Dicussion between T. Begzadian, Armenia’s envoy to Georgia, and Soviet Russian negotiator Legran, from the copy of a secret report by Begzatian.
5 August 1920, #373
To the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of Armenia
[…]
[Legran stated that] there are no Turkish forces in Nakhichevan with whom the Russian Red Army could have conspired [to approach Armenia]. It is true, [he said] that they have a treaty with Turkey, but the purpose of that treaty is to assist Turkey, which is now inspired by the idea of a national renaissance, of realizing that idea and freeing itself from untenable imperialist rule. Is it then possible, he added pathetically, but I believe quite sincerely, that Armenia has such a bad opinion of Soviet Russia that the latter could sign a treaty with the Turks against Armenia? That is impossible. We are helping the Turks and we will help them get rid of the Entente occupation, but not in their fight against Armenians. On the country, we have spoken to Kemal and he is in agreement that all concessions should be made to the Armenians on the question of territories, accepting as we do the existence of an independent and free Armenia. But when I asked Legran, “since you accept our independence, why is it that you are not ready to sign an agreement to that effect and are postponing the issue?’’ he answered, “if you so wish, I am ready to sign such an agreement right now, but don’t you realize that that wouldn’t be realistic pact? We wish to create such conditions that the newly created states could live without disputes and wars so that they can begin the phase of cultural development. Don’t you realize that, if we signed such a declaratory statement without clearing the most crucial disputes between you and Azerbaijan, tomorrow or the next day you will be in conflict again? As an ally of Azerbaijan and your sincere friend, Soviet Russia will be obligated to intervene again. For that purpose it is more appropriate that, even if we cannot delineate the definite frontiers now, we determine and mention in the agreement those principles on the basis of which your disputes will be resolved in the future without resorting to arms.
[…]
The following statements were also interesting in yesterday’s discussion; “I’m not altogether informed on the issues of Zangezur and Karabagh,’’ Legran said. ‘’But that Nakhichevan must be yours even with its Turkish population, that is clear to me and it seems to me it is a necessity for your statehood…” He’s still speaking positively.
[Republic of Armenia Archives, No. 67]
The Karabagh File, Documents and Facts, 1918-1988, First Edition, Cambridge Toronto 1988, by the ZORYAN INSTITUTE, edited by: Gerard J. LIBARIDIAN, p. 31
Image – The monastery of St. Thomas the Apostle in the village of Verin Agulis, Nakhichevan
