby submitted. 27 March 332 (9 April 1916)

FIFTH ARMY CORPS
CONSCRIPTION DEPARTMENT HEAD

HaliI Sami
A.S. 28.1.332
(10 April 1916)
Info. File.

Archive No : 1/131
Cabin No : 149
Drawer No : 4
File No : 2287
Section No : 11
Index No : 5-13
DOCUMENT NO: 1925 (121)

Istanbul,
28 January 332
(13 February 1917)

GENDARMERIE GENERAL COMMAND

COPY OF CODED CABLE FROM ADANA GENDARMERIE
REGIMENT COMMAND OF 25 JANUARY 332
(7 FEBRUARY 1917)

The armed clash between a 30 strong Arrnenian gang and a 15-man gendarmerie detachment in the forest near Sihli village of lslahiye started at two o'clock (afternoon) on 19 January 332 (1 February 1917) and continued until nine o'clock at night. Four soldiers were killed and one wounded in the clash, the bandits escaped, taking advantage of the nature of the terrain. Cebel-i Bereket (Osmaniye) Battalion Commander has been ordered for the follow-up operation. In a cable dated 24 January 332 (6 February 1917) from the said Battalion Command, it is stated that a second armed clash took place on 23 January 332 (5 February 1917) at Eriklibel, some six hours distant to lslahiye in which two of the gang were killed and one wounded. Casualties of the military fore include two from Antilli Construction Battalion and one from the 44th Cavalry Division, also one soldier was wounded. The gang is escaping toward Ayintap (Gaziantep). Cables have been sent to Gendarmerie commands, of Aleppo Regiment and Ayintap, Kilis, Maras, and Goksun for counter-operations to prevent the escape of the gang. Instructions were also issued to all concerned to dispatch urgently other cavalry forces available for support of the Battalion Command. Personally I am on my way to lslahiye.

Seal
(First Section, First branch)

Archive No : 1/131
Cabin No : 149
Drawer NO : 4
File No : 2287
Section No : 11
Index No . 5-24

DOCUMENT NO: 1926 (122)

...333 (1917)...
(not clear)

The conclusion of peace with Russia was welcomed here. This will be an encouraging factor in our efforts towards achieving a general peace. There is a development, however, grieving us. In the Ottoman lands evacuated by the Russian Army, Armenian Committees are committing murders, crimes and atrocities beyond description. Because of this deplorable situation, unrest prevails among the public. Any initiatives of the "Union" groups in their governments for a remedy and for a contribution to peace will be of use.

Signature
(unclear)

Archive No : 1/2
Cabin No : 112
Drawer No : 3
File No : 483
Section No : 1893-A
Index No : 27-3
DOCUMENT NO: 1927 (123)

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
Department of Public Order

Incoming and Outgoing No: 10257
Original No : Letter

Date of Drafting : 24 May 333 (24 May 1917)
Drafter : Signature (Irfan)
Date of Writing : 24.5.33 (24 May 1917)
Writer : Signature

SUBJECT :

The Armenian gang assembling at Kadircik location on the Adana-Maras road and carrying out raids and attacks on the Moslem population in the course of July 331 (191 5) was dispersed in an armed clash with the Governor and Commander of Adana and their accompanying unit. Letter from the General Directorate of Security dated 23 May 333 (23 May 1917) related to the file in this regard is attached herewith. After info. file to be returned.

Address:

Directorate of Legal Department

The file and the contents related to the said case to be returned to
this section after seen by the General Directorate of Security.

Signature

The back page of the Document:

10257/Directorate of Legal Department
24 May 333 (24 May 1917)
Case . Armenian
Related to Armenian incident on Adana -
Maras Road

Archive No : 1/131
Cabin No : 149
Drawer No : 4
File No 2287
Section No : 11
Index No : 8

DOCUMENT NO: 1928 (124)

WAR DOCUMENTS FILE No: 815 HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMIES
2.2.34 (2 February 1918)

COPY

TO GENERAL PERJOVALSKY, COMMANDER IN CHIEF OF RUSSIAN CAUCASIAN ARMIES

Honourable General,

The cruelties, atrocities and abuses suffered by the Moslem population in the Ottoman land under your occupation upon the withdrawal of Russian soldiers and their replacement by Armenians have reached such horrible dimensions as burning Moslem people alive, tying them one over another and shooting them and similar brutal murders. My grief and regret on learning of the continuation of these atrocities is very deep and I assure you that in reporting this situation to your honour I feel the same endless grief and sorrow. As the time for preventing these cruelties by orders or by warnings is long over-due it is obvious that immediate urgent and effective measures have to be taken by the parties and these measures have to be put into operation without any delay or negligence.

Further to the cases I had submitted in my Letter No: 738 of 29.1.34 (29 January 1918). 1 am hereby submitting with deep regret the following additional cases.

1. The male Moslem population of Erzincan and surrounding villages are being taken away by Armenians with their hands tied and shot in the barracks.

2. On 28.1.34 (28 January 1918), many of the rnale Moslems of Erzincan were assembled at the Church square by Armenians and burnt to death.

3. Armenians are still continuing setting on fire Muslims' homes in Erzincan. In this context let me mention only the Government Office Building of Erzincan, Yenicami Mosque, and all mosques of Zekganc and surrounding villages.

4. Corpses, of six Moslems murdered by Armenians on 15 January 34 (15 January 1918) at Teke, south-east of Gumushane were found by the road.

Similar atrocities are increasing every passing day. In fact, with the departure of the Second Turkistan Army from Kelkit, the lives of even the members of the Joint Committee cannot be considered safe. I have the honour to express my readiness to assist as deemed appropriate in protecting the lives, dignity and property of the people suffering cruelties in places where Russian soldiers had to evacuate. Please accept my deep regards honourable General.

Commander of the Ottoman Armies
of the Caucasian Front
Lt. General
Vehib Mehmed

(A True Copy)
Seal Chief of Staff,
Third Army.
Signature (Husrev)

Archive No : 4-3671
Cabin No : 163
Drawer No : 1
File No : 2907
Section No . 440
Index No . 2-18. 12-9

DOCUMENT NO: 1929 (125)

THE FOLLOWING TRAGEDIES ARE BASED ON STATEMENTS OF DESERTERS AND REFUGEES: 3.2.34 (3 February 1918)

From Army Reports:

- Municipal Clerk of Erzincan Mehmet Efendi was kidnapped by Armenians while his mother, his wife and his four. . . . . . children were brutally murdered and their bodies dismembered.

- Armenians attempted to abduct the wife of Veysi; the son of Gulbahar and Veysi was murdered, as he resisted.

- On 12 January 34 (12 January 1918) Armenians raided Kelersen village shooting dead 15 Moslems after tying their hands.

- On 7 January 334 (7 January 1918) a group of Armenians in Russian uniforms kidnapped some 50 men and women from the Ful district on the Black Sea coast, took them in the direction of Trabzon, their corpses were later found in the Ful river.

- Armenians raided the Kizilgac village, south of Sarlipazari. murdering Moslems, stabbing by bayonets, hands and legs tied.

- Armenians began murdering Moslems of villages near Gorele and Erikli, raping Moslem women publicly.

- For one month, strong Armenians gangs murdered Moslem people of Sarlipazari, Akkilise, lnesil villages, plundering all their goods and properties.

- An Armenian gang of 50 men raided the Ardese town, plundering properties and burning the market street.

- Provisions left over by the evacuating Russian Army to the people in Sarpo, Sadak, Kose, Ardas, lkisu and Bayburt on the Trabzon region and in Tercan and Erzurum were seized by Armenians.

- Connections and communications of Erzincan with the outside world was cut off by Armenians following burning people alive in their homes. Some of the people were rounded up in the Church Square and burned alive there. Yeni Cami - Mosque and the Provincial Head Office in Erzincan were also bombed and burnt.

Some 500 Moslems from villages around Erzincan were brought to Erzincan and shot dead.

- Mir Mustafa Aga and 800 Moslems from the people of Dersim succeeded in escaping Armenian atrocities and took shelter with the Ottoman Army.

- A Commander who set up his headquarters at a village 28 Kms. west of Erzurum, gave the following account of Armenian cruelties and atrocities in his report of 12.3.34 (12 March 1918) (Summary):

- Armenians shut 278 Moslem inhabitants of this villages in their homes and murdered them all. 42 Moslems were found in their homes critically wounded. Lungs and livers of girls and women were torn out after being raped, their abdomens ripped open. Many corpses of children and men were found after gasoline had been poured on them.

- Some 50 Moslem people of Hosan and Kalcik were murdered at Gumgum. An indefinite number of people taken to work in road-building from Magal lsur did not reutrn.

- In Erzurum at the Kars gate, bodies of 250 brutally murdered Moslems were uncovered.

- Some 60 Moslems of Erkinis Village north of Erzurum were murdered by Armenians while trying to escape.

- The town of Hasankale was completely burnt by Armenians, leaving not a single place habitable.

- Massacres took place in Wasankale and surrounding villages, Moslem men, women and children were murdered by knives, axes or were shot, while some of the people were abducted, as witnessed by some of our cavalrymen

Report by the Third Army Command of 22.2.34 (22 February 1918):

- Russian Captain Kazmiri who remained in Erzincan reports: As I remained in Erzincan I saved the lives of many Moslem people from Arrnenian cruelties. I have heard that many Moslem people assembled by Armenians under the pretext of taking them for work in Kup and Sarikamis were massacred as soon as they were out of Erzincan. Also from what I am told by Armenians, they massacred 800 Moslems overnight in Erzincan.

- Statement of Russian Enlisted Man Alexander who remained in Erzincan: I was told by Armenians when I was in Ciftlik village that they had destroyed the city, massacring the people.

- Statement of a Russian woman named Yash: Following the withdrawal of Russians, Armenians set up a Committee in Erzincan and began aggression and atrocities on the Moslem people. From conversations I heard through the window, Armenians said that they had massacred all the people of Erzurum and its surroundings, and that they would do the same for the people of Erzincan. From Army Reports: 16 . 2. 34 (16 February 1918)

- There is no news on the fate or whereabouts of 650 Moslems taken by Armenians in mid-January for so-called road-building.

- Corpses of brutally murdered Moslem people were uncovered at Teke village east of Gurnushane.

In Tandirlik village 25 Moslem males were cut into pieces in carts.

- The Moughtar (Headman) of the Zanqa village north to Gumushane was tortured, his daughter was attacked and the next day was raped by 15 members of an Armenian gang.

- Armenian gangs destroyed and burnt the barracks, Provincial Office and many houses in Erzincan and the bridge on the River Euphrates, south to Erzincan.

- The market street and mosque of Rize were plundered by Armenians gangs and burnt to the ground.

- Our security detachments entering the town of Bayburt found the remnants of dreadful crimes. Aged women and children unable to escape, stayed in their homes and were burnt, those captured in the streets were stabbed to death by bayonets. More than 200 corpses were recovered from burnt houses in two days and buried.

- A Georgian detachment during a stopover in the town of Rize for the night, observed the remains of Armenian cruelties, and being disgusted, changed their mind left the town, despite the calls of the people for help.

- General Odishelidje, Commander of the Russian Caucasian Army reported with regret that soldiers stationed in Erzincan, on speculation originated by provocateurs alleging that Moslems would carry out a revolution. and upon the wounding of a soldier, were armed and used against Moslems and there was an unknown number of casualties and wounded.

- The General also informed us of a Colonel Morel (GS), his identity not quite clear (French or British), ordering the burning of Kurdish and Moslem villages on the Erzincan-Erzurum road, on the grounds that the Kurds were preparing for an attack. Armenian Gang Leader Mirat executed the orders.

The same Mirat, escorted by Armenian patrols, ordered the assembly of all Moslem people in the Church Square in Erzincan, when moughtars (headmen) came to inquire the reason, all were executed. Armenian patrols took the people out of their homes in parties, brought them first to the telegraph office and then to Vahit Bey's House in the night burning them alive with the house, shooting those who attempted to escape. Over 1000 women and children were also burnt in the Fortress barracks and in three large houses. Many other houses were also burnt by Armenians.

- Hulusi Efendi, an inhabitant who escaped the following day, in his account, told of the dreadful cries of women being burnt to death. People wounded, with burns, bloody clothes or naked who took refuge on the armistice line, said the orders for the atrocities were issued by Colonel Morel.

- Armenian Gang Leader Arshak in Bayburt, ordered the assembly of the people in the surrounding villages in Bayburt, but the people, informed of the atrocities in Erzincan, fled to the snowy mountains along with their women and children.

Archive No : 1/2
Cabin No : 113
Drawer No : 4
File No : 527
Section No : 2057
Index No : 1-6

DOCUMENT NO: 1930 (126)

WAR FILES
No.
Decoded Message:
Do: 268/2

K-l (1st Army Corps)
Caucasian Headquarters
6.2.34 (6 February 1918)
Received 7.2.34 (7 Feb. 1918)
Hour : 1.35 before (13.35)

TO THE THIRD ARMY COMMAND

The contents of a letter from Emir Huseyin. son of Seyyit Ali Aga and his friends which reached the 36th Division Command at 8.30 (after) on 6.2.34 (6 February 1918) and which was transmitted by telephone from the said command at 11.30 (after) are hereby submitted:

In an armed clash between Kurds and Armenians around Petric near Vahit Bey Inn on 3.2.34 (3 February 1918) the Kurds seized two machine guns and four horses from Armenians and delivered these to Eastern Dersim Commander Hasan Bey. In Erzincan all men and children alike have been murdered by Armenians. The city is finished and now villages are under artillery fire. If no forces arrive in the next few days to help, there will be no people left.

For K-l Caucasian 1st Army Corps Commander
Acting Chief of Staff
Avni

Archive No : 1/2
Cabin No : 163
Drawer No : 1
File No : 2910
Section No : 456
Index No : 9

DOCUMENT NO: 1931 (127)

ARMY COMMAND
Section: 1
Army Headquarters

COPY

I, an officer of the 13th Turkistan Regiment, hereby declare that I accepted service for the Armenian detachments. The detachment was under the command of Colonel Morel from the 27th Turkistan Regiment. The enlisted men of the detachment were committing cruelties and robbing the people. On the night of 15/16 January, Armenians committed a massacre of the local population. Some 800 people of Erzincan were massacred, it was said. Measures taken by Colonel Morel were futile. Cruelties and plundering went on. I tried to prevent them when I could. Personally I saved a few Turkish families. When my relations with Colonel Morel reached a critical stage, I was obliged to ask for his permission to join my unit. My orders for permission were drawn on January 30. Lack of transportation, however did not allow my departure and I had to stay. It was not possible for me to leave even after the arrival of Turks and Kurds.

My Affidavit Statement:

Armenians of the detachment plundered the city of Erzincan committing atrocities upon the people. They carried out massacres. Here and there in the city I personally saw piles of corpses. These are evidence of the truth of my affidavit statement. I went along the many houses and I have seen all these. Erzincan 7 February 1918

Acting Captain from the 13th Turkistan Snipers Regiment
Kazmir

Footnote:

12 families took shelter at my residence seeking my protection as a Russian Officer against Armenian cruelties. These were safe as they were under my protection

Erzincan
7 February 1918

Acting Captain
Kazmir

Archive No : 1/2
Cabin No : 113
Drawer No : 4
File No : 527
Section No : 2057
Index No : 1-2

DOCUMENT NO: 1932 (128)

WAR DOCUMENTS FILE
No :
(In writing)

ARMY HEADQUARTERS
7.2.34 (7 February 1918)

COPY
" I "

TO THE FIRST, SECOND CAUCASIAN ARMY CORPS AND THE FOURTH ARMY CORPS COMMANDS

l . As the advance operation aims solely at the establishment of order and security, and as the provisions of the Erzincan Cease-fire Agreement related to the dividing lines are not valid any longer in view of the fact that Russian troops have already withdrawn, only the remaining provisions are valid. Therefore, any Russian officer or enlisted man to be seen in the regions being taken over will not be treated in a hostile manner.

2. Persons from the Armenian nation who committed cruelties and abused the Moslem people, if faced by our soldiers, arms in hand, even if they are in Russian uniforms will be considered as rebels and gangs and will be court-martialed.

Women and children, irrespective of their kind or religion, will be treated benevolently in a way which fits Ottoman dignity.

3. Caucasians, Russians, Armenians. Georgians and similar tribes who collaborated with Armenians in serving their aims and in the [genocide] and annihilation against the Moslem population, will not be recognised as members of the Russian Army.

4. Strict discipline will be practised during the operation: All protective measures will be taken for provisions, materials, equipment and ammunition depots against any possible raiders or plunderers who might take advantage of the chaotic situation. Such moves shall be most strictly prevented.

5. Personnel and patients in hospitals will be treated in accordance with the provisions of the Geneva Convention.

6. All applications will be carried in compliance with laws and regulations, absolutely free from any personal consideration, not giving the slightest harm to any body.

This order has been issued to the First and Second Caucasian Army Corps and to the Fourth Army Corps. Operation: 897

Third Army Commander
Lt. General
Vehib

(Certified True Copy)

Archive No : 4/3671
Cabin No : 163
Drawer No : 1
File No : 2907
Section No : 440
Index No : 5-53

DOCUMENT NO: 1933 (129)

OTTOMAN ARMY
ACTING SUPREME COMMAND
8 2 334 (8 February 1918)

Section:
8.2.334 (8 February 1918)
No: B.C./22

CODED MESSAGE NO: 1369 RECEIVED BY THE ACTING SUPREME COMMAND FROM THE THIRD ARMY COMMAND

1. Four persons escaping from Armenian cruelties took shelter at Tubelek Village "53 L" (code). Their account on Erzincan is submitted below:

On 31.1.34 (31 January 1918) patrols going through the streets of Erzincan on orders from Mirad, one of the leading Armenian gangs from Sivas, summoned all the Moslem population to assemble at the Church Square. When the moughtars (headmen) together applied to learn the reason. Mirad arrested and immediately executed them all. Later, the patrols forced the Moslem population out of their houses, brought them in parties to the Telegraph Centre and then to Vahit Bey's House in the town. At eight o'clock in the evening (20.00 hrs) over 1500 Moslems were brought to Vahit Bey's House. Armenians later set the building on fire from all sides. Those who jumped from windows to escape from fire were shot or stabbed to death by bayonets by Armenians.

These villagers also said Armenians rounded up Moslem women in the Fortress Barracks and in three other large houses burning them alive, apart from nearly l000 houses which they also burnt.

2. A person named Hulusi who also escaped during the same week said Armenians assembled leading Moslem figures and the rnoughtars in Erzincan and burnt them. Many Moslem houses were burnt by Armenians, he said, indicating that he had personally witnessed four of these horrible cases. Around 1000 Armenians present in Erzincan began massacring the Moslem people, he explained.

3. In Bayburt, Armenian Gang Leader Arshak ordered Moslem people of the villages in the region on 7.2.34 (7 February 1918) to assemble in Bayburt. Afraid of what would happen, the lmam (Religious Headmen) and the Moughtar of the Hayik Village south to Sulun mountain, escaped, reaching the Armistice Commission to inform them of the situation and ask for arms.

Accordingly, Armenians committed many cruelties, atrocities and massacres in the said region, details of which have not yet arrived
8.2.34 (8 February 1918)

Third Army Commander
Vehib Mehmed

Archive No : 1/2
Cabin No : 113
Drawer No : 3
File No : 525
Section No : 2096
Index No : 10, 10-1

DOCUMENT NO: 1934 (130)

THIRD ARMY COMMAND
Section : 1
Army Headquarters

COPY

l . Arrived in Bayburt at 4.30 after (16.30) yesterday. Upon search and investigation, I have witnessed with all evidence and indications of cruelties and atrocities and crimes Armenians committed on Moslem inhabitants of Bayburt. An account follows:

2. On the day they were leaving Bayburt, Armenians burnt some 400 of the most beautiful houses and shops of the town.

3. On 15.2.34 (15 February 1918) Armenians assembled a group of poor women, children and men of the town in a large building, formerly a prison, by deceit, telling them that they would distribute flour, and brutally burnt them. Children, women, girls and boys alike, who happened to be in the streets, were brutally murdered, shot or stabbed by bayonets.

4. While burning these suppressed innocent people, their cries for help were listened to as if music by Armenians who, not even deeming these cruelties sufficient, they threw grenades and fired bullets through the holes in the burning buildings. Many girls were among the victims. The number of these Moslem bodies burnt in a way never witnessed by humanity and the world of civilisation, murdered, and annihilated under all kinds of torture is over 250.

5. There are 30 wounded women, men and children in the town. Their first aid was carried by the Regiment physicians.

6. The Binbasi inn full of infantry and artillery ammunition and bombs, was also burnt by Armenians.

People tried to put out the fires in some of the buildings after Armenians fled. Fires are still burning in some buildings, while artillery ammunition explodes here and there.

7. Fleeing Armenians reportedly took two machine-guns and two mountain artillery pieces along.

13th Caucasian Regiment Commander
Lt. Col. Ahmet Riza

Archive No : 1/2
Cabin No : 113
Drawer No : 3
File No : 527
Section No : 2057
Index No : 1-8

DOCUMENT NO: 1935 (131)

THIRD ARMY COMMAND
Chief of Staff
Section . 1
Army Headquarters
Branch 23.2.34 (23 February 1918)
No Code.

TO: THE ACTING SUPREME COMMAND
THUNDERBOLT GROUP COMMAND
SIXTH ARMY COMMAND
FOURTH ARMY COMMAND

1. An Armenian gang's existence has been reported, in Adilcevaz, within the Fourth Army Corps Front. An enemy motor-boat, after ineffective fire from 4000 metres on the Karmuc pier, sailed toward Van..

On 21.2.34 (21 February 1918) Ahlat and, the following day Perhavs, south-east of Nazik lake were occupied.

Our reconnaissance column proceeding up to Abdal Beyand, northwest of Nazik lake, met no enemy forces.

Muhacir and Til villages "La 59" (code) in the Mus plain have been occupied.

Our reconnaissance columns proceeding in the direction of Lower Kurnu, met no enemy forces at Mozsufla "L 46'. (code) and Darayi "L 45" (code). Snowstorms continue in this Army Corps zone.

2. Mamahatun in the First Caucasian Army Corps Zone, was occupied by our troops on 22.2.34 (22 February 1918). the major part, however, burnt.

Security units have been deployed to Pelegoz "K 47" Cinar Konu Vartik "F 48" Peceric "G 50" (codes) line. According to statements of villagers, some 1000 Armenian gangs with six artillery guns, withdrew to the east on 21.2.34 (21 February 1918) via Yenikoy "G 46" (code). On their way they murdered and burned around 300 defenceless Moslem people.

3. There is no change in the position of the Second Caucasian Army Corps.

On 22.2.34 (22 February 1918) the number of ships in Trabzon port was reported as eleven.

In Huka "D 56 ' (code) and vicinity, south-west of Polathane a number of artillery guns and ammunition abandoned by Greeks were found, with breech-mechanisms and other components of some of them missing. These included four ordinary 10.5 long barrel guns, 15 howitzers of 15 caliber, 22 short and long barrel guns of 9,300 rounds of 15 ea. and 250 7.5 ea. howitzer arnmunition. (*)

To the Artillery Inspectorate:

Submitted to the Commanding General and by him to the Supreme
Command.

4. Weather cloudy, partly open and very cold.

5. This Report of No, fifty four was delivered to the telegraph office of Susehri at eight after (20.00 hrs) to be transmitted to the Supreme Command, Thunderbolt Group, Fourth and Sixth Army Commands.

Third Army Commander
Lt. General
Signed

Vehib Mehmed

Husrev
23.2.34 (23 February 1918)
Operation : 54
Coded : 23.2.34 (23 February 1918)

Archive No : 4/3671
Cabin No : 163
Drawer No : 5
File No : 2947
Section No : 629
Index No : 2-9, 2-10

(*) Note : This paragraph was deleted in the document

DOCUMENT NO: 1936 (132)

OTTOMAN ARMY ACTING SUPREME COMMAND
SECTION

Section No: 2nd/2947
Date of Drafting: 17.3.34
(17 March 1918)
Correspondence No: 288

Written by : (Signature)
Date written : 17.3.34
(17 March 1918)

TO THE DIRECTORATE FOR PRESS

Summary of cables from the Third Army Command related to Armenian cruelties and atrocities.

Distribution:

To abroad through National Agency
Local newspapers
Special Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

(Signature)

Definitely today
Sender . 17.3.34 (1 7 March 1918)
Section/Branch : 4

Archive No : 112
Cabin No : 110
Drawer No : 2
File No : 385
Section No : 1530
Index No : 36-9

OTTOMAN ARMY ACTING SUPREME COMMAND
Section :

Armenians murdered around 50 of the Moslem population of Hosan and Kalci after taking them to Gumgum. Men in unknown numbers taken by Armenians from Magalisur under the pretext of employing them in road-building did not return.

Before leaving the Erkinis village north of Erzurum, Armenians murdered about 60 Moslems.

At Kars Gate of Erzurum, corpses of about 250 Moslems were uncovered, all brutally murdered by Armenians.

In Hasankale and surrounding villages Armenians brutally massacred a group of men, women and children, by axes, knives or shooting, also taking a number of Moslems along as seen by a group of our cavalrymen.

Hasankale was completely burnt by Armenians, not a single dwelling left habitable.

Archive No : 1/2
Cabin No : 110
Drawer No : 2
File No : 385
Index No : 36-10/11

OTTOMAN ARMY ACTING SUPREME COMMAND
Section:

Drafting Date : 12.3.34 (12 March 1918)

TO THE NATIONAL NEWS AGENCY

Summary of the Report of a commander who set up his headquarters at a village 28 Km.s west of Erzurum, on Armenian cruelties and atrocities:

Armenians shut 278 Moslem inhabitants of this village in their homes and murdered them all. 42 Moslems were found in their homes critically wounded. Lungs and livers of girls and women were torn out after being raped, their abdomens ripped open, brains crushed. Many of the corpses and children and men were burnt after pouring gasoline on them.

12/4
I have telephoned the Directorate of Press to convey the message to the National News Agency.

Archive No : 2
Cabin No : 110
Drawer No : 2
File No : 385
Section No : 1530
Index No : 36-8

OTTOMAN ARMY ACTING SUPREME COMMAND
Section :

ABROAD THROUGH THE NATIONAL NEWS AGENCY

Entering Bayburt, our security detachments were faced with views of horrible murders and crimes. Old people, men, women and children alike, hiding shut in their homes afraid of Armenians, were partly burnt to death with their homes. Those who happened to be in the streets were bayoneted to death. In the past two days, corpses of more than 200 such victims were found in the streets and buried.

Several days ago a Georgian detachment during a stopover in the town of Rize for the night, observed the remains of Armenian cruelties, and being disgusted, and sorry for the cries of the people, changed their minds and left the town despite the calls of the people for help.

Signature

Archive No : 1/2
Cabin No : 110
Drawer No : 2
File No : 385
Section No : 1530
Index No : 36-1 2

Holdwater: So some of these reports were actually released to a news agency, in the hopes that a just and humane world would pay attention to the terrible crimes being committed by the Armenians. Did any see print in a Western newspaper? I have conducted deep research with newspaper archives of the United States, and I don't recall encountering any such articles. Pretty racist, huh?

DOCUMENT NO: 1937 (133)

STATEMENT OF ALI, SON OF RESIT FROM HOSPIYA, PRISONER OF WAR AT AHILKELEK ON HIS ARRIVAL AFTER BEING EXCHANGED:

COPY

On 2.4.32 (2 April 1918) Armenians raided the Kolaksi Village south of Ahilkelek. They forced out the following persons from their homes and shot them in front of their homes:

Copurzade Karnil, his son, his brother llyas, Ahmet, son of llyas, Gulmehmet, another son of llyas, Ali, son of Yusuf, Iskender, son of Yusuf. Yahya, son of llyas, Hirnmet, son of Yahya, Abbas, son of Kadi, Asker, son of Osman and Dursun from Hasona..

On 11.4.34 (11 April 1918) they took lskender Bey from Tok Village (East of Hortovis) out of the prisbn at Ahilkelek and shot him dead before our very eyes.

Further, they also murdered rnany Moslems from Varadan, Kokiya (near Hortovis) and Tok villages.

I certify my affidavit statement
Ali from Hospiya

Archive No : 1/2
Cabin No : 110
Drawer No : 1
File No : 379
Section No : 1484
Index No : 14-1

DOCUMENT NO: 1938 (134)

Code without No.
From OLTU

TO THE THIRD ARMY COMMAND

1. Armenians assembling in the Ahilkelek region, have been going on with their massacre of the Moslem population in the region between Ahilkelek and Ardahan, according to reliable and repeated reports.

2. As the total of the troops of our group have been dispatched to the Kars region against Armenians in that area, it is not possible to send sufficient forces to the Ahilkelek area now.

3. In order to save the lives and properties of the Moslem population, your orders are requested for dispatching urgently sufficient forces from the Batum area to the Ardahan-Ahilkelek line if possible.

Group Commander
Sevki

Operation - 1458
21 April 34 (1918)
No: 33

Is he going mad ?
Signature (not clear)
Section : 1/25 dated
No need any more.

Archive No : 4/3671
Cabin No : 163
Drawer No : 5
File No : 2947
Section No : 628
Index No : 38

DOCUMENT NO: 1939 (135)

THIRD ARMY COMMAND
Section : 1
No: 4/25

Army Headquarters
25.4.34 (25 April 1918)
URGENT

Copies to: Ministry of Interior
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Canonical Affairs

TO THE ACTING SUPREME COMMAND

The Ottoman Army, in its advance operation to liberate and clear from the enemy the invaded lands, and to save the so-known Three-Provinces (Kars, Ardahan, Artvin) from further disintegration and destruction, has opened its protective arms to the population inhabiting these lands irrespective (without any discrimination) of their sex or religion, has taken the laws as the basis of state rule and authority, protected their lives, properties and their dignity, and has devoted all its efforts to secure their loyalty to the Ottoman Government.

Vehib Pasha in 1915. Does he
sound like he would have admitted
a genocide against Armenians?
Yet he is one of Vahakn Dadrian's
favorite "genocide witnesses."


Armenian Dashnaks and committees alike have provoked and created confusion among Armenian and Greek inhabitants of the Three- Provinces, forcing them to migrate against their wish to inner regions, it was reliably learnt. Under these circumstances, printed leaflets were immediately distributed, announcing that the Ottoman Army absolutely guarantees the security of the lives, dignity and property of all loyal people irrespective of their, sex, religion etc. assuring them that they will not be harmed, curing the people to be free of the influence of the deceit of some subversive committees and to continue their daily lives and engagements. The positive effects of these calls and assurances were immediately observed, and some of the Armenian families and all of the Greek families gave up migration and stayed in their homes. The number of those who welcome the Ottoman Army and shelter under its protection and affection, is increasing every day.

In this context, some 1500 Armenians who chose to stay in Ardahan, are being treated well; all their needs and welfare have been secured. Some of the Greeks who emigrated before are now returning to their former places. Let me submit to your Supreme authority, the assurance that all loyal people living in the places which, by God's Will we shall takeover, will be treated the same way.

Third Army Commander
Lt. General
Vehib Mehmed

Section : 1-2
25.4.34 (191 8)
STAMP:

Acting Supreme Command
Operations Department

25 April 1334 11918) No: 3322
Submitted to 2nd Section 25.4.34 (1918)

Submitted to Commander
Deputy Chief of Operations
Signature (Hulusi)

Archive No : 1/2
Cabin No : 4
Drawer No : 109
File No : 359
Section No : 1435
Index No : 3-31.3-32

DOCUMENT NO: 1940 (136)

C A B L E

OTTOMAN GOVERNMENT MINISTRY OF POSTALTELEGRAPHIC AND TELEPHONE SERVICES

Seal and Signature : (not clear)
Origin : Tercan
Number : without
Words : 150
Date : 5.3.34 (5 May 1918)
Signature : (not clear)

TO MR SEYFI, DIRECTOR, SECOND SECTION, GENERAL HEADQUARTERS

The town has been completely destroyed by Armenians, leaving not even one building. The mosque which was turned into an ammunition depot by the Russians was blown up by dynamite. Mamahatun Tomb destroyed. The town is nothing but a place of ruins. Corpses of Moslem dead are everywhere. The number of children murdered by Armenians in Marnahatun alone reached 700. Some of the corpses are in buildings some in ditches at road bank, hands tied. Many are beheaded by axes. The people suffered no cruelties from the Russians. All these atrocities and destruction are the work of Armenians after the withdrawal of the Russians. Provisions, ammunition and materials left over by the Russians were burnt by Armenians. There is much engineering equipment, tools and timber in the town. 4 May 34 (1918)

Headquarters/Second Section
Capt. Ahmet Refim

Archive No : 1/2
Cabin No : 110
Drawer No : 5
File No
Section No : 1023
Index No : 3-42.3-43

DOCUMENT NO: 1941 (137)

OTTOMAN GOVERNMENT MINISTRY OF POSTAL, TELEGRAPHIC AND TELEPHONE SERVICES

Seal and Signature : (unclear)
Received
order No : 102
Intermediary Station : Sivas
Date : 8.5.34 (8 May 1918)
Signature of the Official : Signature
Origin Erzurum
No. : 1681
Words : 100

Transmitted :
No. : 34
Date : 9 May 334 (1918)
Hour-Minute : 8.15
Signature of the Official:

TO MR SEYFI, DIRECTOR, SECOND SECTION, GENERAL HEADQUARTERS

Erzurum is a city of ruins after Armenian cruelties and atrocities. Before their withdrawal, Armenians rounded about 300 Moslem people in a house and burnt the building with people in it, after pouring on gasoline. Among the debris there are pieces of human corpses, skulls and brains. This is not the only building in which Armenians rounded up and burnt people. There are other buildings in which hundreds of Moslems were murdered. The cruelties and atrocities were led by Antranik Pasha and French Colonel Morel. The number of corpses gathered in Erzurum is 4000. Among them are many women and children. Victims of Armenian murderers in llicalar alone are nearly 2000. People were murdered by burning in houses, or taken out for road-building and murdered outside the town. The number of such missing people from Erzurum is 111. These figures do not cover those murdered in villages.

Journalists and reporters visited the scene of the cruelties for half an hour accompanied by the Governor. In two or three days we are returning via Kars-Batum. I have photographed scenes of cruelties, destruction and ruins. Submitted for your information. 8 Dated.

General Headquarters / Second Section
Captain Ahmet Refik
Archive No : 1/2
Cabin No : 110
Drawer No : 5
File No : -
Section No : 1023
Index No : 3-44. 3-45

Holdwater: Col. Morel was a Russian of French origin.
DOCUMENT NO: 1912 (138)

6-1/1973
Code :
Headquarters
17.5.34 (17 May 1918)

TO: 13TH ARMY CORPS COMMAND
18TH ARMY CORPS COMMAND
COMMUNICATIONS ZONE INSPECTORATE

1. Euphrates Front : Hanbadgadi occupied

2. Palestine Front : Rebel attacks against Muan completely repulsed.

3. Caucasian Front : Gumru-Alexandropolis surrendered on 15.5.34 (15 May 1918). No fire or destruction is observed in the city.

As stated in letters of March and April, apart from Moslems of Baku. Tiflis and Gence, all Eastern Caucasian Turks also suffered from Armenian cruelties. Nearly 250 Islam villages were burnt by Armenians. 700 Ottoman prisoners of war at Alexandropolis were burnt to death by Armenians, by pouring gasoline on them.

4. In the Fourth Army Corps Front : No significant change. Combing free from gangs the villages east of Lake Van and proceeding in Dilman and Rumiye direction continues.

Sixth Army Commander
Signature
(unclear)

Operations : 1973
Coded. 18.5.34 (191 8)
Initials. (not clear)

Archive No : 4/1048
Cabin No : 180
Drawer No : 4
File No : 3632
Section No : 138
Index No : 45

DOCUMENT NO: 1943 (139)

THIRD ARMY HEADQUARTERS

Date Writen: 14.7.34 (14 July 1918)
To be translated into French. 2889

TO P. DONIKALATOZEV EFFENDI, SPIRITUAL (HOLY) COUNCIL MEMBER OF ARMENIAN CATHOLIC COMMUNITY WITHIN FORMER RUSSIAN EMPIRE

AT HOTEL ORIENTAL IN BATUM

In response to your official Letter No. 1278 dated 2 July 1918:

Thank you very much for the sincere feelings you expressed for my Government.

1. Just as before, it is natural that the Ottoman Government will not hinder the religious affairs of Armenian Catholics on lands joining Ottoman territories.

2. Security of life, dignity and property of all the various elements (communities) living under Ottoman rule is guaranteed, free from any 1 aggression. I don't think the Armenians living in Kocorbulak and Errnanic villages of Burcali district are under any pressure. Nevertheless, I have issued strict orders to all those concerned in this respect.

3. Pending the calming of the indigation which arose from the horrible and deplorable acts committed by Armenians during their withdrawal, it will be an appropriate precaution to postpone (delay) the return of Armenians who emigrated from Ardahan and Ahilkelek to Tiflis and other places.

4 The return of Armenians who emigrated from Kars (all) and Alexandropolis (partly) should also be delayed for the same reasons explained in Para. 3 above. I would also suggest to delay the sending of a religious delegation to Kars and Alexandropolis, for the same reason.

5. Please send me the full address of the wife and children of Oseb Minas Nehabitan, so that I can inquire through the local command and give you concrete information on the matter.

6. 1 have ordered the Military Delegation in Tiflis to issue necessary certificates to Bishop (Father) Antouan Kapuian, to come to Batum for advice to the Armenian Catholic Community.

7. Let me inform you that you can always apply to the Operation Section of the Army any time you wish, to discuss and decide on matters which need to be settled.

Please accept my respects.

Third Army Commander
Lt. General
Signature
(unclear)

12.7.34 (12 July 1918)
Initials (not clear)

Translated. 13 July 334 (1918)
Signature (not clear)
Archive No : 4/6520
CabinNo : 170
Drawer No : 2
File No : 3188
Section No : 50
Index No : 2-41, 2-42, 2-43

DOCUMENT NO: 1944 (140)

OTTOMAN ARMY
ACTING SUPREME COMMAND
Section :
No :

Summary
To Ministries of Interior and Foreign Affairs

CODED MESSAGE NO: 3142 FROM THIRD ARMY TO THE SUPREME COMMAND

Very Urgent

A copy of coded message from Islamic Army Commander Nuri Pasha hereby submitted.

The Armenian Government has been officially urged to separate the Armenians from Bolsheviks in the Baku area and the matter is being closely followed.

(26 July 334 (1918) )
Third Army Commander
Esad

COPY

To Eastern Armies Group Command :

Three fourths of the people in Gence. Baku and our Front, called Bolsheviks, are Armenians. Up to date. these Armenians have burnt some 200 villages west of Baku and murdered indiscriminately any Moslem they captured. In Gundemir, they rounded up 480 women and children in a mosque and burnt them. Photographs and documents, evidence of these atrocities are being complied.

According to the affidavit statement of an Armenian officer prisoner Russians dissociated themselves from Armenians because of these cruelties, and Armenians seized the arms of these Russians and sent them to Tarkesen island. It nas been established that . . . . (code) in Baku with Armenians.

According to the statements of two of our officers who escaped from Baku, Armenians and Russians from the people of Baku are reportedly trying to prevent any resistance from those dissociated from the Bolsheviks against us.

Warships will not join the Baku war, they say. Bolshevik Commander Bichirahov tried to conscript soldiers but failed, as nobody complied. He declared that this war was for Bolshevism. Intense fighting is going on against Bolsheviks in Demirhan, Suza and Petrovski. Bolsheviks were forced to push in reinforcements. In Baku it is preferred to win Bolsheviks rather than the Armenians Though working in this way, I have also dispatched an Armenian Bishops Council, to gain the support of the Armenians. Any initiatives from your side along the same lines will obviously be useful.

Caucasian Islamic Army Commander
Lt. General
Nuri

Operations:
132/26.7.34 (26 July 1918)

Section : 6986

29 July 1334 (1918)
To the Foreign Office

Archive No : 1/2
Cabin No : 112
Drawer No : 3
File No : 483
Section No : 1893. A
Index No : 40-1. 40-2

DOCUMENT NO: 1945 (141)


OTTOMAN ARMY

ACTING SUPREME COMMAND
Section :
No :

CODED MESSAGE RECEIVED BY THE ACTING SUPREME COMMAND FROM BATUM

A summary of the report by an officer sent by our 9th Army two weeks ago to Erivan to contact the Moslem people there and also as an envoy to Armenians is submitted below:

1. The Moslem population under the jurisdiction of The Armenian Government is under constant threat of murder and plundering. Protests to the Armenian Government are of no use. In fact, the said Government is incapable. The purpose of the Armenians is to annihilate the Moslems.

2. Currently there is an Armenian Army Corps with three divisions in Erivan. The Commanding Officer is General Nazarbekov. The Chief of Staff is General Vickinski and division commanders are General Areshov, General Silidkov and General Agobov respectively. The divisions comprise four regiments each, three regular and one depot regiment. Their total strength is 32,000 enlisted men. Population is also totally armed. A 40 to 50 thousand strong force can be formed from this armed civilian population. Infantry weapons are all Russian rifles.

3. The artillery is organised on a three brigade and six regiment basis. Currently they have 40 artillery guns. Four batteries are field artillery of 7.5 and the rest Russian mountain artillery.

4. The cavalry is organised on a four brigade and eight regiment basis, though currently they have only six regiments. The table of organisation of regiments is 500, however only 250 cavalry are currently in each.

5. The banks of the Erivan river are relatively fortified.

6. Armenian forces in the front and on the border are currently seven infantry and a few cavalry regiments.

7. The morale of the Armenians is very low. Some 13,000 Armenian soldiers are in military uniform while the remainder are militia in their national clothes.

8. Crops of Moslem people in Erivan and its region have been stolen by Armenians. Moslem people starving. The 9th Army notified the Moslem population to migrate to our side as quickly as possible and trains are being dispatched from time to time to pick the people up in parties. 27.7.34 (27 July 1918)

Acting Commander, Eastern Armies Group
Esad

Section : 2/6983
29 July 1334 (1918)
Archive No : 1/2
Cabin No : 113
Drawer No : 4
File No : 527
Section No : 2057
Index No : 8, 8-1

DOCUMENT NO: 1946 (142)

OTTOMAN ARMY
ACTING SUPREME COMMAND

Section :
No

CODED MESSAGE NO: 6373 FROM KARS TO THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

In a coded message I have just received from the Fortified Zone Command of Batum it is reported that the treatment of our troops in Batum by the British and our very existence has reached unbearable dimensions, incompatible with humanity and military dignity. Today, the British forced one of our companies near the railroad station out of the building, saying they will look at the building, and seized all arms and equipment in the building, taking them along and delivering them to the Armenian soldiers near the railroad station. Individual clashes continue to take place in increasing numbers between our soldiers who cannot tolerate such humiliation and the British. Further, the British are seizing our weapons and ammunition, preventing us from taking them out of Batum. Some 4000 rounds of powerful artillery ammunition loaded on railcars on its way to the ship were seized. They also withheld the arms and equipment shipped by our troops at Curuksu. The Fortified Zone Command of Batum has written to the British General requesting the release of the ammunition and the termination of these practices which do not comply with military dignity, but no positive outcome is expected.

As no instruction has reached us on how to react and how to respond to such moves by the British, we have no alternative but to comply with the desire and will of the British, an attitude incompatible with honour and dignity. If we are instructed on how to behave, what to allow and what not to permit ... there will be no harm as our moves will be based on orders and instructions. Clear instructions are urgently requested.

30.12. 34 (30 December 1918) Ninth Army Commander
Sevki

VERY URGENT
To the General Staff
1.1.35 (1 January 1919)

Archive No : 1/1
Cabin No : 101
Drawer No : 1
File No : 4
Section No : 18
.Index No : 45, 45-1

---

Documents On Ottoman-Armenians, Volume III

"...[T]hese records were at the time compiled for strictly internal use, i.e. for in-house consideration, and were not intended for public consumption, [so that] one may be reasonably safe in declaring the evidence obtained thusly as incontestable."

Vahakn Dadrian was not entirely on the mark when he referred to internal German-government reports as "incontestable" (in his "signal facts" article from 2003); the people who prepare such reports could, after all, be mistaken from time to time. However, what is incontestable is that internal reports are prepared largely with honest intent, and may be generally accepted as trustworthy.

The TAT site has stressed Western and Armenian sources to turn the genocide myth on its ear, since these parties were raised with anti-Turkish sentiments, and had no reason to defend the Turks — very much opposed to the sources demonstrating a genocide, who had every reason to be untruthful, or conned by beloved Armenians whispering in their ears. Now, however, it is time for a change.

It would be absurd to write about a nation's history by exclusively relying upon what the enemies of a nation had to say. Yet that is exactly how the "facts" for the "Armenian genocide" have been compiled. Now we can understand with better clarity why Armenian and genocide scholars can be such frauds.

Prof. Justin McCarthy exposes the likes of these propagandists:

Why rely on Ottoman archival accounts to write history? Because they are the sort of solid data that is the basis of all good history. The Ottomans did not write propaganda for today's media. The reports of Ottoman soldiers and officials were not political documents or public relations exercises. They were secret internal reports in which responsible men relayed what they believed to be true to their government. They might sometimes have been mistaken, but they were never liars. There is no record of deliberate deception in Ottoman documents. Compare this to the dismal history of Armenian Nationalist deceptions: fake statistics on population, fake statements attributed to Mustafa Kemal, fake telegrams of Talat Pasha, fake reports in a Blue Book, misuse of court records and, worst of all, no mention of Turks who were killed by Armenians.

What you will be reading below, time after time after time, clearly demonstrate Armenian treachery and belligerence, and the Ottomans' attempts to perform their governmental duty to preserve order. The reports also demonstrate, far from having it in for the Armenians, that the Ottomans attempted to safeguard Armenian lives and properties. In short, they demonstrate that the concept of "genocide" has no basis in reality.

These documents come courtesy of the Turkish "Military History Documents Magazine," and were compiled into three separate volumes by the Turkish "Directorate General of Press and Information," translated into English and French, for distribution on the world stage (wonder how far that effort got?). The names of these books were "Documents I," "Documents on Ottoman Armenians - II" and "...III," and published in 1982, 1983 and 1986, respectively. The Ottoman originals were also included in these books, where they may be accessed in the .PDF file version of these books, made available on the University of Louisville's web site: Vol. 1, Vol. 2, and Vol. 3.

An average of a quarter-century has passed since these volumes first appeared, and yet it appears no Turkish person, governmental or civilian, has taken the trouble to make these very valuable documents available on the Internet. Isn't that incredible?

What is below has been faithfully reproduced for the most part (for example, retaining the quaint British spelling), but some errors in English have been corrected.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

No : Date of Document S u b j e c t

1) 1996(143) November 30/December 1, 1914 Acting Governor of Van, Cevdet Bey's report to the Ministry of the Interior regarding his talks with Armenians on possible incidents in Van and dispatching people to Bitlis as a result of the Russian advance.

2) 1997 (144) February 25, 1915 German Private Otto Fensher's letter in German on the Armenian cruelties and other events he witnessed since he was wounded and taken prisoner of war by Russians in Eastern Germany on December 27, 1914.

3) 1998(145) February 25, 1915 Report by the 5th Army Command to the Ministry of Defence on the explosion of a bomb made by Armenians and uncovering of a substantial amount of explosives and weapons hidden in Armenian cemeteries.

4) 1999(146) February 26, 1915 Enver Pasha's instructions to commanders regarding the powers they will have and the measures to be taken in case of an Armenian revolt, as a result of Armenian attacks against the gendarmerie in Bitlis, Halep and Dortyol and the uncovering of code groups and bombs in Armenian houses in Kayseri.

5) 2000(147) February 27, 1915 Telegram from the Provincial Authority of Adana to the Directorate General of Security, Ministry of the interior, on an investigation revealing that some Armenians had been armed to kill the Turks and cooperating with the enemy.

6) 2001(148) April 14, 1915 Coded message requesting measures to prevent the spread of Armenian incidents in Mus and Bitlis, evidently instigated by the enemy countries.

7) 2002(149) Telegram from the 10th Army Corps Command to the Acting Supreme Command, informing the underground foundation of the Armenian Tashnak Society in Sivas with the aim of creating unrest behind the battle lines.

8) 2003(150) April 22/23, 1915 Coded message from Cevdet Bey, Governor of Van, reporting that Armenians revolted in Van, burned the city, and that intensive clashes were going on.

9) 2004(151) May 22, 1915 Report to the Acting Supprerne Command on the result of investigations carried out upon the allegations of the Armenian Patriarchate of cruelties against the Armenians in Sivas, Van, Erzincan and Erzurum.

10)2005(152) April 24, 1915 Commander of the Van Mobile gendarmerie Division, Karm Bey's message on the Russian advance toward Kotor and efforts by Armenian gangs in Iran to infiltrate into Van, taking advantage of the Armenian uprising.

11)2006(153) May 22, 1915 Telegram based on translation of a news item from "Asbarer", a newspaper in the U.S.A., reporting that Armenian gang leader Antranik joined Russian Commander Chernoroyof's division and that he receives financial support from the U.S.A.

12)2007(154) May 27, 1915 Minutes of interrogation of an Armenian army deserter on manufacture of bombs in Armenian houses and shops.

13)2008(155) June 11, 1915 Statement by Abraham who claims to be a Syriac, regarding information on the Russian and Armenian forces in Tabriz, Aras and Van and the aspirations of the Armenians.

14)2009(156) June 29, 1915 Telegram from the Governor of Erzurum, reporting clashes between an Armenian gang and Tevfik Efendi Detachment.

15)2010(157) July 2, 1915 Telegram by Acting Governor of Karahisar and Special Forces Commander to the 3rd Army Command reporting the message of surrendering by the Armenians and the reply given.

16)201 l(l58) July 20, 1915 Lazistan Commander Avni Pasha's message that gendarmerie forces clash with over 300 armed Armenians in the Ordu region.

17)2012(159) July 22, 1915 Report informing the Acting Supreme Command of the measures taken as a result of the Armenian incidents in Karahisar. Ordu, Midyat, and Cizre.

18)2013(160) August 4, 1915 Army Corps Commander Suleyman Faik Pasha's telegram to the 3rd Army Command regarding the crushing of the Armenian uprising in Midyat and its vicinity.

19)2014(161) August 2/3, 1915 Governor of Sivas, Muammer Bey's message on revolting Armenians.

20)2015(162) August 4, 1915 10th Army Corps Commander Pertev Bey's message on clashes with armed Armenians who took shelter in a house in Niksar

21)2016(163) September 2, 1915 Communications Inspector informs the 3rd Army Command that the veterinarian of the 89th Regiment joined the Armenian gangs.

22)2017(164) September 29, 1915 Telegram by the District Administration of Urfa to the Ministry of Interior regarding the Armenian uprising in the town.

23)2018(165) September 26, 1915 Gendarmerie General Command's report to the Ministry of Defence on the formation of a commission for investigations on civil servants and gendarmes who allegedly abused their powers during the relocation of the Armenians.

24)2019(166) October 3, 1915 October 5, 1915 Report by Head of the Tortum Conscription Office on the Armenian cruelties in Narman, Tortum and their vicinity since the War of 1877-1878.

25)2020(167) Report by District Administration of Urfa on the Armenian uprising in the town and the measures to be taken.

26)2021(168) November 11, 1915 Governor of Erzurum reports the 3rd Army Command that grenades were found in an Armenian house.

27)2022(169) March 21, 1916 Message by the 3rd Army Command to the Acting Supreme Command, reporting Turks were taken to unknown premises by the Armenians who commit other atrocities.

28)2023(170) April 3, 1916 Colonel Halil Sami, Conscription Dept. Chief of the 5th Army Corps reports to the Ministry of Defence that great number of armed Armenians are perpetrating atrocities in Akdagmadeni.

29)2024(171) March 15, 1917 Instructions by Cemal Pasha, 4th Army Commander, for purchasing the possessions of the relocated Armenians at their real values so that the Armenians would not lose money.

30)2025(172) May 10, 1917 Caucasian Army Group Commander Ahmet lzzet Pasha's message to the Acting Supreme Command, reporting atrocities against the Moslems in Erzincan by the Armenians who receive Russian support and requesting political initiatives to end the cruelties.

31) 2026(173) December 11, 1918 Ottoman Caucasian Armies Commander Vehip Pasha's letter to Russian Caucasian Army Commander General Odeshelidje for stopping the Armenian atrocities in Erzincan, Sarikamis Bayburt, Rize and Trabzon.

32)2027(174) February 12, 1918 3rd Army Commander Vehip Pasha's report to the Acting Supreme Command on Armenian atrocities in the occupied territories.

33) 2028(175) February 17, 1918 Copies of the letters on Armenian cruelties sent to Russian generals Odeshelidje and Lebedinsky by 3rd Army Commander Vehip Mehmet Pasha.

34) 2029(176) February 21, 1918 Ottoman Caucasian Armies Commander Vehip Mehmet Pasha's reply to Russian Caucasian Army Commander General Liyotnan Odeshelidje's letter on continuing Armenian atrocities.

35) 2030(177) February 21, 1918 Statements by Russian Captain Kazmir, Russian Private Alexander and a Russian woman named Pas regarding the Armenian atrocities they witnessed in Erzincan.

36) 2031(178) February 23, 1918 1st Caucasian Army Corps Commander Kazim Karabekir's telegram to the 3rd Army Command regarding operations against the Armenian revolts who retreated after burning down Mamahatun and its vicinity

37)2032(179) February 23, 1918 3rd Army Command's report to the Acting Supreme Command, Thunderbolt Group Command and 4th Army and 6th Army Commands regarding Mamahatun and other places liberated by the Turkish forces and the Armenian atrocities in these towns.

38) 2033(180) March 3, 1918 Enver Pasha's instructions to the 3rd Army Command regarding his requests to be conveyed to the Russian Caucasian Army Command for prevention of the Armenian atrocities.

39) 2034(181) May 7, 1918 Petition by Kagizman Branch Chairman, Moslem Charity Society of Baku, to the 36th Caucasian Division on Armenian cruelties against the Moslems in the Erivan region.

40)2035(182) Memorandum issued by the 3rd Army Command to the Armenian Government on arrangement of migrations in line with the articles of the treaty signed between the Ottoman Government and Armenian delegates.

41)2036(183) June 29, 1918 9th Division Command's message to the 1st Caucasian Army Corps Command requesting initiative for permission for the Moslems of Erivan to migrate to Turkey and the prevention of Armenian atrocities.

42)2037(184) June 28, 1918 Eastern Armies Commander's message to the Acting Speaker of the Armenian Assembly regarding Armenian atrocities in Alexanderpole and Ahilkelek against the Moslem people.

43)2038(185) December 27, 1918 9th Army Command's coded message to the Ministry of Defence requesting contacts with representatives of the Allies in istanbul to put an end to the Armenian atrocities against Moslems in Erivan, Nahcivan and their vicinity.

44) 2039(186) December 28, 1918 Requests from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to end the Armenian massacres of the Moslem population following the evacuation of Igdir by Ottoman Forces, through the mediation of Allies and neutral governments.

45)2040(187) January 4, 1919 9th Army Command's message to the Ministry of Defence noting that Armenian atrocities in Serdarabat, Erivan and other region would go on unless stopped by the mediation of the Allied Countries.

46)2041(188) January 6, 1919 9th Army Command's message to the Ministry of Defence indicating that attacks against the Turkish officers in Batum by Greek and Armenian volunteers can be stopped through orders by the British Command of Batum.

47)2042(189) January 21, 1919 Report by 9th Army Command to the Ministry of Defence on Armenian attacks and massacres in Arpaqay.

48)2043(190) July 27, 1919 Report by 5th Army Corps Command to the Ministry of Defence on important articles of British Representative Rawlinson's message to the British General Headquarters in Istanbul regarding Armenian atrocities in the border region from Oltu to Dogu Beyant.

49)2044(191) August 26/27, 1919 Message by 15th Army Corps to the Ministry of Defence noting that the Armenian Dashnak Society, supported by the Armenian Government, attempts to annihilate all Moslems in Sarikamis, Igdir, Revan and Aras regions.

50)2045(192) March 7, 1920 Official telegram sent to Admiral Bristol and Allied representatives in Istanbul denying allegations of Armenian genocide in Anatolia.

51)2046(193) March 7, 1920 Telegram by 3rd Army Corps Command to Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs, noting that Armenian atrocities in Hacin Feke and Adana regions made the population extremely anxious.

52)2047(194) October 23, 1920 Lists of the villages burned and destroyed and of names of Turks massacred by the Armenians in one year.

PREFACE

The third issue of the "Military History Documents Magazine" containing documents compiled from the archives of the Military History and Strategic Studies Department of the Turkish General Staff has been published recently. These documents demonstrate and exhibit the inhumane attitudes and behaviours of the Armenians in Anatolia and the killings, massacres and other atrocities they had committed against the Ottoman State and its Turkish subjects between 1914 and 1920.

Previously, the 81st and 83rd editions of the "Military History Documents Magazine" devoted to this subject were published by the Directorate General of Press and Information in English and French as "Documents I", "Documents on Ottoman Armenians - II". "Documents I" and "Documents Sur Les Armeniens Ottomans - II". These books were distributed to important centers in the world and particularly in Europe through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We hope and believe that this edition of our magazine would also be translated into English and French and distributed abroad as well.

We, the Military History and Strategic Studies Department of the Turkish General Staff, will try to compile and present to the world public opinion on certain intervals all documents on this issue that we have in our archives.

The basic principle we honour in our studies is certainly neither to revive the hatred and enmity of the past through unilateral exaggerations nor to make public opinion unnecessarily sensitive regarding this issue.

Our purpose is to demonstrate and prove with documents the unfounded and fabricated nature of the so-called Armenian allegations which have been deceiving world public opinion particularly during the last few years. Although various documents prove beyond doubt that the Armenians, receiving support from foreign circles, set up innumerable organizations of revolt, armed gangs and death squads against Moslem Turks and perpetrated inhumane attacks and atrocities against the Turks, a community they had lived together with for centuries in peace, prosperity and security, during the First World War and ever since the Ottoman-Russian War of 1877-1878, we would like to forget all such violent incidents for: our aims is merely to demonstrate the baselessness of the allegations of the so-called genocide of the Armenians by the Turks.

We have again included an introduction for the general interpretation of the documents we are presenting in our publication.

Major General lhsan SAKARYA (Retired) compiled the documents in this publication from the archives of the Military History and Strategic Studies Departmen1 of the Turkish General Staff. Colonel Niyazi ARTAN (Retired) transliterated these documents from Ottoman Turkish into modern Turkish. Colonel Dr. Yucel AKTAR (Education Corps) and First Lieutenant Faruk AYIN (Education Corps) rearranged, revised and edited the texts for publication.

Ihsan BAKIREZEN
Lt. General (Air Force)
Chairman. Military History
and Strategic Studies
Department, TGS

INTRODUCTION

Beginning from the 18th century, the question of partition of the Ottoman territories among the European countries following a possible disintegration of the Empire, which was the main goal, constituted the "Eastern Question" in the European diplomatic circles. The "Armenian Question" arose as an extension of the overall "Eastern Question." Following the "Cyprus Peace Operations" on July 20, 1974, certain circles reintroduced the "Armenian Question" with the objective of impairing the Turkish Republic. To this end, the issue has been exploited a great deal during the last few years and continuous efforts have been exerted to keep this issue hot.

The European powers had waged a constant struggle to keep under direct or indirect control the strategically important regions of the Ottoman Empire, a semi-colony about to be disintegrated, and created artificial problems by using the Ottoman minorities in order to gain an advantage over their rivals.

This is the basis of the "Armenian Question", which has been much exploited and exaggerated since the 19th century.

The "Armenian Question", a natural product of the ambition to rule the world, was ornamented with so-called humane motives based on exploitation and reintroduced into the attention of a sensitive public opinion just after the First World War broke out. In this regard, the inhumane attitudes and actions of the Armenians, who were Ottoman subjects as well, and the massacres and atrocities they perpetrated against the Turkish people in Anatolia during the First World War were misevaluated by some Western writers on purpose. The facts had been distorted and consequently there came into being the supposition that the Armenians had been subjected to a genocide by the Turks.

Another point persistently emphasized during the cowardly murders of Turkish diplomats by the Armenians in recent years is the demand for the recognition of the so-called genocide by the Turkish Republic.

For this reason, it is necessary, in the first place, to examine the definition of the word "genocide." As was pointed out in the 83rd edition of the "Military History Documents Magazine", genocide is the "premeditated and indiscriminate annihilation of all individuals of an unarmed and defenceless community."

However, many documents on Armenians published in the 81st and 83rd editions as well as documents No. 1998 (145), 1999 (146), 2000 (147), 2003 (150), 2006 (153), 2007 (154). 2011 (158), 2021 (168), 2031 (178), etc. that appear in the current edition prove beyond doubt that the Armenians living in Anatolia or elsewhere had been engaged in an armed revolt against the Ottoman state.

For this reason, it is necessary, in the first place, to examine the definition of time as a "revolt" of the Armenians and the measures taken by the Ottoman State through the use of the legal power of the imperium, rather than calling them a one-sided genocide.

Documents prove that Armenians, just like during the Ottoman-Russian War of 1877-1878 (Document No. 2019 (166)) were to betray the Ottoman State and stab it in the back (83rd Edition, Document No. 1894) during the First World War as well. For this reason, it is both illogical and irrational to define the legal measures taken for maintaining order as a genocide against Armenians.

As a matter of fact, the Ottoman rulers, despite the continuing war, felt it was necessary to take measures for the civil servants and the gendarmes (Document No. 2018 (165)) not to abuse their authority against the Armenians due to emotional reasons, rather than conduct a genocide.

Armenians in the Ottoman Empire were elevated to important positions which could not be attained by minorities in other countries. They became Ministers of the Royal Treasury, Foreign Affairs, and Post and Telegraph, and Ambassadors to London, The Hague and Brussels. Even the administration of the Royal Ordnance Factories, one of the most critical institutions in the Empire, belonged to the Armenians for 140 years. Leaving aside prejudices of all sorts, it is not possible to prove or document that the Turks had conducted a genocide against the Armenians, and particularly against the women, the elderly and the children.

On the contrary, the documents in this publication exhibit the hostile actions of the Armenians against the state and the Turkish community, with whom they had been living in peace. For instance, one can easily say that throughout the whole duration of the War, the Armenians worked against the Ottoman state, set up secret organizations to facilitate the enemy advance, created unrest behind the front (Document No. 2002 (149) and 2004 (151)) and hence conclude that the enemy, taking advantage of the Armenian actions occupied certain regions quite easily (Document No. 2005 (152)).

During that period, Armenian collaboration with the enemy - the Russians in particular - and substantial Armenian forces joining the enemy appeared in the foreign press as well (Document No. 2006 (153)).

Those who constantly talk about the so-called Armenian genocide in Anatolia without any scientific or documentary basis, should pay particular attention to the following facts:

-Armenians armed themselves, manufactured bombs of various sorts, and stocked them for future use. (Document No. 1999 (146), 2007 (154)).

- Armenians set up numerous gangs throughout Anatolia, and apart from individual attacks, usurpations and murders, disguised themselves as soldiers and in groups of 500 to 600 bandits, attacked the Turkish units, and burned and destroyed towns and villages (Document No. 2003 (150), 201 1 ( I S ) , 2012 (159), 2023 (170)).

- Even the foreigners pointed out the cruelties, tortures, and the vulgar attacks that the Turks were subjected to (Document No: 1997 (144), 2030 (177)).

-The revolting Armenians used the most sophisticated weapons of the time, including artillery guns, bombs, and machine guns (Document No. 2014 (161), 2031 (178)).

-The numbers of Turkish villages pillaged and destroyed and of innocent Turks raped and killed as a result of the Armenian cruelties in Anatolia are very high (Document No. 2019 (166). 2047 (194)).

- The Ottoman Caucasian Armies Command corresponded with the Commander in-Chief, Russian Caucasian Armies with the aim of preventing the Armenians from attacking and massacring the Turks in the eastern regions (Document No. 2026 (173), 2029 (176)).

- When the Armenian cruelties reached extreme proportions, Enver Pasha personally applied to the Russian Caucasian Armies Command, requesting measures to put an end to the massacres (Document No. 2033 (180)).

In presenting this publication to the attention of the public, we hope that it would enlighten the people with commonsense and those who still think that the Armenians had been subjected to a so-called genocide.

Dr. Yücel Aktar
Colonel
(Education Corps)

DOCUMENT NO: 1996 (143)

Ministry of Interior
Directorate General of Security
Section:
Number: 1290

Copy of the Decoded Message Received from the Office of the Governor of the Province of Van

Very Urgent

I had talks with the Armenian elite. I explained the general situation on the appropriate occasions. I told them that any incident between the Armenians and the Moslems would certainly affect all the Armenians living in Ottoman territories. I pointed out that conditions to be created by possible clashes in regions like this one which would not affect the final outcome of the battles, would quickly change. I realized that it was not possible to get good results, for exaggerations made by the tribes on the current situation frighten the Moslem population. I am taking great care to prevent the Armenians from provoking incidents. Since the enemy advanced from "Kotor" and some tribes submitted to the foe, I do not think that the Gendarmerie division will be able to put up a long resistance. Therefore, I will begin to send the families to Bitlis.
November 30/December 1, 1914

Acting Governor
Cevdet
Actual Certified Copy
18 (December 1) dated
Seal
(Directorate General of Security)
M/4713 Section: l Secret / 1290

To Section 2
To be returned
Signature
(Not clear)

Translated/l8 dated
Signature (Mehmet Celal)
To Section I

Hereby returned. December 1, 1914
Signature (Kazim Karabekir)
To Tahsin Bey Dated 18
Signature (Hifzi)

Archive No : 1/1
Cabin No : 169
Drawer No : 1
File No : 4
Section No : 23-A
Index No : 4

DOCUMENT NO: 1997 (144)

"My escape from Russia.

My name is Otto Fensher. l am from the 141st Infantry Regiment based in "Graddensi". 1 was wounded and taken prisoner of war by the Russians on December 27, 1914 in Eastern Prussia. The Russians took me to a hospital in "Olbolinsk". After staying there for six weeks, I was told that my health was satisfactory and later I was sent to Siberia. They were paying us a daily wage of 10 kapiks to meet our essential needs. We were very hungry and cold. Our complaints in this regard were turned down by the guards who were saying: "the German pigs must endure everything." Such unfit treatment by the Russians greatly hurt our feelings and our patience was running out. Many of my friends resolved to escape. Approximately 200 of us were kept in a shed. There was a building for P.O.W. officers next to our shed. The Austrian POW's who were kept with us also shared the idea of escaping from the prison camp. The first attempt of a prison escape was made on April 20, 1915. There were six of us trying to escape, two German officers, two Austrian cadets, a major sergeant and myself. We went as far as the town of "Onkoten" near the border. We were planning to make the escape from the Romanian border. There, we had to cross a river. We decided that the officers should go first. The officers crossed the river. An enemy patrol opened fire on us while we were about to make our escape. We had to stop. After a while we were caught and subjected to outrageous maltreatment. The guards beat and whipped us. We were sent from one prison to the other. Finally, the Russian Revolution came to our assistance as well. The hour of our freedom was near once again. We were ready to take advantage of the first opportunity as soon as possible. We were lucky in this respect. We came across suitable opportunities that would facilitate our escape. During the revolution, we were in the city of "Astrahan" on the Volga river. We were able to survive due to the fact that the Russian government granted us permission to work as laborers in the city. We took this opportunity immediately. First of all, we got acquainted with our fellow countrywomen, who were the victims of the war. During their invasion of Eastern Prussia, the Russians brought with them many young girls to Russia. We had mutual feelings to help each other. The Russians sent 80 German and Russian prisoners, including myself, to Tiflis to work. There, I started again to look for an opportunity to escape. Actually, I bought the clothes and the pass of a Russian who was born in Germany and I boarded a train posing as a Russian soldier. This train took me to Sarikamis. I witnessed for the first time the Armenian atrocities imposed on the Turks at the Sarikamis Train Station. Around 10 Turkish soldiers were busy carrying wood near the station. Since it had rained the day before, the work could not be done fast enough. For this reason, an Armenian supervising the Turkish soldiers, began to curse at them. Then he hit one of the Turks with a club and the poor man died on the spot. I left Sarikamis and went to Karaurgan. This small town is 30 kilometers from Sarlkamis. I stayed in Karauryan for three days. There I once again witnessed the Armenian atrocities against the Turks. The landlord of the house I was staying in was a 'Turk. He complained that the Armenians were searching his home at least twice a week, seizing what they thought was valuable and beating the household under a variety of pretexts. I took advantage of the narrow gauge railroad in Karaurgan and travelled to Erzurum. I stayed in Erzurum for one week. The city was in ruins. All the mosques were turned into depots and public baths. 'The Turks were not allowed in the streets after 8 o'clock in the evenings. One night I saw three Armenians raping a Turkish girl. When the girl began to scream, one of the Armenians killed her with a knife. I found a policeman nearby and told him what happened. He went to the scene of the murder, and after finding out that the murdered girl was a Turk, he just shook his shoulders and said: "It is no big deal. She was Turkish. All Turks must be destroyed." Then I departed from Erzurum to go to Mamahatun. On my way, I saw many Turkish prisoners breaking up stones. They wanted tobacco and bread from me. I went inside a Turkish shop in Mamahatun. I bought a few cans of food. Meanwhile, an Armenian officer came into the shop. He took around twelve cans of food. He asked the shopkeeper the price. When the shopkeeper said it was 27 rubles, the Armenian officer began to swear at him and left the shop without paying. The shopkeeper told me that this was the usual practice and that the Armenians did not pay for the goods they bought. A few days later, I went to Iresenson by car. The driver told me that the Kurds had attacked an Armenian battalion at the front a few days ago and that the Armenians had retreated from their original positions in the beginning. He said that as a result of the counter attack by the support forces sent by the Russians, the Kurds had to retreat as well. He also told me that the Armenians killed all the women, children and the elderly from a nearby Turkish village who could not escape in time and that the Russians pillaged the whole village and seized all the valuables. I registered myself in the 153rd Regiment in Iresenson. A few days later, I was sent to a post at the front. There I took advantage of the first opportunity and I had escaped to the Turkish side. I believe it is my duty to express once more my gratitude to the Turkish officers and soldiers for the hospitality they extended to me."

Signature
Otto Fensher

Archive No : 1/2
Cabin No : 178
Drawer No : l
File No : 373
Section No : 1484
Index No : 10-7

DOCUMENT NO: 1998 (145)

Ministry of Defence
Department of Correspondence
Coded Messages Section

Coded Message from Ankara to the Ministry of Defence

Urgent
The death of an Armenian as a result of a bomb explosion revealed that the above-mentioned had been manufacturing bombs in Develi township. Gunpowder and various weapons hidden in the Armenian cemeteries were uncovered as a result of the search conducted by local authorities. The Office of the Commander of the 15th Division was notified that the search is going on and that the results will be submitted. Any additional information to be obtained will be submitted. February 25, 1915

Acting Commander of the
5th Army Corps
Halil Recai

To the Public Order Section
Copy delivered to Headquarters February 25, 1915
Original
972

Archive No : 1-131
Cabin No : 219
Drawer No : 2
File No : 2287
Section No : 12
Index No : 8

DOCUMENT NO: 1999 (146)

Ottoman Army
Acting Supreme Command
General Staff

Istanbul
February 25, 1915

Section 1
No: 8682
Secret

To the Independent Department of Public Order

Certain Armenian brigands have appeared in Bitlis and some Armenian army deserters have begun to resort to banditry. Armenians attacked the soldiers and the gendarmerie in Halep (Aleppo) and Dortyol. Considerable quantities of explosives as well as groups of code keys in French, Russian and Armenian were found in the houses belonging to Armenians in the city of Kayseri. Although these incidents are not so important at present, they indicate that our enemies are preparing to launch a revolt inside the country. Therefore, the announcement and communication of the following articles were deemed necessary.

1. Armenian privates in mobile armies as well as mobile and stationary gendarmerie units will never be used in combat services and will never be employed in the offices of the headquarters and suites of the commanders.

2. Army and army corps commanders, acting commanders of army corps and divisions and commandants must and are authorized to swiftly put down in the most rigorous way any sort of opposition or armed aggression or resistance against government orders and to completely eradicate such aggression or resistance. Furthermore, the commanders are also authorized to declare martial law immediately in any place they deem necessary.

3. Although it is necessary to be careful and alert, the kind of oppression that would frighten the people should be avoided in places where there are no concrete signs of aggression. Hence, the view that the loyal and obedient subjects will not suffer any harm should be stressed and the people must not be incited to revolt as a result of desperation.

4. Since all problems of defence and public order concern the Armed Forces as a result of general mobilization, civil administrators shall apply to the commanders on such matters. Only the civil administrators of the Province of Istanbul shall apply to the General Headquarters on matters and measures related to public order.

5. The most competent authorities in matters related to public order are the army commanders in the Third and Fourth Armies as well as the Iraqi regions. The most competent authorities in such matters are the army corps commanders in the First and Second Army regions. These army corps commanders shall keep the Acting Commander-in-Chief and army commanders informed.

6. The Third and Fourth Army Commanders shall immediately inform the Acting Commander-in-Chief of the measures being taken and planned in the likelihood of incidents.

This order:

is communicated to the First, Second, Third, Fourth and Iraq and its Vicinity Army Commands, the First, Second, Third, Fourth and Filth Army Corps Commands, the Ministries of Defence and or Interior, Directorate of Courts, Independent Public Order Section, Department of the Army, General Command of Gendarmerie.

Public Order
98 1

February 27, 1915

Acting Commander-in-Chief
Enver

Archive No : 1-31
Cabin No : 219
Drawer No : 2
File No : 2287
Section No : I2
Index No : 9

DOCUMENT NO: 2000 (147)

Ministry of Interior
Directorate General of Security
Section

Copy of the Coded Telegram from the Provincial Authority of Adana dated February 26, 1915

Three Armenians known as "School Teacher" Abraham from Adana and Artin and Bedros from Dortyol escaped to an enemy warship in the Dortyol region on February 12, 1915. For this reason, I went to Erzi. I took the necessary measures and gave my orders. One of our patrol units apprehended a man named Agop from Dortyol in the marshes in the same region on February 24, 1915. The people whose names were given by the said person were rounded up. According to the said person's statement, the few traitors who cannot live in peace in Turkey are armed and ready to act, and they could have killed many Turks. According to this statement, they were assigned the mission of informing the enemy warship of the strength and number of the army units in the region and whether or not they had cannons. Those who were actually involved in this conspiracy and also the suspects were arrested and the necessary measures were taken. According to an official letter from the township authority, on February 25, 1915, one of our patrol units found a mirror which had red glass in the middle which was from a signal lamp in the marshes near the Piyas point of Azirli Village on the railway 35 kilometres section to Adana. For this reason, 1 telephoned Avni Bey, the Commander of the Gendarmerie Regiment in Osmaniye and I also communicated with the commandant in Erzin. I told him that it was necessary to relocate all the Armenians in Dortyol to Osmaniye, Ceyhan and Adana so that no Armenians would remain in that region. I also submit, for your information, my written orders that those who were arrested in the town of Hacin for posting placards of the Hinchak Committee urging the people to revolt against the Government, be sent to the Central Township to be tried by the Martial Law Tribunal and that the necessary measures be taken there.

Archive No : 1/1
Cabin No : 101
Drawer No : 2
File No : 13
Section No : 63
Index No : 2

Ministry of Interior
Directorate General of Security
Section:
No: 168 Secret

To the Acting Supreme Commander of the Ottoman Army Secret

Enclosure: 1

Your Highness.
Enclosed please find a copy of the telegram from the Provincial Authority of Adana, which is dated February 26, 1915 and concerns the Armenians in Dortyol. Your highness has the authority to give orders in this regard.

February 27, 1915
Minister of the Interior
Signature (Talat)

M/8727
28 Dated M-A-I

Serious measures should be
firmly taken regarding
those who were arrested

Section 1/28 Dated
Branch 2 15-12-C

M / Section 1/3502

To be communicated to the 4th Army Command

Archive No : 1/1
Cabin No : 101
Drawer No : 2
File No : 13
Section No : 63
Index No : 2-1

DOCUMENT NO: 2001 (148)

Army Command
Number

Hasankale
February 27, 1915

"Coded" Message to the Acting Supreme Command in Sublime Porte

C/ February 26, 1915 and Code 53610

I . The first Armenian incident began near Mus with clashes with a gang of 50 bandits. Taking into account that this incident might not assume merely regional proportions, the Army recommended that further incidents could be prevented by receiving information prior to the incidents and that it was necessary to find out the magnitude of forces that the provincial authorities would need. The Army also recommended that in case incidents did occur, they should be completely crushed as soon as possible and in a just manner and that attention must be paid to prevent the spread of such incidents so that they would not turn into a crisis. The Army also assigned the Loc Mobile Gendarmerie Battalion under the command of the Provincial Authority of Van.

2. Subsequently, although some incidents took place in a few places in the Province of Bitlis, they were immediately crushed. The Army decided to strengthen the stationary gendarmerie forces as much as needed, to return the mobile gendarmeries in the sahara army to the provinces and to increase the number of personnel at the military offices and gave orders to this end.

Written/February 28, 1915
Signature (M.Baki)

"Coded" Message to the Governors of Erzurum, Trabzon, Sivas, Harput, Bitlis, Van, and Diyarbakir

l . Apart from Armenian uprisings in a few places in the Province of Bitlis which were crushed before they had spread and became a problem, the Acting Supreme Command noted that the Armenians attacked the soldiers and the gendarmeries in Halep and Dortyol, and that vast quantities of bombs as well as secret code keys in French, Russian and Armenian were found in Armenian houses in Kayseri township.

2. It is evident that the enemy governments are employing material and moral means to create unrest inside the country and planning to use the Armenians as well as some unfortunate Kurds as instruments in attaining their goals.

3. The interests of the country and the benefits of the Army fighting the outside enemies dictate the prevention of such incidents with common sense and in justice by receiving timely information before such incidents take place or the conclusive and prompt crushing of the incidents before they spread and turn into a problem. Serious attention shall be given to comply with articles 1,2, 3,4 and 5 of the coded message received from the Acting Supreme Command in this respect. 2 ...... 3 ...... 4 ...... 5 ...... To be written textually

4. This order, in the form of a coded message, has been relayed to the Covernors of Erzurum, Trabron, Sivas, Harput, Bitlis, Van and Diyarbakir; the 9th. 10th and 11th Army Corps commands and Acting Commands; the commands of the 2 nd Army and the Reserve Cavalry Division, the 5th Mobilized Forces Command; Fortifications Command; and the Communications Inspectorate.

Signature (Vasif)

Since we did not have a code, this order was not relayed to the Mobilized Forces. Instead, an official letter was written.

Signature (Not clear)

The writer of the tells:
February 29, 1915 Signature (Not clear)

Archive No : 4-3671
Cabin No : 231
Drawer No : 2
File No : 2820
Section No : 69
Index No : 2-23

DOCUMENT NO: 2002 (149)

Section: l
Division: 2
Hasankale
April 14, 1915

To the Acting Supreme Command

Coded Telegram

l . The detailed report dated March 27, 1915 which was received from the Acting Command of the l0th Army Corps indicated that an insurgent organization was secretly set up in the Province of Sivas by the Armenian Tashnak Society with the principal aim of creating unrest behind the battle lines of the Ottoman Army so a.; to facilitate the enemy operations and that the members of this organization were armed with various weapons.

2. Necessary orders were issued to the provincial authority and the army corps acting command to take the measures that would never give any chance of action at a critical time in the future ro those who have yet dared to create a serious and general revolt as well as to conclusively crush all incidents before they had spread.

Signature (Yusuf Cemaleddin)
Signature (Izzet Sarni)
Signature (Mahmut Kamil)

Written April 15, 1915

Archive No : 4-3671
Cabin No : 231
Drawer No : 2
File No : 2820
Section No : A-69
Index No : 3

DOCUMENT NO: 2003 (150)

Coded Message from Cevdet Bey, Governor of Van, dated April 22/23, 1915

Tel. No: 3
Urgent

Today, there were intensive clashes. I went to the castle to personally deal with the rebels in the inner city, estimated to be around 700 combatants carefully selected among the townspeople and villagers by the Committee to attack the castle, as I had previously reported. Nokalis Efendi from Venezuela was also there at that time and he worked with me. He is going to stay here for a few days to deal with the rebels. Despite all efforts, it was not possible to overpower the rebels and drive them away from the town's quarters they had occupied. These rebels are taking very safe shelter inside the houses and they are very active, having burned down a considerable part of the town. However, support forces from other regions have begun arrive. We are attacking more ferociously.

Section: 1
23 Dated
Branch: 2

Archive No : 4-3671
Cabin No : 231
Drawer No : 2
File No : 2820
Section No : A-69
Index No : 3-41

DOCUMENT NO: 2004 (151)

Hasankale
May 22, 1915

To the Acting Supreme Cummand

April 8, 1915
Coded Message

The allegations of the Armenian Patriarchate were investigated: It was established that Bisare Ceto went to Azerbaijan as a volunteer and was killed in action three months ago. It was also established that Mehmet Emin was ambushed by the Armenians while he was on his way to Azerbaijan and that he is currently at home. No village majordomos were killed by the gendarmerie in the Province of Van. There is no village called Zifo where a child was allegedly killed. The allegations of the murder of three leading Armenians from Tercan as well as the maltreatment and oppression of the Armenians in Bayburt with the pretext of collecting firearms and demands for money are all lies fabricated by the Armenians from three or four villages from the Pülür District of Bayburt who became angered after 52 weapons were confiscated during searches jointly conducted by the District Governor and the Battalion of volunteers commanded by Bekir Sitki Bey. Armenians from Porek Village in Susehri attacked the unarmed volunteers passing nearby on February 12, 1915, opened fire on the security forces sent by the Provincial Authority, and wounded two soldiers. Naturally, this detachment retaliated, and seized 139 rifles and apprehend 95 army deserters and 25 suspects during the searches conducted in this village. Therefore, it was established that these allegations consist of fabrications which aim to incriminate the government and the intelligence gathered by the Patriarch was found to be untrue.

At present, the Armenians are revolting throughout the Province of Van and in some parts of the Province of Sivas. Armenians in other provinces will certainly join the rebels at the appropriate time. Various telegrams sent by other provinces and myself regarding the daily incidents indicate that the Armenians constitute the aggressive and hostile side and disprove the claims of legitimate self-defence against maltreatment and oppression by the gendarmerie forces.

Investigations made by the Provincial Authority of Sivas revealed that the attacks were previously planned and prepared by the Tashnak and other committees, that the necessary weapons were stocked, that rebellious groups were set up in various townships and that they would create unrest behind the front lines of the army. The escape of all Armenians in the Ottoman Army either to the enemy side or to their homelands as well as the latest incidents in the Province of Van prove the accuracy and reliability of the said investigations. Therefore, the escape of the Armenian conscripts from the army in wartime when they should have protected the fatherland, the rebellion in the Province of Van and the indications of unrest in the Province of Sivas have proved that the Armenians have betrayed the Government and that they are collaborating with the enemy. Since it has become compulsory to subdue these rebellious traitors conclusively and swiftly, the provincial authority and the acting commands of the army corps were informed of the necessity of making use of all people who can fight by drafting all those between the ages of 46 and 50 as well as taking other security measures. It was decided to mercilessly exterminate all armed traitors who are revolting against the Government without offending loyal citizens, the poor and the helpless. If you deem it appropriate, I kindly request that you inform the Holy Armenian Patriarch of the above-mentioned points and urge him to lead the Armenian Nation on the path of loyalty in compliance with his religious duty of enlightening the misguided, instead of making exaggerated complaints based on fabrications of treacherous informers.

Signature (Izzet Sami) Signature (Mahmut Kamil)

Archive No : 4-3671
Cabin No : 161
Drawer No : 1
File No : 2820
Section No : A-(69)
Index No : 3-33

DOCUMENT NO: 2005 (152)

Telegram No: 1000

Decoded Message from Kazim Bey, Commander of the Van Mobile Gendarmerie Division, Received on April 29, 1915

Very important and urgent

This coded message includes the following remarks of the Central Telegram Director of' Erzurum:

To First Aide-de-camp Bedi Bey:

This coded message dated 24 has just been received from Sivas. The fifth and sixth articles were not in written form. The cause of the delay should be investigated. "The fifth and sixth articles do not exist in the original copy but the meaning is not irrelevant."

Signature (Not clear)

1. Yesterday, a strong enemy division advanced to the vicinity of Kotor Pass. I believe the enemy, informed of the Armenian uprising, intends to occupy Kotor and dispatch strong bands from there to the interior.

2. It is certain that all the Armenian bands in Iran, taking advantage of the Armenian uprising in the interior, will attempt to infiltrate into the Province of Van.

3. A telegram just received from the Mobilized Forces Command orders the dispatch of adequate forces under the command of the Governor of Van to crush the uprising. Actually, I had already sent massive forces to Van before receiving this order, including the cannons here and at the Kotor Detachment as well as a battalion of soldiers. At present there is a 1000-man force stationed in the vicinity of Deyir and the Kotor Detachment consists of 700 men. In line with your instructions these forces, with the assistance of the regular troops, will try to prevent the bands in Iran from infiltrating into the country.

4. It has been reported that some tribes united and took joint action against the Nasturis revolting in Colemerik Township. Even though some tribes are being sent to Sitak Township, no reliable information has been received from there since April 15. In general, it is possible to subdue the rebels in the districts of Hivasor, Timar and Ebecik. Clashes in Van still continue. The forces I sent from here have been taking part in the clashes in Van since yesterday.

5. Mobilized Forces concludes that the Mobile Gendarmerie Division, although already weakened as a result of the delay in Rumya and the continuing rebellion, would fight without any assistance from the Mobilized Forces. Last night, instructions were asked for to expedite the action.

6. Today, a clash took place with an enemy cavalry unit advancing from Kohnesehir in the direction of Deyir and the enemy cavalry retreated.

7. The telegram was sent from Deyir to "Semdniyan" and from there it was to be delivered to the Derbent Telegram Center of the Province of Mousul, to be sent to your command from the said place.

April 24, 1915
Section: 1/17 Dated 30
Branch: 1

Archive No : 4-3671
Cabin No : 231
Drawer No : 2
File No : 2820
Section No : A-69
Index No : 3-71

Holdwater: Point 4 refers to the Nestorians, who were revolting. These would be the Assyrians, who also have jumped aboard the genocide bandwagon, and are playing innocent.
DOCUMENT NO: 2006 (153)

May 22, 1915

Section 2: 10689
Drafter: Signature (Ali Kernal)
Writer: Signature (Ahdurrahrnan)
M/3166
May 19, 1915

To the Directorate General of Security
Enclosed please find clippings of certain articles that appeared in the April 2 and 16, 1915 editions of the "Asbarez" newspaper being published in the United States of America as well as their translations.

File
28/4 Original
R
28 Quote
5
28 Quote
4

"Coded Telegram" to the Third Army

Code: M/3166
It has been reported that the Armenian gang leader Antranic, with his 1,200 volunteers, departed from Salmas and joined the Azerbaijan Russian Commander Chernoroyof's division, and that later the above mentioned band marched off in the direction of Baskale, and that the Tashnaks in Boston, the United States, raised 47,000 rubles to assist the volunteers, and that this amount has been sent to the Caucasian Society of Aid for the Armenians.

The decoder of the message
Signature (Suleyman)
May 21, 1915
1. 28/10
Armenian Gang Leader (Antranic)

Archive No : I/2
Cabin No : 108
Drawer No : 4
File No : 318
Section No : 1287
Index No : 1-26

DOCUMENT NO: 2007 (154)

Minutes of the Interrogation

An unidentified army deserter was apprehended today at around 8 o'clock by Gendarmerie soldier Mehmet Nuri from Maden, while hiding underneath the "Kantaralar" bridge on the Hamervan watercourse and taken to the Rumkapi Police Station. When asked to identify himself, the suspect said that he was Hagop, son of Karabet, that he was 38 years-old and from the Armenian community in Fatihpasa Quarters, that he worked as a metal caster, and that he was an army deserter. Since he used to work as a metal caster, he was told of the not completed bombs recently seized by government forces in the Armenian houses and asked if he knew who had manufactured those bombs. He was also asked about the number of bombs manufactured, the whereabouts of the remaining bombs and whether he had made them. In his statement before all those undersigned, he said that he manufactured twenty bombs made of bronze upon an order placed by Karabet, a dealer in cauldrons at the Sipahi Bazaar who 15 or 20 years ago had been a tinsmith. He said that he had delivered the bombs to cauldron-maker Hagop in Seymut Quarters and added that even though there were some Armenian committees there, he could neither remember nor identify them. He noted that the aforementioned Hagop had gone to America a few years ago and that Ahpar ("friend" in Armenian) Hagop, one of Hagop's cousins, a cauldron-maker at the Kazancilar Bazaar, was currently residing at the above-mentioned house. He stated that he believed the said bombs might still be at the above-mentioned house. The suspect also said that he used the wooden mold made by Ohan, a merchant at the Yilancilar Bazaar, to manufacture the bombs and that the son of Hagop the tinsmith also from Kazancilar Bazaar came to him with a bomb one day. The suspect stated that he had drilled a "hole" for the fuse and that Hagop's son had inserted it. He said that he did not know the name of Hagop's son and that he had no other information to give. Then, the minutes of the interrogation were written and read to the suspect. The document was certified by the undersigned after the suspect had confirmed and signed it.

May 27, 1915

Suspect Signature (Not clear)

Gendarmerie Private Signature (Mehmet Nuri from Maden)

Gendarmerie Private Signature (Mahmut)

Military Police Signature (Tevfik)

Police Officer Signature (Mahmut Hilmi)

Police Officer Signature (Muhiddin)

Assistant Police Commissioner of Rumkapi Signature (Recep)

Archive No : 5 920
Cabin No : 27
Drawer No : 5
File No : 4608
Section No : 6
Index No : 1-1

DOCUMENT NO: 2008 (155)

Third Army
To the Command of the Second
Independent Cavalry Division
Number: 546
Very Important

Arzi
June 11, 1915

'To the Pasinler Group Command in Bedrovans

The following is a summary of replies given by Abraham from Bitlis, son of Iskender, during verbal interrogation. The aforementioned who was travelling via upper Haydar Komu, later claimed to be a Syriac.

The above-mentioned, who also claimed to be a surgeon, was a volunteer at the Esekilyas Detachment of the Kobanski Cossack Regiment. Half of the said regiment was stationed in Baskoy and Karakurt and the other half in Esekilyas. The Omanski Cossack Regiment entered Iran about 21 days ago and it is present in Tebriz and Selmas.

A few days ago the Hoporski and Mezofski Regiments as well as some other detachments departed for Germany at different times. A commander named Gargarov was appointed to replace General Berkman who was sent to Germany 25 days ago. However, the new commander has not yet come from Tiflis. General Baratov, who is stationed in Karakurt, still serves as the Acting Commander.

The Russians keep 6 drojins formed of Armenians particularly in the south of the Aras river (Each drojin consists of 12 lieutenants and 1,000-1.200 soldiers). Presently, one drojin commanded by Antranik is in Van. Four of them are stationed between Van and the Tulak region. One drojin includes Armenians from Adapazari, Tekirdag and Tercan. Another 1,200 strong drojin is commanded by gang leader Osharov and is stationed in Cilifani, in the Tahir region. The Katerinadraski Cossack Regiment and some infantry detachments are stationed in Cerason. Furthermore, there are 1,400 soldiers in Esekilyas.

The Russians want to advance to Hinis with the objective of completely occupying Van and its vicinity in particular. It is said that unless Warsaw is silenced, they will not be able to go into action in this region. If Warsaw is silenced, 25,000 soldiers will he sent to Caucasia and 75,000 to European-Russia from Japan in addition to the 120 artillery weapons already received from there.

Apart from the forces dispatched to Germany, the total number of troops in the Russian army in all of Caucasia starting from the Iranian border at Culfa and onwards is 19.000 while in the Oltu region it is 12.000 and the remainder all in other regions including Kars and Sarikamis. About 35,000 troops of the said force of 69,000 have been redrafted. They have adequate ammunition. The Armenian battalions have manliher rifles and ammunition for these rifles is not more than 120,000-125,000 rounds. However, there is adequate ammunition for the Russian rifles. The ammunition is being shipped to Russia from France via Sweden and Norway. The Russians have banned people, particularly merchants from traveling to Kagizman from the vicinity of Tiflis.

He also said that the Armenians will wear fezzes and play Turkish marches during the battles in order to confuse our troops.

Aspirations of Armenians

According to the Czar's promise to Governor Varanz of Vayishko of Caucasia, the provinces of Van, Bitlis, Trabzon, Erzincan, Elazig and Bingol are promised to the Armenians if they gather together 60,000 troops and enter the war. For this reason, both the Armenian Patriarchate and Katfekos are reportedly assembling the Armenians in Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy and America. Although it is quite impossible to gather together that many troops, Armenians living in Caucasia are asked to volunteer and they number around 15,000 men in the European-Russian army.

Three months ago, two officers from the War Academy in Bulgaria named Karakin and Vartan came to assist the Armenians. Only 125 of the 1,400 Armenians commanded by Dron reportedly survived the Kop encounter. Dron himself was wounded. Abraham Gulyan Daryan directs the fate of all the Armenians from Tiflis. Vartekis, the Armenian deputy from Erzurum, is in Van. Bastirmaciyan went from Erivan to France. Armenian immigrants from Pasinler have been resettled in the vicinity of Erivan.

The leading committee members maintaining communications between Istanbul and Tiflis are Hachak Kirkor Arziviyan, a school teacher in Kumkale: Culluyan, one of the reporters of the Azardamart newspaper at the Asayan School in Beyoglu: and Arsen Kedor, instructor at the Patriarchal School.

Canpuladof from Caucasia and Bastirmaciyan's relatives carry out the communications in Erzurum. The prisoner said that he did not know the names of traitors in Erzincan. Former deputy Murat Boyaciyan directs the communications of the Hunchaks in Sivas. Besides, two brothers from the Armaganyan family, whose given names he could not recall pass on information to their friends in Caucasia. Through the mediation of the oldest Armenian priest in Sivas, a man called Agop reportedly manufactures bombs and the bombs are shipped by the priest's wife. This is said to be still going on. Someone named John Kulyan provides information to the Hunchaks in Istanbul. Information is relayed by the afore-mentioned persons to a certain Hamparsom of Tekirdag, a merchant in Edirne: and to Agop Elveciyan from Adapazari. These persons inform their contacts in Bulgaria, Romania and at times Italy. Tiflis receives information from these sources, including diplomatic personnel such as consuls. The prisoner reportedly understand the code-decode key of the Tashnaks.

He also said that the Tashnaks have 2.5 million British pounds in Sofia and the Hunchaks have over 1 million rubles in Bucharest to be spent for various purposes. He noted that rich Armenians also help raise funds and that so far 8 million rubles have been spent.

Reportedly, about a month ago, an Armenian Karabet Kahyayan from Erzurum, who is about 24 years of age and Ararn Zambakciyan from Romania, each having 1,000 liras, were sent from Tiflis via Romania and Bulgaria to Istanbul in order to examine the situation in the Sublime Porte and inform the Central Committee in Caucasia. They will arrive in Istanbul posing as merchants and after completing their work they will go to Konya by railway and return via the same route. These aforementioned people hold Romanian passports.

The prisoner also confessed that there was a secret wireless telegraph station in the province of Sivas but he said he did not know the location of this station. Today, however, he added that there are such stations in Esekilyas, Karakurt and Sarikamis.

The station in Esekilyas is located four kilometers northwest of Tahir on the Tahir-lgirbigir road.

Conclusion
It is possible that Abraham. who claimed to be a refugee and gave substantial information useful for the army, might reveal more important information if further questioned. And, he will prove to be very useful to us if he is in reality a committee member for he has very detailed information regarding the plans and positions of the Armenians in particular.

June 13, 1915
He is to be questioned further

Division Commander
Lieutenant Colonel
Signature (Mursel)

To the Office of the Chief of Staff

Archive No : 4-3671
Cabin No : 231
Drawer No : 2
File No : 2820
Section No : A-69
Index No : 4-7, 4-8


Holdwater: The Dron" from above was probably Drastamat "Dro" Kanayan. If "Only 125 of the 1,400 Armenians commanded by Dron reportedly survived the Kop encounter," then that is one battle Dro lost. Dro gets credit in some Armenian circles for never having lost a battle; Leon Surmelian was a believer in this myth.
DOCUMENT NO: 2009 (156)

Coded Message of June 29. 1915
Received from Tahsin Bey, Governor
of Erzurum

Cable No.
1850

The District Authority of Bayburt has reported that the Tevfik Efendi Detachment clashed with an 11-man gang of armed Armenians near Kopuz Creek, that two bandits were killed, a village guard Mehmet Cavus lost his life during the clashes, and that the detachment is in hot pursuit of the gang.

Section: I/Dated 30
Division: l

Archive No : 4-3671
Cabin No : 231
Drawer No : 4
File No : 2835
Section No : 127
Index No : 4

DOCUMENT NO: 2010 (157)

CABLE
OTTOMAN GOVERNMENT TELEGRAPH ADMINISTRATION
Hour: 7 PM
Minute: 10
Origin: Headquarters
No delivered: 125

Very Urgent. War Cable.
Not to be delayed even for a minute.

To the Third Army Command in Tortum

1. As I have already informed you today by cable, three representatives who came to us last night delivered the following letter in Armenian from the rebels. "To the District Authority of Sarki Karahisar and Special Forces Command, We have received the letter sent by Mercanyan Nisan and Baron Vartinyan Antranik. We would like to thank you for promising that no harm will be done if we surrender voluntarily. All the people are ready lo surrender. Some of the armed militants also share this view of the people. Although some do not wish to surrender, we will try to persuade them. Hopefully, we will manage to persuade everyone by tomorrow or the day after and act in accordance with the Government's offer. Meanwhile, we must point out that those who are not convinced yet are not opposing the Government but merely fear for their lives. For this reason, we kindly ask for more assurance, although there is no need for further discussions on this matter. Being convinced that a declaration of amnesty in the first place would be an unforgettable and great favor for the country as well as this unlucky nation, we kindly request your assistance in solving this problem.
July 2, 1915
K Self Defence Council"

2. Upon receiving this letter of the rebels, and considering that only parts of 682's and 497's will be able to arrive until tomorrow or the day after, we have written the following letter:

"To all Armenians in the citadel,

We have received your letter dated July 2, 1915. We have already informed you that all armed as well as unarmed people must surrender in order to prevent further incidents and to bring to a satisfactory end the Karahisar incident that occurred against the wishes of the government and angered the people. Since we think that the annihilation of thousands of women, children and innocent people is incompatible with governmental justice and humanity, we have given guarantees and assurances regarding the lives of the peaceful and the innocent who are in the majority. We have also informed you, that ending the unrest and surrendering as won as possible would be in your and all the Armenians' benefit. With the hope that you appreciate the situation and the interest on the Armenian nation, you will be allowed until 5 o'clock tomorrow to decide. Naturally, the Sultan's amnesty will not be possible in a couple of days. The decision of an amnesty will be made following the restoration of law and order. With the aim of protecting a nation of the Ottoman Empire, we declare once again that the government will exert every possible effort to immediately accommodate you all and to compensate your losses as much as possible following the surrender of arms as had been previously specified.
July 2, l915

Acting Governor of Karahirar
Ahmet

Commander of the Special Forces Lieutenant General
Neset

Archive No : 4-3671
Cabin No : 231
Drawer No : 4
File No : 2835
Section No : 127
Index No : 3-61

DOCUMENT NO: 2011 (158)

Coded Message dated July 20, 1915 from Lazistan
Commander Avni Pasha

22106
No: 114

1. It has been reported that over 300 Armenians have assembled in the rocky area known as Kale near the Kizileyin Village of the Ulubey Township of Ordu and that they intend to launch raids.

2. Giresun Post Command reported that the gendarmeries in the vicinity have begun engaging in clashes and that 8 rebels were killed and 12 captured alive. It is also reported that mobile gendarmerie units were sent as support forces due to the harsh terrain and lack of ammunition and that the results would be relayed.

Section: 1/21 Dated
Branch: 1

Archive No : 4-3671
Cabin No : 231
Drawer No : 4
File No : 2835
Section No : 127
Index No : 4-7

DOCUMENT NO: 2012 (159)

Coded Message July 22, 1915

To the Acting Supreme Command

l . Since the last part of the Armenian rebellion in Karahisar has been completely suppressed, only the Second Girerun Mobile Gendarmerie Battalion remained in the town to maintain law and order and three battalions of special forces consisting of trainees were sent to Erzurum.

2. Upon reports that over 300 Armenians had assembled in the rocky area known as Kale near Kizileyin Village in Ordu's Ulubey Township with the aim of launching raids, the gendarmerie forces in the vicinity went to this assembly place and began engaging in clashes. As a result, eight rebels were killed and the support forces are pursuing the remaining bandits.

3. The Acting Command of the 11th Army Corps reported that the Christians in Midyar are rebelling and that they have already started clashing with the Gendarmerie forces.

4. Reliable sources reported that Bedirhani Abdurrcuak who is leading certain Kurds and Armenians, is instigating the loyal Kurds in the vicinity of Sitak, Sirnak and Pervari against the Government and that he has sent a message to the Cizre tribes asking them to join his forces. Upon this, the Provincial Authority of Diyarbakir reported that the Mobile Gendarmerie Battalion in Midyat was sent to Sirnak to pursue Abdurrezrak. Meanwhile, there was a request for about 4,000 rifles to arm the loyal population and 2,000 high-power Mauser rifles left by the 36th Division in Diyarhakir were ordered hy the Provincial Authority.

Written
July 23, 1915

Mahmut Kamil

Archive No : 4-3671
Cabin No : 231
Drawer No : 4
File No : 2835
Section No : 127
Index No : 3-84, 3-85


Holdwater: Note certain Kurdish tribes also served as trouble for the Ottomans, during this dangerous war.
DOCUMENT NO: 2013 (160)

TELEGRAM
OTTOMAN GOVERNMENT TELEGRAPH ADMINISTRATION

Received:
Date: 3 Dated
Hour: 12
Minute: 50
Origin: Elazig
No: 46034
Words: 50
No: 2615

To the Third Army Command

Diyarbakir Stationary Gendarmerie Regiment and Midyat Mobile Gendarmerie Battalion commands reported that with the suppression of the rebels in Midyat, the town had been cleared of bandits, that about 500 rebels who took shelter in the 120-house Ziyor Village had been under siege since July 17/18, that three gendarmes and 22 tribesmen were killed and three gendarmes and 62 tribesmen were wounded during the clashes that still continue, and that the rebels would be driven away from their shelters after the artillery arrives.

August 4, 1915

Acting Army Corps Commander
Suleyman Faik

Section: 1 Dated 3
4561
To the Supreme Command

Archive No : 4-3671
Cabin No : ?31
Drawer No : 4
File No : 2835
Section No : 127
Index No ; 4-11

DOCUMENT NO: 2014 (161)

Tel:
34.590
Enclosure

Decoded Message of August 2/3, 1915 from Muammer
Bey, Governor uf Sivas

Clashes in the Village of Dendil are still continuing. Six soldiers were wounded during the clashes yesterday and two soldiers who had previously been wounded have died. Six rebels who left their caves during the night in an attempt to escape and to get water were killed. It is impossible to enter the caves, for the rebels frequently use bombs. However, the rebels are greatly suffering from thirst because our units are in control of the springs near the caves. The rebels asked for a deadline until one o'clock tomorrow to surrender. The result shall be presented to you.

Section: 1/2 Dated
Archive No : 4-3671
Cabin No : 231
Drawer No : 4
File No : 2835
Section No : 127
Index No : 4-26

DOCUMENT NO: 2015 (162)

35088
No: 3170

Decoded Message Dated August 4, 1915 from Pertev Bey. Acting Commander of the 10th Army Corps in Sivas

Arrival 4/5

Upon reports received late last night to the effect that 10 armed Armenians took shelter in a house in Niksar, it was revealed that the house was surrounded by the gendarmerie and drill-ground detachment. In addition, a girl who was amongst the rebels was wounded by a shot fired by the rebels while surrendering. Later on, a fire broke out in the house and five houses were burned. Meanwhile, seven rebels who attempted to escape were killed and three rebels burned to death. Presented for your information based on local reports.

Section: l / 4 Dated
Branch: 1

Archive No : 4-3671
' Cabin No : 231
Drawer No : 4
File No : 2835
Section No : 127
Index No : 4-31

DOCUMENT NO: 2016 (163)

Third Army Communications Inspectorate
Staff Section

from Erzurum
September 2, 1915

Section: 3
No: : 1966-22100
Attached:
No:

To the Third Army Command

The Bayburt Post reported that Assistant Veterinarian Kirkor Efendi, who was appointed and sent to the Bayburt Veterinary Post on May 24, 1915 while he was the veterinarian of the 89th Regiment, deserted his unit following clashes with Armenian gangs, has not returned for 24 hours, and has joined the said Armenian gangs. Presented for the necessary procedures.

Communications Inspector
(Signature) Fuat Ziya

Section: 3
Dated 2
No: 5104

Archive No : 4-3671
Cabin No : 231
Drawer No : 2
File No : 2820
Section No : A-69
Index No : 1-34

DOCUMENT NO: 2017 (164)

Ottoman Government
Ministry of Postal, Telegraphic and Telephone Services

Branch: 115266
Date: September 29, 1915
Hour: 6.00 PM.
Minute: 45
Origin: Urfa
No: 7.923
Words: 150

Hour: 5.00 P.M.
Official Copy

Very Important and Urgent

To the Ministry of the Interior

A supplement to the previous telegram. Shots were fired in the morning from a few houses and now it is evening and there are fierce clashes occurring throughout the Armenian quarters. Gendarmerie forces are unable to advance because of the strategic location of the said quarters and the strongly built houses in which they are taking shelter. The number of wounded has risen to six and one of the wounded has died. It has just been reported that they attacked all the Moslem houses in their quarters and murdered them. According to the clothing and Mauser rifles belonging to a few apprehended bandits, it is evident that the Armenian gangs entered the town from time to time. They use the worst profanity every time they shoot. Even if the gendarmerie forces are doubled, the result won't be successful. Therefore, we kindly ask you to give the necessary orders for the urgent dispatch of a military force along with artillery weapons, if possible.

September 29, 1915
Section: l / Dated 30

On behalf of the District Governor
of Urfa, the Accountant
Signature (Nazrni)
Branch: 2/17-7 A

Archive No : 1-131
Cabin No : 219
Drawer No : 2
File No : 2287
Section No : 11
Index No : 4-13

DOCUMENT NO: 2018 (165)

Gendarmerie General Command
Section: l
Branch: 2
No (Special): h827
No (General):
Response:
Date:
No:

Istanbul
September 26, 1915

Secret

To the Ministry of Defence

Content: Regarding the appointments
of Lieutenant Colonel
Muhittin, Major Galip and
Captain Naki to the commission
to be sent to the Eastern
Anatolian Provinces

Commissions will be set up in certain regions to conduct the necessary investigations on civil servants and gendarmes who abused their offices and acted in breach of the law during the relocation of Armenians in Anatolia and in the eastern provinces as well as to court martial the suspects. Memorandum No. 88 dated September 25, 1915 states that lzmir Gendarmerie Sector Inspector Lieutenant Colonel Muhittin, First Section Deputy Director of the Gendarmerie General Command Major Galip and the Fourth Branch Chief of the same section wcre appointed to the aforementioned commissions and orders these personnel to apply to the Ministry of Interior on Monday, September 27, 1915 at 3.00 p.m. Submitted for your information.

Gendarmerie General commander
Colonel
Signature (Rasim)

Examined
Section: 2
17220
September 27, 1915

Law and Order Section
1254

To the Personnel Department:
To be returned after examination. September 30, 1915

Seal
Directorate of the Law and Order
Section of the Ministry of Defence

Archive No : 1-131
Cabin No : 219
Drawer No : 2
File No : 2287
Section No : 13
Index No : 3

DOCUMENT NO: 2019 (166)
Seal
(Reservists ...
51st Regiment, 2nd Tortum Battalion)
S.N.
163

Some of the Atrocities Committed by the Armenians against the Islamic Population Heretofore

l. A gang of 60-70 Armenians from Narman's Ekrek and Yegenhas villages and Tortum's Sepek Village led by Kirkor, son of Kulik from Bitlis, was quite active in the Narman and Tortum regions between 1891 and 1894. It was proven in court that this gang killed many people in Narman and also barbarously murdered Sakip Aga from Hicviulya Village by first cutting open his abdomen and then forcing him to tear out his own lungs and liver.

2. They also killed an 18 year-old youth named Ahmet from the same village by burning him alive. It was established in court that the burnt body of this youngster was found in the house of a priest named Vartan. The perpetrators of this crime, two Armenians named Aliksan and Vartan from Sepek later escaped from the Erzurum Jail.

3. The members of this gang wore Moslem garb most of the time. They used to kill the persons that they found alone and even attacked and raped the children in the fields.

4. The members of this gang killed and raped many people at Sivri Creek. They were armed in Russia and occasionally attacked the Moslems.

5. Although this Armenian gang had been dispersed to a certain extent following 1894, armed volunteers lived in Armenian villages until the declaration of the constitutional government. These volunteers maintained their contacts in Russia with frequent visits made through the Erzurum Plains and Ekrek, Yegenhas and Sipak villages. The people of Sipak helped the volunteers cross the borders. An examination of the court files in Erzurum reveals that all kinds of atrocities committed by only the Armenians.

6. Armenian atrocities were also witnessed during the 1877-1878 Ottoman-Russian War. Apart from guiding the Russian units, they attempted to hang Resit Aga from Narman and Ali Aga from Su!eymanli Village. The Russian commanders prevented these murders upon the requests of the public.

7. Although the Armenians said that they would answer the call to arms, so far not a single Armenian of conscription age has showed up for military service. During the official exams, these people were shown as residents of Russia and their priests confirmed such statements by sealing and signing the papers. These documents are preserved at the Conscription Office.

8. Since the beginning of the general mobilization, the Armenians have never met their military obligations. On the contrary, they offended the Moslem population by stating in various places that the Russians would be victorious and that this victory would benefit the Armenians in the future.

9. Not a single Armenian from Narman's Ekrek and Yegenhas villages has applied for military service during the current mobilization.

10. The Armenians started to spy for the Russian army as soon as mobilization began. They assisted the Russian army during the latest offensive by repeatedly cutting down the telegram lines near Sipak.

I l. Armenians from Ekrek and Yegenhas villages guided the Russian troops during the enemy occupation. They were among the enemy troops wearing Russian uniforms and carrying Russian weapons. Apart from attacking the Moslems, the Armenians, being encouraged by the Russians, humiliated the town and village notables and their families and acted much more cruelly and barbarously than the Russians. They are responsible for many killings, thefts, pillages, attacks and rapes.

12. Nowadays, they are still engaged in activities in the front lines or forward pox.; of the enemy forces. They are killing the men and children and abducting and raping the women in the occupied quarters.

13. Since the Armenians live in only six houses in Narman and Torrum, the mentioned atrocities in this area can be said to be minimal when compared with their incredible and indescribable cruelties in other regions such as Pasinler, Eleskirt, Bayerit, Mus, Van and their vicinities. The Armenians had caused constant unrest in the Van, Bitlis and Bayezit regions since 1889 until the declaration of the constitutional government. The cruelties and atrocities committed by the Armenians constitute volumes of notes and documents in the files of military units.

September 3, 1915

Head of the Tortum Conscription Office
Captain
Signature (Ismail Ishak)

Archive No : 6-3497
Cabin No : 310
Drawer No : 1
File No : 5771 Section No : 1
Index No : 2

Holdwater: Good stuff above, demonstrating the loyalty of the Armenians.

DOCUMENT NO: 2020 (167)

Ottoman Government
Ministry of Postal, Telegraph and Telephone Services

Supreme Command
Date: October 5, 1915 Istanbul
Hour: 10.00 p.m.
Signature of the official: Signature (Hakki)
Origin: Urfa
No: 8137
Words: 150
Hour: 3.00 p.m.

At 7: 30 on Wednesday evening, September 29, Armenians fired around 18 or 19 shots in an interval of two or three minutes without any apparent reason. An immediate investigation revealed that the patrol units were not responsible for the shooting. Another investigation conducted in the morning established that two Armenians named Seku and Gugu and their friends fired the shots in Bicakci Square. A detachment of one officer, 12 gendarmes and three policemen was sent to apprehend the suspects. However, the detachment reported that the Armenians put up armed resistance, killing one gendarme and wounding four others. After an investigation of the scene of the incidents, it was evident that the Armenians were not shooting only from one area but from all over their quarters. The main street ending in their quarters as well as the other districts in the city were held and the fighting began. Following some skirmishes it became apparent that the Armenians had been prepared for resistance and were ready to fight against the gendarmerie forces. Therefore, the District Authority applied to the Fourth Army Command, requesting two artillery weapons and a battalion of soldiers. The requested weapons and soldiers arrived and they were positioned. Acting Commander of the Fourth Army Fahri Pasha arrived in Urfa today to personally direct the operations to suppress the rebellion. So far casualties include two dead and eight wounded from the gendarmerie and around thirty dead or injured citizens. Presented for your information. Dated 5.

Acting Commander
Fehmi

Copy delivered to section 1. Dated 5.
To the Second Section:
The District Governor of Urfa, mentioning the situation hereby described in this telegram, applied to the Headquarters requesting troops and artillery weapons. A written response given urged reference to the Fourth Army Command, also recommending the Fourth Army Command to take rapid action. Cemal Pasha dispatched an infantry battalion, a cavalry company and two sahara guns to Urfa. This detachment has been in Urfa since October 3, 1915 and it has been taking part in operations ever since. This is the latest telegram received. So far, no information has been received regarding the incident and the suppression of the rebellion. Enclosed please find previous telegrams received on this matter, copies of which are in the First Section.

6.10 By the order of the Operations Section
Director

Archive No : 1-131
Cabin No : 219
Drawer No : 2
File No : 2287
Section No : 11
Index No : 4-17. 4-18

DOCUMENT NO: 2021 (168)

Erzurum Correspondence Office
General:
Special: 1373

To the Supreme Command of the Third Ottoman Army

Dear General, On the 22nd day of this month, the Commission for Abandoned Properties opened a shop belonging to Alfons, son of Haci Aret from the Armenian people, in the Nazik shopping center in the Town of Erzurum. During a search and digging, 50 hand-grenades were found in the basement of the shop. The Police Directorate seized these grenades and delivered them to the office concerned. Presented for your information.

Commanding General/November 11, 1915

Governor of Erzurum
Signature (Tahsin)

Section: 3
7938/ 1-9
Division: I

Archive No : 4-3671
Cabin No : 231
Drawer No : 2
File No : 2820
Section No : A-69
Index No : 1-42

DOCUMENT NO: 2022 (169)

Ottoman Army
Acting Supreme Command
Section:
No : 108

From the Third Army to the Acting Supreme Command: Coded Message without a Number

On March 20, 1916 ... and information was given on March 11, 1916 regarding the atrocities committed by the Armenians in Erzurum. People escaping from the villages occupied by the enemy report that the enemy and particularly the Armenians were acting most ruthlessly and barbarously, that they were kidnapping the children, youngsters and the girls and taking them to unknown places, that they were pillaging everything and even committing mass murders, and that molestations and rapes were incredibly frequent. Information being received from various sources also confirms such reports.
March 21, 1916

Commander of the Third Army
Vehip

Archive No : 1-2
Cabin No : l81
Drawer No : 4
File No : 528
Section No : 2063
Index No : 1

DOCUMENT NO: 2023 (170)

Copy of the Coded Telegram from Ankara to the Ministry of Defence The coded telegram of April 3, 1916 from the Conscription Section of the 15th Division included a report from the Akdagmadeni Conscription Office to the effect that there were around 300 to 500 armed and unarmed Armenian bandits, some of whom wore military uniforms, assembled at the Devekayasi Point of Kizilcaova, at two hours of riding distance from the Cat Station in the Akdagmadeni region and that bodies of three brutally murdered Moslems had been found. The telegram also stated that Yozgat was ordered to provide further information and that a strong detachment would be dispatched to punish the bandits as soon as the necessary details were received. Meanwhile, conscription sections of the 13th and 14th Divisions have been informed of the situation, of the need to be vigilant and cautious, and of the possibility of taking measures if necessary and the 15th Division has been instructed to continuously convey information regarding this matter.
April 3, 1916

Chief of the Conscription Department of ,the Fifth Army Corps
Colonel
Halil Sami

Second Telegram
Supplement to the Coded Message No: 28 dated April 4, 1916

The Conscription Section of the 15th Division reported that a 40-man detachment from the Kayseri Military Police Company under the command of Rahmi Efendi from the Bogazliyan Branch was dispatched to make investigations and searches in the above-mentioned region. Hereby submitted for your information.
April 5, 1916

Chief of the Conscription Department of the Fifth Army Corps
Colonel
Halil Sami

To the Staff Section of the Headquarters
Dated April 7

Archive No : 1-131
Cabin No : 149
Drawer No : 4
File No : 2287
Section No : 11
Index No : 5-7

DOCUMENT NO: 2024 (171)

Decoded Message 267/March 15, 1917 from the Supreme Cummand of the Ottoman Army

Coded Message dated March 14, 1917

Purchase the wagons and livestock of the departing Armenians. However, no harm should be done to these people. Set up a Purchasing Commission to determine the real values of these wagons and livestock and make the payments to their owners accordingly.
March 15, 1917.

Commander of the Fourth Army
Cemal

Archive No : 4/14878
Cabin No : 178
Drawer No : 2
File No : 3315
Section No : 464(233)
Index No : 31-1.A

DOCUMENT NO: 2025 (172)

Ottoman Army
Acting Supreme Command
Section
No

Coded Message No. 883 from the Acting Command of the Caucasian Army Group

The Islamic population who managed to escape from Erzincan via Dersim report that the Russians round up the whole Moslem population of Erzincan, hand them over to Armenian committees and have them annihilated by these committees. They also report that all kinds of atrocities including public rapes, beatings and other types of humiliations are very widespread and that all possessions of the Moslems have been pillaged. Submitted to your kind attention for the necessary political initiatives to stop this cruelty and barbarism in Erzincan undoubtedly exercised in line with the wishes of the Russians.
May 9/10, 1917

Commander of the Caucasian Army Group
Ahmet Izzet

Ordered to be conveyed to the Prime Ministry and Ministry

Acting Supreme Command
No: 2796

May 10, 1917
Section: 2
4/692

Archive No : 1/2
Cabin No : 108
Drawer No : 4
File No : 318
Section No : 1034(1287)
Index No : 1-71
May 10, 1917 Hours: 4.30

DOCUMENT NO: 2026 (173)

War Documents File
No:

Army Headquarters
December 11. 1918

Wireless Telegram in Russian

COPY
To General Liyutnan Odeshelidje, Commander of the Russian
Caucasian Army

Your Honourable General,

I have received your kind message No. 15. 132 on January 24, 1918. 1 would like to express my profound gratitude for your promise of putting an end to the Armenian atrocities and fiercely punishing those responsible for the mass killings in Erzincan in particular. However, please allow me to point out that the incidents reported to us by those who escape from the Armenian brutalities after having witnessed the terrible atrocities and by those who take shelter in our territories and the case reported to your highness are quite similar in nature but contradictory regarding the quantities involved.

I . Prior to the month of January, the Armenians had taken 650 Moslems from Erzincan to unknown places under the pretext of employing them in road building. However, the deplorable fate of these people is very well known.

2. Armenian detachments led by gang leader Murat from Sivas ordered the Moslem population of the Town of Erzincan to assemble in the Church Square on January 31, 1918. Gang leader Murat ordered the immediate arrest and execution of the representative delegates and headmen who applied to inquire for the reason for this assembly. Later on, Armenian patrols took the people out of their homes in parties and forced them inside the Post and Telegraph Administration Building as well as Vahit Bey's kiosk. Then the Armenians set this kiosk on fire in several places simultaneously at about 3.00 a.m. in the morning. There were around 1,500 Moslems inside the kiosk. Those who attempted to escape from the windows were brutally bayoneted and shot to death by the Armenians surrounding the kiosk.

3. In addition to this, children and women were forced to go into three other big houses and the Fortress barracks inside the town and all were burned to death the same day. Approximately 1,000 houses of the town were burned and destroyed.

4. Armenian gang leader Arshak in Bayburt sent word to nearby Moslem villages that the people should assemble on February 7, 1918. Some people who feared the known outcome of this gathering went to the Ceasefire Commission for help and to take shelter. What happened to those who accepted the call to gather together is quite evident.

5. The numerous bodies of the brutally murdered Moslems lying on the Kase - Trabzon road were a horrible and unbearable sight for the soldiers of the 23rd Turkistan Regiment, it was reported.

6. In short, the mass annihilation of the Moslem population, including even newly burned infants in the territories turned over to Armenians by the Russian Army; burning and destruction of the Trabzon market street and shopping center; usurpation of the tobacco harvest in Gorele and Trabzon; the burning of Rize and other similar incidents and brutalities force me to seek your valuable assistance for putting into effect urgent and effective measures to stop the suffering.

7. Instructions by Murat, an Armenian gang leader in Erzincan, to Arshak, another gang leader in Bayburt, through Mamahatun and Arshak's response to Murat leave no doubt that the Armenians are designing to exterminate the entire Islamic population of the occupied territories. At present, the Ottoman Moslems left at the mercy of the Armenians have no security whatsoever. Your honourable General, I wholeheartedly value and praise all humanitarian considerations as well as the much needed measures and precautions to be taken to prevent such a massacre. All I ask you is to kindly examine the possibilities and to coordinate the productive and effective harmonization of the humane aims and their implementation so that the good willed efforts would actually yield the desired result. Your Honourable General, please accept my sincerest regards.

Certified True Copy

Commander of the Ottoman Caucasian Armies
Lieutenant General
Vehip Mehmet

Archive No : 4-3671
Cabin No : 233
Drawer No : 2
File No : 2909
Section No : 452
Index No : 2-4, 2-5

Holdwater: There were two "Murad"s from Sivas. This one was likely not Hamparsum Boyaciyan, who was probably a goner by this year.

DOCUMENT NO: 2027 (174)

War Documents File
No:

COPY
To the Acting Supreme Command

Coded Message
Confidential

Following please find information given by reliable informants regarding the atrocities being committed by the Armenians against the Moslem population:

1. There is hardly any Moslem woman or girl in the occupied territories who has not been raped.

2. Two Moslems were brutally dismembered in "Teke" Village in the east of "Gumushane".

3. 25 Moslems were barbarously slaughtered in their carts in "Tandirlik", "54S". 4. After torturing the headman of "Zanca" Village "57 S" in the north-west of "Gumushane", the Armenians raped his daughter. 15 Armenians came to the same village the next day and again raped the aforementioned headman's daughter. A Greek informant supplied this information.

February 12, 1918
Certified True Copy

Operations- 1049

Commander of the Third Army
Lieutenant General
Vehip Mehmet

Archive No : 4-3671
Cabin No : 233
Drawer No : 2
File No : 2909
Section No : 452
Index No : 2-20

DOCUMENT NO: 2028 (175)

War Documents File
No:
Coded Message:

COPY
To the Acting Supreme Command

Copies of wireless message No. 1500 dated February 18, 1918 sent to General Odeshelidje and wireless message No. 1623 dated February 21, 1918 sent to General Lebedinsky are hereby submitted for your information.

February 21, 1918
Operations 1129

Commander of the Third Army
Lieutenant General
Vehip Mehmet

"Copy"

No: 1500
February 17, 1918

I am honoured to convey the following information to your highness in response to your telegram No. 15.202 dated February 1, 1918. In view of the good will and generosity extended to us, 1 believe it is my duty to provide you with the following facts revealed by investigations as well as what we have seen in Erzincan.

The number of bodies of the people massacred by the Armenians during the January 15/16 incidents and which were collected from the houses, shops, gardens and barns is 312. These bodies were photographed and they will be buried tomorrow. Among those, 20 are women, 71 are children up to the age of 14, 19 are old people and the remaining 202 are young men over the age of 14. The bodies thrown into wells and then covered with earth in order to prevent the spread of disease are not included in this count, for it is not possible to recover those bodies. According to a statement given by Acting Captain Kazmir who had to stay in Erzincan because of bad health, the number of people massacred in the town is no less than 800. Acting Captain Kazmir's statement also confirms that there is no news on the fate or the whereabouts of 650 Ottoman Moslem from Erzincan captured by the Armenians for the so-called road-building in Sankamis. I will also inform you of the investigations presently being conducted in the villages of Erzincan. Here, I will only let you know what I have personally witnessed. All villages from the Cardakh Pass to Erzican have been destroyed without a single exception and there is no undamaged building in these villages.

No Ottoman Moslem lives in these villages any longer. I have seen that all the barracks in the towns are completely burned and that only some of the barracks in small townships survived the fires. I estimate that at least over 1,000 houses were destroyed in Erzincan. Following the procedure of location, city maps showing the damage will be sent along with the photographs of the murdered people.

I mentioned previously that Vahit Bey's kiosk and the Administration building were burned. Here, 1 would like to correct myself. Neither the Administration building nor Vahit Bey's kiosk were burned. The previous information had been erroneous, although the type of incidents described did take place. The burned house belongs to Huseyin Bey. The burned building is the Zeki Pasha Office building located between the Military Office and the Administration building. AI1 humanistic efforts exerted by Colonel Morel against the Armenian barbarism unfortunately failed. I do not doubt that an honest commander like yourself would approve in view of what happened in Erzincan how compelled and how right I was in taking the measures that I mentioned in my telegram No. 1020 dated February 12, 1918. You can be sure, your honourable general, that I will accept with respect your sincerest wishes. I want to assure you that I am in favour of an honourable peace for both sides which would put an end to the meaningless and vast bloodshed and which would promptly relieve the difficulties and problems of our really exhausted and tormented peoples. I also assure you that the only aim of our advancing operations is to serve humanity and civilization by protecting the honour, property and very lives of all citizens of every creed who were doomed for they had no one to protect them. Moreover, it is also possible that the Islamic population on the east of the ceasefire line and particularly the people in the coastal regions will immediately get organized to retaliate against the atrocities committed by the Armenians against the Moslem population and that the country will suffer further with increasing anarchy. Therefore, it is necessary to protect the Ottoman Christians in such areas against all sorts of aggression and attacks just like the compulsion to protect the Moslems. As a matter of fact, requests for help by delegations representing the Christians in such regions have made this compulsion even more important. For this reason, orders were received to advance until contact is made with the units of the Russian Army and to restore and maintain law and order in the area from where the Russian Army withdrew.

In order to eliminate any misunderstandings, all Ottoman units have been issued absolute orders not to take a hostile attitude against the Russian troops when contact is made. Therefore, I hereby inform you that the above-mentioned operations will be conducted in the area where Ottoman subjects are settled and which previously came under the occupation of the Russian Army in the course of war, until the aforementioned contact is made.

I believe it is my duty to emphasize once again that the Russian units are not the target of the forward operations of my armies. The state of restoring law and order, in other words, the target of this advance operation will be achieved with the occurrence of the first contact with the Russian units. Please accept my profound regards.

Commander of the Ottoman Caucasian
Armies
Lieutenant General
Vehip Mehmet

Certified True Copy
To Colonel Muhittin Bey, Communications Inspector in Susehri

Let Yakup Efendi translate the message, whose copy is hereby attached. Convey this message to General Liyotnan Odeshelidje, the Commander of the Russian Caucasian Army through wireless. Send the message only with my signature. Do nor write anything else besides the signature.

Commander of the Third Army
Lieutenant General
Vehip Mehmet

Archive No : 4-3671
Cabin No : 233
Drawer No : 2
File No : 2909
Section No : 452
Index No : 2-45, 2-46

DOCUMENT NO: 2029 (176)

War Documents File
No: 1623

February 21, 1918

COPY

To General Liyotnan Odeshelidje. the Commander of the Russian Caucasian Army

I request that the following telegram be sent and delivered to General Lebedinsky, the Commander-in-Chief. Russian Caucasian Armies.

COPY

Your Honourable General

I am honoured to let you know that I have received your telegram sent by cable No. 15.206 dated February 2, 1918 by General Liyotnan Odeshelidje, Commander of the Russian Caucasian Army.

1. Of all the Armenian atrocities described, I listed for your information only those documented by reliable sources. My personal impressions and views concerning the Town of Erzincan were also listed in my telegram No. 1500 dated February 17, 1918 to General Odeshelidje. I believe that General Odeshelidje informed you of my message. For this reason, I think that there is no need for further explanations. Peace has not been established yet and the fate of the Ottoman territories under Russian military occupation has not been determined by any treaty. The official documents in our archives reveal that military units have been set up from Ottoman Armenians for possible use in the front line and that these units devoid of discipline and order have been committing various crimes and atrocities that could not be prevented until now. Therefore, the Ottoman Army is carrying out forward operations with the primary objective of protecting and saving the Ottoman Moslems living in the occupied territories and of restoring law and order in this area. These operations are not aimed at the Russian troops. However, it is necessary to point out to your highness that your comment that our forward operations would worsen the situation of the Moslem population in the said area would in a way amount to the legitimization of the Armenian atrocities which had been repeatedly documented and contradict the aims of peace and prosperity shared by our two nations. I would also like to point out that in my view such opinions would encourage the policy of annihilating the Ottoman Moslems still living under the Armenian tyranny. As seen from my previous correspondence, I think it is worth mentioning once again that we appreciate and respect the Russian Army for fighting an honourable and courageous war against us before the very eyes of the civilized world for three years during which all civilized and humane values were respected. The incidents that broke out after the fighting will not erase our judgement of the Russian Army. However, we also believe that it is our duty to save the Ottoman subjects who came under tyrannical oppression following the withdrawal of the distinguished Russian Army that we regard as friendly even though peace is yet to be established. You should appreciate the fact that we cannot remain as passive spectators before the annihilation of the Moslem population by Armenian atrocities following the withdrawal of the Russian Army. Finally, I would like to point out that, before history and humanity I am not going to be responsible for and accused of any unexpected event that might take place as a result of your misunderstanding of my pure and sincere aims. Such responsibility would belong to the side which cannot prevent the happening and continuation of these unfortunate incidents. I have always had full confidence in your wisdom and the sacred aims of peace and prosperity that we share since you have become the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Armies in Caucasia. Please accept by sincerest regards.

Certified True Copy

Commander of the Ottoman-Caucasian Armies
Lieutenant General
Vehip Mehmet

Archive No : 4-3671
Cabin No : 233
Drawer No : 2
File No : 2909
Section No : 452
Index No : 2-50, 2-51

DOCUMENT NO: 2030 (177)

War Documents File
No
Documentation
1172

February 21, 1918

Copy
To the Acting Supreme Command

Enclosed please find the copies of the statements of a Russian captain and a Russian private who stayed in Erzincan during the occupation of this town as recorded by the First Caucasian Army Corps.

Certified True Copy

Erzincan
February 16, 1918

COPY
To the Third Army Command

The following are the statements of the Russian Acting Captain Karmir, the Russian Private Alexander and a woman named Pash who alleges to be a Russian. All of the aforementioned persons stayed in Erzincan following its occupation. 1. The Acting Russian Captain said that he is an officer of the 13th Turkistan Regiment. He said that he became ill while he was stationed in a line unit and came to Erzincan. He noted that he stayed in Erzincan following the withdrawal of all the Russian forces and that the Armenian soldiers leaving the Russian units as well as the Armenians living in the vicinity formed some regiments. He said that he became the commander of a machine gun company consisting of Armenians and added that since he stayed in Erzincan he saved many Moslem families from atrocities. He said that the Armenians had two 400-men battalions, two Maxim machine guns and two artillery weapons in Erzincan. He said that 15 officers of the battalions were Armenians and that there were around six Russian officers in one Georgian unit and in ! the machine gun troops. He said the Russians were employed in supply work and that the detachment commander was a Russian of French origin named Morel who previously commanded the 27th Russian Regiment. He said that the Armenians ordered the assembly of the Moslems for "work" in Sarikamis and then massacred them all when they proceeded two kilometers away from the town. He said that the presence of Russian officers among the Armenians prevented a massacre of larger proportions and added that he heard the Armenians say they slaughtered 800 Moslems in one night. He said that the soldiers were staying at the garrison and Morel at the barracks. He said that while the Russians were abandoning the lines in an orderly manner, the reconcentration of forces in Erzincan and in further rear was carried out in confusion and disorder. He said that the Armenians believed that the Turks would not arrive until the end of February 13, 1918 and that they even tried to have lunch in the garrison. He also added that the Armenians escaped when he wanted them to do so. Following my investigation on the Moslem house where this Russian officer was staying, I found that the women were indebted to him and I had the impression that this officer was spying for the Armenians by using these women. Therefore, the son-in-law of a Moslem woman, a person named Ziya who stayed in Erzincan was arrested. The son of this woman had previously left Erzincan along with the military units during our evacuation of the town.

2. Russian private named Alexander was born in Baku in 1896. He said that he was from the line-building section of the 5th Telegraph Company of the First Engineering Battalion of the First Caucasian Army Corps. Engineering battalions consisted of 12 companies, one of them being the Telegraph Company. He said that he was assigned to the wireless telegram company in Alexanderpole and that he was sent to the 153rd Regiment two years ago. He said that he came to Erzincan with this regiment. He said that the Russians began to evacuate Erzincan in a very orderly manner at First, but the withdrawal of forces became very disorderly later on. He noted that the Russians had completely withdrawn from Erzincan 32 days ago. The withdrawing units, he said, went as far as their original conscription offices. While the Telegraph Company was leaving the city, he said, he received orders from the Staff Section of the Army Corps to stay in Erzincan to repair the telegram lines. He said that he could not leave Erzincan because the roads were closed following the beginning of the Armenian atrocities. During the evacuation of the town by the Russians, he said, the Armenians announced that those who wanted to stay would get higher salaries but no one stayed in Erzincan. He indicated that he did not know whether the three telegraph officers he later saw received orders or volunteered to stay in the city and its vicinity. One of these officers was in Han Village, the other in Cors Village and the third one in the city, he said. He said that he did not know anything about a machine gun officer who was killed during clashes with the Kurds. He noted that he overheard someone speaking on the telephone that such an officer had been killed. He also said that he did not know how the Russians surrendered the city to the Armenians. He said that although the Russians did not want to surrender the machine guns and the artillery weapons to the Armenians, they had to do it when they received orders from the High Command. The Armenians, he said, took the weapons from the Russian Army's munitions depot in Erzincan. He said that he did not know the whereabouts of the munitions depot or whether any weapons had been left. He said that while he was in Ciftlik Village he heard that the Armenians massacred the people and destroyed the town of Erzincan. He noted that the Russian officers who stayed in Erzincan were against the atrocities the Armenians were committing but added that he did not know if any of these officers tried to prevent the cruelty. He also said that he overheard the Armenians speaking in Russian saying that the Turks would not have any food supplies if they came to Erzincan. He said that he had no idea regarding the whereabouts of the supply and munitions depot and that he thought ail supplies had been taken away. However, he said, there might be a supply depot in Tercan. He heard that the First Armenian Regiment came from Erivan to Erzurum about a month ago. He also added that he did not know Acting Captain Kazmir in Erzincan for he mct this officer following the Turkish occupation of the town.

3. The Russian woman said that her name was Pash and that she was from Rostok. She said that she had lived in Sarlkamis for 15 years with her husband, a clerk named Petro. She said that her husband was recruited in the army as a private and had his wife brought to Erzincan while he was in the town. She said that her husband was appointed as a forest-keeper for the Sarikamis woods but was killed by the Armenians when he went there to assume his duty.

After losing her husband, she said she had no one to protect her, so she started to work as a cook at the Officers' Club while the Russians were in Erzincan. When the Russians were evacuating Erzincan, a Russian automobile driver promised her that he would take her and her children to Russia on his return, she said. She noted that she could not go to her homeland because this driver never returned. She said that the Russians had completely evacuated Erzincan about a month ago. She stated that the Armenians set up a central committee a week after the Russian withdrawal and began to oppress the people brutally, paying no attention to the warnings of the Russian civil servants. She noted that as a result of the Russians taking all the automobiles, airplanes, weapons and war equipment and rejecting the previous Armenian demands for autonomy, the relations between the Russians and the Armenians had deteriorated and even clashes broke out between the Russian and Armenian units near Tiflis. She said that she heard support forces would be dispatched from Tiflis and Alexanderpole to aid the Armenian units but that these forces did not arrive following the worsening of the Russian-Armenian relations. She noted that there were many Armenians in Erzincan who were born in Turkey but had spent many years in Russia. She said that the only Russian-Armenian she knew was a physician named Bagdasarov. She added that she heard there were six Russian officers left in Erzincan but she did not go to visit them for she was afraid of the Armenians. She said she did not know what happened to these officers. She heard from an Armenian that one of these officers had been killed in a clash with the local population. She indicated that although the Armenians announced during the Russian withdrawal that if Russian soldiers were to stay in Erzincan they would receive one
hundred times of their normal salary, nobody stayed in the town. She said that she did not know whether any Russian soldier stayed in the other occupied regions. She also noted that she heard the Armenians passing by her window saying that they had slaughtered all the people living in Erzurum and its environs and that they would do the same thing in Erzincan. She said that the Armenians had abducted her 9-year old son Niko and that she did not know what they had done to her son. She noted that following the abduction of her son, she hid with her 5 year old child and never went outside again. She added that she heard the clashes with the Armenians the night the Turkish troops had occupied Erzincan but continued to hide because she thought that the Armenians who received support forces were massacring the people and she could not think that the Turks were coming. She said that she found out only the next day that the town had been liberated by the Turks.

Certified True Copy
Commander of the First Caucasian Army Corps
Colonel
Kazim Karabekir

Archive No : 4-3671
Cabin No : 233
Drawer No : 2
File No : 2909
Section No : 452
Index No : 52, 52-1, 52-2, 52-3


Holdwater: Quite an indictment of the Armenians, by Russians.
DOCUMENT NO: 2031 (178)

Hour: 5
February 23, 1918
Erzincan/Bila
K/60

Signature (Salih Fahreddin)

To the Third Army Command

I . Mamahatun (Tercan) was liberated yesterday (February 22, 1918) just before 10 o'clock. Our units came across no Armenian bandits in Cilingirler in the southeast of Mamahatun, in Cinar Kolnu in the east, and in Vartik and Peteric in the north.

2. Our forward units are in the Belegaz, Cinar Komu, Vartik and Peteric line 14 kilometers southeast of Mamahatun.

3. Our reconnaissance units sent in the directions of Bardakci and Karadivan to make contact with the Fourth and the Second Army Corps have not yet returned because of adverse weather conditions.

4. According to Hasan Aga from Kukurtlu Village, about 1000 Armenians with six artillery weapons went to the east via Yenikoy on February 21, l918 and massacred and burned around 300 Moslems.

5. Mamahatun was completely burned. In one place only a few food cans and some tea could be found. Officialc were sent From thc division to determine the quantities. It has been established that the Armenians burned down all food and supply depots in Bican, Asagi Zagkiri and Mamahatun. Searches are continuing in the area to find food and supplies.

6. This report was delivered to the Errincan Telegraph Center on February 23, 1918 just before 6.45 hours for delivery to the commands of the Third Army, the Second Caucasian Army Corps and the Fourth Army Corps.

February 23, 1918

Commander of the First Caucasian
Army Corps
Kazim Karabekir

Archive No : 4-3671
Cabin No : 163
Drawer No : 5
File No : 2948
Section No : 208 (634)
Index No : 7-7. 7-8

DOCUMENT NO: 2032 (179)

War Documents File
No.
February 23, 1918

Copy

Coded Message

To the Acting Supreme Command
To the Thunderbolt Group Command
To the Sixth Army Command
To the Fourth Army Command

I. It has been reported that there were Armenian gangs in the "Adilcevaz" area of the Fourth Army Corps front. Ahlat was occupied on February 21, 1918 and Purhus village in the southeast of Nazik Lake was occupied the next day. An enemy motor boat fired for a period of time without any effect and sailed in the direction of "Van". Our reconnaissance units who advanced as far as "Abdal Beyazit" in the northwest of Narik Lake did not encounter any enemy. The villages of Muhacir. Til and Ziyaret (39 L) in the Mus plains were occupied. The reconnaissance units sent in the direction of Asagi Korni did not encounter any enemy in the vicinity of Muz-I Suflu (46 L) and Drayi (45 L). There is a snowstorm in this army corps front

2. Our units liberated Mamahatun on February 22, I918 in a stare of burnt ruins on the First Caucasian Army Corps Front. Reserve units were sent to the line of Pelegoz (47 K ) Cinar Komu-Vartik (48 F). Peceric (50 G). The villagers reported that around 1,000 Armenian bandits with 6 artillery weapons retreated to the east via Yenikoy (46 G) on February 21, 1918 and killed around 300 helpless Moslems on their way to the east.

3. No changes took place in the position of the Second Caucasian Army Corps.

4. The weather is sometime cloudy, sometimes clear, but extremely cold.

5. This report was delivered to the Susehri Telegraph Office just after 8 o'clock for delivery to the Acting Supreme Command, and the Commands of the Thunderbolt Group, the Fourth and the Sixth Armies.
February 23. 1918 Operations-54

Certified True Copy
Commander of the Third Army
Lieutenant General
Vehip Mehmet

Archive No : 4-367
Cabin No : 163
Drawer No : 5
File No : 2909
Section No : 17 (452)
Index No : 58

DOCUMENT NO: 2033 (180)

Supreme Acting Command of the Ottoman Army

S/2
Section No: 1655
Drafting Date: March 3, 1918
Writing No: 1454

To the Third Army Command

I request the following to be conveyed to the High Command of the Russian Caucasian Army accordingly.

The Armenians continue to commit the most treacherous and cruelest crimes against the Islamic population devoid of any protection and self defence whenever they find an opportunity.

The High Russian Command is kindly requested to take prompt action to put an end to these atrocities in view of humanistic considerations and the peaceful days ahead. For, it should be taken into account the fact that the Islamic population who is ready to explode because of the reports of Armenian cruelties might finally lose its patience and revolt everywhere to take revenge against the Armenians.

The message has been coded
Dated 3

Acting Commander-in-Chief
Signature (Enver)

Ziya

Archive No : 1-2
Cabin No : 181
Drawer No : 4
File No : 528
Section No : 2063
Index No : 1-4

DOCUMENT NO: 2034 (181)

Kagizman
May 7, 1918

To the Commander of the 36th Caucasian Division

Copy

Enmities began to appear between the Moslems and Armenians of the Province of Erivan as a result of the Armenian-Moslem fighting which has been going on in Caucasia for more than two months. At present the Armenian gangs are slaughtering the Moslems and destroying the villages one after another. Armenian bandits massacred the Moslem population of over 30 villages in hunting grounds of the Province of Erivan and burned and destroyed the villages. The Moslems of the Province of Erivan are experiencing extremely difficult times in the face of this killing and catastrophe. It has been reported that the Armenians surrounded the Moslem quarters of the city of Erivan. Every day many sick, wounded and old people including women and girls are coming to Kagizman from Erivan. Unfortunately, most of them are dying of hunger and lack of shelter. Those who manage to survive need. everything, including food and shelter. These people are begging. I hope this miserable situation of our Moslem brethren in the Province of Erivan would be made known in Turkey.

I kindly request the esteemed Commander to provide moral and material support for these people and find and specify resettlement areas for the emigrants.

Submitted to your highness with sincerest respects.

Acting Chairman of the Kagizrnan Branch of the Moslem Charity Society of Baku for Aiding War Survivors and the Mufti of the Caucasian Front

Idris Ahuntzade Genceli

Archive No : 1 /2
Cabin No : 178
Drawer No : 1
File No : 373
Section No : 1484
Index No : 15-1

DOCUMENT NO: 2035 (182)

Third Army Command From Army Headquarters
Section: 1
No: B. 19

Article 1

According to the peace treaty signed in Batum on June 4 between the Ottoman State and Armenian delegates, this land should have been vacated. As a matter of fact, the Armenian units in the Serdarabat region withdrew further East and inside Armenia. However, the withdrawal of troops took place only in the Serdarabat region. The Uluhanli, Kamarli, Nahcivan and Culfa regions which should have been vacated in line with the treaty, are still under occupation and some of our units that tried to enter the area had been attacked by Armenian civilians and soldiers who remained in this area or who had been sent from Armenia. As a result, our units suffered considerable losses. It is still not possible to make use of the Serdarabat- Culfa railway because of the Armenian soldiers and bandits. The Ottoman troops vacated Basabaran and the area south of it and withdrew as far as immediately south of the Karakilise-Alexanderpole railway.

The Karakilise-Dislih-Celaloglu area presently under occupation will be vacated immediately following mutual agreement between the Armenian and Georgian governments regarding the determination of the common border and informing the Ottoman government of the result in accordance with the treaty.

Since the Armenian and Georgian governments have not yet determined the common border, it is necessary to await the results of the Istanbul Conference. Please be confident that the Ottoman troops will certainly withdraw to the rear of the borderline passing just west of the Akbulak station as soon as the common border is determined.

The Ottoman and Armenian delegates negotiating in Alexanderpole made decisions regarding the use of the railways and roads in Armenia in line with the treaty. The Karakilise-Kazak road will be used for transportation purposes in accordance with the said decisions.

The occupation of the Akbulak-Kalagiran area by the Ottoman troops until the border between the two Republics is officially determined is, in my opinion, perhaps beneficial rather than detrimental for Armenia and Armenians. There is no harm in the return of the Armenians to their villages in the military occupied zone. No harm shall be done to them. On the contrary, the Armenians who return shall be treated very well.

Article 2

For the present, the return of the people to their homes in the provinces of Kars, Ardahan and Artvin is out of the question. The atrocities committed against the Moslem population by the Armenian units and gangs during their retreat before the Ottoman Army were so painful and distressing that at present it is impossible to protect the Armenians who are returning against retaliatory attacks. It is necessary to wait until the public calms down. This matter has been included in the messages sent in response to letters received from Mr. Sahakyan, Acting Speaker of the Armenian National Assembly in Tiflis and Mr. Karanoryan. Therefore, we are thinking of dealing with the question of the return of the refugees from Ahiska, Ahilkelek, Alexanderpole and lgdir to their homes at a more suitable time in the days ahead.

Archive No : 4-6520
Cabin No : 240
Drawer No : 1
File No : 3188
Section No : 50
Index No : 2-37, 2-38

DOCUMENT NO; 2036 (183)

Telephone
No:
40

Yukari (Upper) Talin
June 20, 1918

To the First Caucasian Army Corps Command

A few people from the Moslem population of Ekrek village, 20 kilometers east of Erivan, Kerpikli village, l l kilometers east of Erivan and Karakola village, 26 kilometers northeast of Erivan, went to Erivan and today they went from there to Yukari Talin. These villagers reported that the survivors from 22 villages northeast and east of Erivan took refuge in the plateaus of the Uctepeler Mountain, 20 kilometers west of Nuvo Beyazid. They said that a great number of people want to move to our side. They also noted that the Moslem people in Erivan sought permission from the Armenian Commander in Erivan for migration and added that their request was turned down. They said that presently the Armenians were massacring the Moslems and noted that 20 Moslem families who had migrated from Akcakale Village, 10 kilometers east of Erivan, to Erivan via Sorbulak, were all killed by Armenians between Sorbulak and Tokmakkent on the night of June 17/18, 1918. They said that such massacres were going on all the time. They also asked us to mediate with the Armenian Commander in Erivan to facilitate the permission for a great number of Moslems who want to move to our side. They also asked us to use our good offices to prevent the Armenian attacks against the Islamic population of the villages near Erivan, because these people cannot return to their villages and they live in the mountains.
June 29, 1918 Operations

Ninth Division Commander
Rüstü

Archive No : 1/2
Cabin No : 178
Drawer No : 4
File No : 401
Section No : 1578
Index No : 2-1

DOCUMENT NO: 2037 (184)

Eastern Armies Group Command
No:
from Group Headquarters
June 28, 1918

T.H. in Batum / 13

To be translated into French

To Honourable Monsieur Sihakyan, Acting Speaker of the Armenian National Assembly

The violence and cruelty of the Armenian emigrants from Alexanderpole and Ahilkelek against the Islamic population in the beginning have created considerable tension in public opinion. Although it is apparent that not all of these emigrants are responsible for violence, it is not possible to differentiate the guilty and the innocent as a result of the extreme anxiety of the public at present. Therefore, I would like to emphasize the necessity of delaying the repatriation of the emigrants until the expected peace and tranquility is established. Please accept my regards.

Acting Commander of the Eastern
Armies
Lieutenant General

Signature (Salih)

Archive No : 4-6520
Cabin No : 240
Drawer No : 1
File No : 3188
Section No : 50
Index No : 2-18

DOCUMENT NO: 2038 (185)

Ottoman Army
Acting Supreme Command
Section:
No:

Coded Message from Kars in the Ministry of Defence

I . According to reliable information received so far, the Armenian units proceeded to the vicinity of Vedi and Sadarak villages, immediately east of the railway line northeast of Erivan and massacred the Moslem population; Alizade Demir Bey and Fethi Beyzade Bedri Bey, two leading members of the Islamic community, are among the murdered; around five to six hundred Moslems who crossed the Aras River are marching to Bayezid in a very wretched state; and the Armenians are advancing toward Hani Hilar, south of Sadarak and massacring the Moslems on their way.

2. It has been reported by reliable sources that an Armenian bandit named Yapun and his gang of around 1,200 men started to massacre the Moslems in the vicinity of Nahcivan on December 5, 1918; that they massacred 688 people in a place called Elmali, 40 kilometers north of Nahcivan, and 516 people in Agus, 12 kilometers northwest of the other area: that they gathered around 2060 people in "drhmyrarak" after they grouped the young women separately and then killed all the people: that they locked 40 women and children in a room and burned them alive: that they raped village notable Seyid Huseyin's wife in the village mosque; that the frightened Moslem population in the region abandoned their homes and villages and at present they have no shelter or food; that the Armenians usurped the food stocks of the people living in the villages south of Echmyadzin; that the headman of Haci llyas Village, 15 kilometers south of Erivan, and two of his friends were summoned to Erivan and executed in the city; that the whereabouts of 25 people who were taken away is still not known; anu that the Tepeba~i, Haci Torzalari and Girbulak quarters of Erivan where Moslems live were all torched. Although attempts were made regarding this matter vis-a-vis the Armenian Government, I kindly request you to focus the attention of the Ally delegations in Istanbul on these inhumane massacres and extreme tragedy and complement the measures in order to put an end to this barbarism going on in the cold of the winter.

December 27, 1918
Operations 6052

Commander of the 9th Army
Sevki

December 31, 1918. Copy delivered to the Preparatory Commission.

Also, the letter written to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been delivered to the Second Section.

Archive No : 1/2
Cabin No : 2
Drawer No : I
File No : 63
Section No : 17(244)
Index No : 20, 20.1

DOCUMENT NO: 2039 (186)

Section: 2
Branch: I
Armistice
Signature (Not clear)

December 28, 1918

To the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The coded message dated December 26, 1918 from the Ninth Army Command reports that the Armenians who arrived following the withdrawal of the Ottoman forces from Igdlr, began barbaric actions and cruel massacres against the Moslems. The Armenians are gathering the Moslem youth in the town of Igdrr and sending them to unknown places and forcibly seizing the food supplies of the Islamic population. The Moslems who had to leave their homelands to take shelter in the Ottoman territories, are travelling in the snow where the average temperature ranges from minus ten to fifteen degrees and are asking the Ottoman Government for their help. It has been reported that the Army is constantly receiving similar touching telegrams and letters. You are kindly requested to exert effective efforts to stop this massacre either through initiatives directly addressed to the Armenian Government or through the good offices of the Allied officials stationed in the said area.

Clean copy made.
January 1, 1919
Signature (Mehmet Ali)
December 31, 1918, Delivery made

To the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The coded message received from the Ninth Army Command has been presented to your highness. This message regrettably shows that the Armenians are practicing a systematic plan aiming at the extermination of all the Moslems in the Aras Valley, the area we occupied but later vacated in compliance with the Batum Armistice. We kindly ask you to bring this important matter to the attention of the Allied and neutral countries in order to save at least those who still survive and put an end to this barbaric massacre of the innocent Moslems who have no support or protection.

Basri
Cemal
Fevzi

To be preserved.
January 2, 1919

Archive No : 1-2
Cabin No : 171
Drawer No : 5
File No : 103
Section No : 367
Index No : 4-7, 4-8

DOCUMENT NO: 2040 (187)

Ottoman Army
Acting Supreme Command
Section: 2 Section/l73
No:

Cachet (Acting Supreme Command) / 138

Coded Message No: 581 from Kars to the Ministry of Defence

According to the statements of the Moslems in the vicinity of Serdarabat and Erivan who took shelter in the Ottoman territories and whose names are being kept secret, the Armenians seized all the possessions and food supplies of the Islamic population even including worn dresses and underwear. They raped the Moslem women and demanded 30 times the tax being paid during the Russian Administration. The possessions of those who could not afford to pay those high taxes were pillaged. While ..... (not clear) people from the Islamic population of lgdir were on their way to take shelter in the Ottoman territories, they were attacked by the Yazidis of Saricoban village, 10 kilometers north of Igdir. Many Moslems lost their lives as a result of the Yazidi fire. The gendarmes of the Armenian Government seized all the money, possessions and food supplies of the Moslems. Later on, the Moslems were ordered to go to the Gendarmerie posts to pay money. However, the fact that the people who went have never returned leaves no doubt that they were all massacred. I would like to point out that this genocide, many examples of which were repeatedly presented, will become widespread and increase day by day unless it is stopped through initiatives to the governments of the Allied countries. Operations 67/January 4, 1919

Commander of the Ninth Army
Sevki

To the General Staff Headquarters. Dated 5

January 7, 1919
Times: Just before 11.00
To be written by the First Branch. January 8, 1919

Archive No : 1-2
Cabin No : 171
Drawer No : 5
File No : 103
Section No : 367
Index No : 4-12

DOCUMENT NO: 2041 (188)

Ottoman Army
Acting Supreme Command
Section: 2
No: M

Cachet (Acting Supreme Command) / l65

Coded Message from Kars to the Ministry of Defence

Many people are being killed in Batum every day. Three of our soldiers and the Russian General Barhi Oshet were murdered the night of January 5/6, 1919. According to the British Commander, the murderer of the general is a British private. Although the British General, the Military Governor of Batum, promised to court martial the British private and to punish the murderers of our soldier:, there is no doubt that such incidents will continue and increase in number because the British Command has no control over the situation and their units. Voluntary militia consisting of Greeks and Armenians are breaking into our officers' residences in the city and are seizing all their possessions, including the simplest personal effects. I would like to point out that more grievous incidents will occur unless the British Command in Batum receives direct orders through contacts with the representatives of the Allies in Istanbul. Operations 132.
January 6, 1919

Commander of the 9th Army
Sevki

January 8, 1919
Time: Just before 10.15

To be communicated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and General Wilson by the First Section

Procedure going on
Signature (Hifzi)

Archive No : 1-2
Cabin No : 171
Drawer No : 5
File No : 103
Section No : 367
Index No : 11-3

DOCUMENT NO: 2042 (189)

Ottoman Army
Acting Supreme Command
Section:
No:

Coded Message No. 2214 from Erzurum to the Ministry uf Defence

I . The Armenians are raiding the villages in the Gurnru S (coded) region east of Arpacayi Brook and are seizing the animals and food supplies of the Moslem population. They are also rounding up 20 to 30 leading members of the Moslem communities almost every day under the pretext of sending them to Gumru and then they murder them. A Mujaheed (freedom fighter) called Meshet Ali "atkdala" (coded) is resisting the Armenians in the Nahcivan region.

2. It has been reported that in the morning of January 21, 1919, a Georgian unit of 300 soldiers supported by artillery fire attacked Ardahan's Yuskamen Village. According to information received, the villagers returned fire and following an 8-hour battle, the Georgian unit retreated, leaving behind four machine guns and casualties. It has also been reported that two Moslems were killed in this action. Submitted for your information.
Operations 291/January 21, 1919

First Section
510

Commander of the 9th Army
Sevki

To General Staff Headquarters/Dated 23
Time: Just after 1.00

Message conveyed from the Second
Section to the Office of the Prime Minister
January 24, 1919

Archive No : 1-2
Cabin No : 2
Drawer No : 1
File No : 63
Section No : 244
Index No : 23

DOCUMENT NO: 2043 (190)

First Section
4441

To the General Staff Headquarters
July 28, 1919

M/2842

Decoded Message from Erzurum to the Ministry of Defence

I have learned about the important articles of the telegram that British Representative Lieutenant Colonel Rawlinson, who has been making investigations in the border region and on the Armenian side of the border for a period of time and who has witnessed the very barbaric treatment of the Moslems by the Armenians as well as the Armenian operations aimed at the annihilation of the Moslems, delivered to British Captain Fletcher in Erzurum on July 25, 1919 for immediate conveyance to the British General Headquarters in the sublime Port (Istanbul). Even though the massacres committed by the Armenians on the frontier starting from Oltu to the Bayezid border are confirmed in this telegram, the immediate dispatch of the Allied forces are requested to bring the cruel Armenian nation to reason which is not subject to any sort of control. It is very important for us to see in the British Representative's report the need to bring the cruel Armenian nation to reason. I have already expressed in my telegram No. 146 dated July 22, 1919 that with the objective of renewing the military occupation following the withdrawal of the British troops from Caucasia, the British were doing all they could to show that the law and order in Caucasia had been disrupted, carrying out a concerted propaganda campaign and even inciting us to conduct operations against the Armenians particularly in view of the extreme proportions of the Armenian atrocities against the Moslem population and recent violation of our territories by Armenian reconnaissance units in various points. British Lieutenant Colonel Rawlinson seems to realize at last the fact that we are maintaining our moderation and silence, contending with protesting the Armenian violence and that he would not be able to attain his goals even through provocations and incitement. Therefore, he is revealing the truth in his report outlined above and thus is trying to obtain the dispatch of military units to Caucasia. Submitted for your information. Submitted to the Ministry of Defence, Inspectorate. 176

15th Army Corps Commander
Kazim
July 27, 1919

Archive No : 1/2
Cabin No : 2
Drawer No : 2
File No : 82
Section No : 210 (304)
Index No : 34, 34-1

DOCUMENT NO: 2044 (191)

Ministry of Defence
Supervisory Section

Coding Branch
Section: 2 August 30, 1919

Coded Messaze from Erzurum to the Ministry of Defence

The overt and covert actions of the Armenian Tashnak Society and particularly the establishment of a committee responsible for the annihilation of the Moslems leave no doubt that this organization has decided to exterminate all Moslems in the Revan and Aras regions and in the provinces of Kars, Ardahan and Artvin. As a result of the insistent pursuit of the policy of the extermination of the Moslems designed and carried out by the Armenian government and regular military units, the atrocities being committed against the Moslems in the Revan and Aras regions all well as in Kars, Sarikamis, Igdlr and their vicinities have reached horrendous dimensions. In addition to all the atrocities, torture and cruelties committed so far, the people of Kagizman were rounded up on August 11, 1919, the Islamic villages near Tavas Lake and Yukari (Upper) Katirli were attacked and the villagers massacred on August 12, 1919, and the mass killings of the inhabitants of Kagizman began on August 18, 1919. Similar atrocities are going on in other regions as well. The Armenians are seizing the produce and food supplies in Islamic villages and are preventing the villagers from working in the fields. To this end, they are attacking using machine guns and artillery pieces. It was observed from our side of the border on August 19, 1919, that a biplane flying over the highlands attacked the people by dropping bombs. It has been reported that the Armenians were raping the women and forcing the naked women to march with the soldiers. According to information received, those who witness such atrocities including the forced-march of the nude women in particular are extremely disturbed and agitated, and some people have given up migration or looking for shelter and chosen martyrdom by retaliating against the Armenians in order to protect their honour and life. It has also been reported that even some of the Moslems who had already migrated to our side are going back to their homelands and joining their fellow countrymen and that clashes are taking place between the Moslems and the Armenians near Igdir, Kagizman and Sarikamis. Submitted to the Ministry of Defence and the Army Corps.

15th Army Corps Commander
Kazim Karabekir

August 26/27, 1919
Received on August 29/30, 1919

Archive No : 1-1
Cabin No : 1
Drawer No : 2
File No : 23
Section No : 151 (92)
Index No : 110. 110-1

DOCUMENT NO: 2045 (192)


Telegram
Very Urgent

Ankara
March 7, 1920

To the Representatives of the Allies in Istanbul
To the Honourable Admiral Bristol

I . Our nation awaiting the signing of the decisive peace treaty since the signature of the Moudros Armistice regrets to witness that the Allied Powers are occupying on various pretexts the most important portions of the remaining parts of the fatherland. Our nation hopes that this situation will be changed justly by the righteous decision of the Peace Conference in line with our fair and justified demands. In the meantime, however, those who seek to create unfavorable trends in Europe for the sake of their own interests, in order to frame a peace treaty with the most disastrous conditions for Turkey, have once again fabricated false and unfounded news alleging that 20,000 Armenians have recently been massacred in Anatolia. In view of the fact that the Allied countries and the United States Administration have a myriad of informants and reliable sources of information all over Anatolia, we had hoped that the foreign sources would not take such fabrications and slander seriously. Therefore, we have not even tried to deny those allegations. However, we are most astonished and grieved today to see that some important foreign circles who are supposed to be well aware of the actual situation credit those lies and that establishing peace, which we regard as the most vital issue of our country, could be delayed. Therefore, we are compelled to categorically deny those allegations of deplorable incidents. We hereby declare that no massacre of Armenians has ever taken place.

2. It is a known fact that many Turks, French soldiers and Armenians among the French units, as well as civilians of various creeds lost their lives during the clashes in the towns of Maras, Urfa and their vicinities. However, this is not a massacre of the Armenians. This is a natural outcome of the clashes and retaliatory encounters with the local population in face of the unbearable assaults of the armed Armenian natives from Cilicia as well as other Armenians brought from different regions, the constant expansion of the occupied territories by the invasion forces without any valid reason, and the tolerance shown by the commanders of the occupation forces regarding the attacks and atrocities of the covetous Armenians against the Moslem population. It is also necessary to add that if the commanders of the occupation forces in Cilicia and its vicinity had not armed, used and protected the Armenians and if they had maintained an equitable and just administration respecting all sections of the society and refrained from the constant expansion with no reason of the repossessed territories which were occupied by the British during the signing of the armistice, those deplorable clashes which took considerable toll from all sides, would have never happened.

3. This is the truth behind those fabrications alleging that Armenians were massacred in Anatolia. Even the letters and other documents sent to the representatives of the Allied Powers by the Armenian Bishop and elite on behalf of the people of Maras who were allegedly massacred confirm the truth. We kindly request the Allied Powers and the United States Administration to set up an International High Commission similar to the one formed in Izmir, to promptly conduct in-situ investigations regarding this alleged Armenian massacre in order to enlighten the whole civilized world with respect to the true nature of the malevolent and ill-intentioned propaganda designed to deceive the whole world and thus clear the honour of the unjustly treated Turkish nation.

To be conveyed to the Istanbul Central Committee and Army Corps for information. Copies to be sent to the Istanbul papers Journalists' Association as well as the Hakimiyet-i Milliye and Vilayet dailies.

Archive No : Ataturk
Cabin No : 169
Drawer No : 3
File No : 23
Section No : 1336/13-1
Index No : 32-1, 32-2, 32-3

DOCUMENT NO: 2046 (193)

Section 2
1138
1140
1141

To the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
To the Ministry of the Interior

Three telegrams received from the Third Army Corps Command in Sivas and dated March 7 and 8, 1920, note that the Armenians have resumed hostilities and atrocities in Hacin and Feke regions; that a group of around 30 Armenian cavalrymen under the command of Kirkor Efendi, Gendarmerie Team Commander of Hacin, are harassing the Moslem populace of Yamanli, Kabarcik and Kazikli villages; that it was reported that Haci Kahya from Kabarcik, Haci Huseyin Aga, Molla Mehmet and Molla Musa from Hokence village were kidnapped and taken to unknown places; that the Moslem population living in the region bordering the Province of Adana as well as the people of Goksun and Aziziye are excited, armed and they are to attack the Adana region; and that although the soldiers are trying to ease the tension, they cannot appease the villagers. Since the occurrence of new incidents is certainly not desired under these very critical circumstances, your office is kindly asked to calm down the people as well as the Armenians of Adana, Hacin, Feke and the Armenian gendarmerie who are causing the agitation.

Presented to the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and of the Interior.

Signature (Muzaffer)
Signature (Kadri)
Signature (Cemal)
Signature (Sevket Turgut)
Signature (Fevzi)

Section 2
One copy to be submitted to Section I, assigned forces to be indicated

Archive No : 1-2
Cabin No : 172
Drawer No : I
File No : 113
Section No : 410
Index No : 19, 19-1


DOCUMENT NO: 2047 (194)

No: 45

Kagizman
October 23, 1920

To the Supreme Command of the 12th Division

In response to your official letter No. 2178/533 dated October 1920 with delivery No. 16/20. Enclosed please find three lists containing the names of the villages burnt and destroyed by the Armenians during the last year as well as the number of Moslems murdered by the Armenians.

Chairman of the Popular Council
Signature
(Ali Riza)

The number of homeless women and children and the poor whose needs are being met:

Number of People

150 ….The number of Moslems being fed in Karakurt is increasing day by day

73 Malakans …… Those who are being fed in Kagizman following the retreat of the Armenians

25 Russians
145 the Armenian Poor ….Armenians seized the food supplies and possessions of their own countrymen

235 …..The Moslem poor in Kagizman
628…. Total number of people whose needs are being met

Casualties

1,200 In 54 villages ….Casualties in Perneut and its environs
3,272 In 76 villages….. Casualties in Kagizman and its environs
4,472 …..Total number of casualties

The people were uprooted from their homes by the Armenians by cannon, rifles and machine-gun fire in the villages of Perneut Soviet Section bordering the town of Kagizman.

These destitute people took refuge in the mountains.

Names of the Villages:

Tezekci Village
Yerus “
Incesu “
Kula
Karacaviran
Karnik
Ragbet
Bahcecik
Civanli-i Ulya
Civanli-i Süfla
Aktas
Marazi Can
Yukari Sami
Asagi Sami
Hayranli
Perneut
Agabey
Diger Aktas
Kilicli
Elmiyanli
Tekeni
Ogurta
Kirtiye
Almali
Hadimli
Kagin
Kamisli
Pirli
Sürmeli
Turabi
Porsak
Karabulak
Sogutlu
Terziviran
Harabe
Kilaca
Candervis
Akdiz
Kirkbulan
Karasirvan
Demirsikan
Kaya Harabe
Harabebercigiz
Hamurkesen
Gülahmet
Yagli
Katarli,
Ekrek
Salvarli
Serku
Hayribeyli
Baskoy
Benlik
Kumbulak

54 villages in total

Nearly 1,200 people from these 54 villages, including women and children were killed and the animals or household goods were seized and pillaged by the Armenians.

The names of the villages attached to Kagizman Township, which were pillaged and destroyed by the Armenians during the last year with the use of cannons and machine-guns:

Alakilise Village
Mescitli
Hopviran

The people who lived in these three villages were the people whose villages were destroyed by the Armenians in 1918.

Kalebasi
The possessions of these villagers were pillaged and the villagers were deported.

Odakoy
Gülentap
Akkoz
Karapinar

People from this village are now homeless.

Balikli
Stahan
Baskoy v Armutlu
Cürük
People from these (four) villages are now homeless.

Saatviran
Darphane
Mecingert
Degirmendere
Zek
Yogunhasan

Boztam
Gümüstepe
Kütek
A total of 1,100 heads of sheep belonging to people from these (three) villages were seized during the final Armenian retreat.

Prut
Agadda
Tinkis
Bocekli
Komürlü
Saban
Seksan
Devebük
Ormeli
Kiziloküz
Kesiskiran
Aktam
Rahvan
Kayakoy
Irisli
Pivik-i Ulya
Pivik-i Süfla
Osmankoy
Deliler
Yukari Karagonül
Asagi Karagonül
Yukar~ Karakolu
Asagi Karakolu
Abisaban
Arpali
Dolamac
Kabakli
Sekürli
Cirihli
Halimcan
Halikislari
Hacibayram
Aktas
Yukaritut
Asagirur
Akcay
Kaldirim
Bulanik
Kaygusuz.
Prostan
Hivasor
Kizilkilise
Cahin
Matadas
Terapetek
Sidik
Panadas
Cinabic
Venek
Kuvik
Makazit
Dikor
Sürhonti

The names of the villages whose inhabitants were massacred and the number of persons murdered:

Name of Village --- Number of persons killed
Kalebasi 200
Gülesnap 180
Karapinar 20
Balikli 70
Baskoy 44
Armutlu 10
Stahan 18
Mecingert 23
Darphane 45
Degirmendere 23
Saatviran 6

Total number of people killed:
639
The number of people killed since the Armenian invasion of Kagizman:
135
Grand total of people killed:
774

About 45 percent of the town of Kagizman was destroyed by the Armenian assailants.

Apart from the Moslem inhabitants killed in these 11 villages, the number of people murdered in the above-mentioned 76 villages is nearly 2,500. A total of about 3.000 inhabitants of those 76 villages are the aggressors. Therefore. no produce, farm animals or household goods have been saved and everything was seized and pillaged by the Armenians. Currently, these villages are completely destroyed and in ruins. About 10,000 people from these villages are now homeless and they have nowhere to go.

Archive No : 6/3152
Cabin No : 14(53)
Drawer No : 5
File No : 884
Section No : 12(18)
Index No : 5 , 5-1, 5-2, 5-3

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