V.H. Apelian's Blog

V.H. Apelian's Blog

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Everyone’s Yearbook – Amenoun Darekirke – Ամէնուն Տարեգիրքը – 1/2

According to Wikipedia, there's no difference between 'everyone' and 'everybody'. These two terms are used interchangeably and synonymously. Consequently, a reader may opt to title the yearbook Garo Kevorkian edited for 14 years as “Everybody's Yearbook - Amenoun Darekirke – Ամէնուն Տարեգիրքը”. Antranig Zarougian wrote about Garo Kevorkian in his book titled “The Great and the Others” noting that he was a very industrious person but was charmless. Garo Kevorkian frequently visited Hotel Lux, the inn my father ran and whose guests were almost all Armenians. He would meet them for information. I particularly remember him meeting Yetvart Tchaprast about the history of the Armenian theater. He also would give them copies of his yearbook to take with them upon their return to their communities. Nazareth Berberian, on his Facebook page on November 11, 2023, posted thorough presentation of the man and the yearbook he published. Attached is my translation of that posting. I attempted to keep the order his sentences and the flavor of his expressions, as much as possibleղ. Vahe H Apelian


Part I: Garo Kevorkian (1895-1975)

(Բնագիրը կցուած է)

 

“Garo Kevorkian was the distinguished editor of "Everyone’s Yearbook". He was a noteworthy Armenian and a faithful ARF-er.

On November 11, forty and eight (48) years ago, at the early stage of the outbreak of the 15-year civil war in Lebanon, in the heavily Armenian populated neighborhood Geitaoui, in greater Beirut; bedridden and emaciated by his lingering illness, one of the noteworthy sons of our nation, Garo Kevorkian, left the Armenian life forever.

His simple funeral took place on the same day under hazardous conditions. The dedicated disciple of the Armenian press was interred in the cold soil of exile. For decades he had devoted himself to the ARF press, serving its various newspapers and organs. From 1954 and for the next 14 years, he edited and published “Amenoun Darekirke” and offered light and literary sustenance to the Armenian readership in the four corners of the world. 

*****

Garo Kevorkian was from the city of Komotini in Northern Greece. He was born in 1895. He received his Armenian education in Partizak/Bardizak, and his higher education from the University of Law in Bolis ( Constant polis). Besides Armenian, he was proficient in Turkish and English.

 (Note - Partizak was founded by the decree of Sultan Murat D. in 1625, by Armenians who emigrated from Sebastia province. Bardizak was a purely Armenian-inhabited and Armenian-speaking village town – “Azad Or”, July 12, 2015)-.


During the Balkan War of 1913, he left the Ottoman yoke of the Western Thrace and crossed into Bulgarian rule. But in 1914, when the First World War broke out and Bulgaria entered the war on the side of Germany and Turkey, as the Central Powers, the 19-year-old Garo Kevorkian was also conscripted in the general mobilization and was sent to the front, in Skopje. The Bulgarian army suffered a crushing defeat. Along with thousands of Bulgarian soldiers, Garo Kevorkian was also taken prisoner by the French troops and was deported to the Greek city of Larissa, where the prisoners of war were held.

Escaping from the POW camp at the first opportunity, Garo Kevorkian took refuge, first in Athens and then in Thessaloniki, where he was called to serve in the British army as a skilled translator of English and Turkish under the auspices of Levon Shirin.

Garo Kevorkian recounts in his memoirs he published in the last volume, the 1967-1968 joint issue of the "Amenoun Darekirke”, that during the last two years of the First World War, he worked as a translator for the officers of the British army, and traveled the entire length of the eastern front, especially in the part of Palestine, where he established acquaintances and friendships with the Armenian Legionnaires, which served as the basis for his activities in the following decades.

*****

Komotini, the birthplace of Garo Kevorkian, was destroyed by the end of the World War.

After living in Athens for a short period of time and experiencing difficulty for making a living, he accepted an invitation to move to Constantinople in 1921 and became a part of the editorial board of " Jagadamard – Ճակատամարտ - Combat", which was the successor of "Azatamard - ". (Note:  Aztadamard was the Armenian Revolutionary Federation party organ from 1909-1915, in Constantinople. “Jagadard” took over the mission)

But after the Kemalists unleashed persecution and the Tragedy of Smyrana happened in 1922, Garo Kevorkian, along with the great wave of Armenians, returned to Greece and settled in Thessaloniki.

For more than 15 years in Thessaloniki, Garo Kevorkian led a prolific community life, both as an active ARF-er and also as an independent free-lancer, contributing to   newspapers, such as “Alik - Wave”, “Horizon”, “Nor Or – New Day” and the satirical “Gsmit – Pinch”, as an editor or as a member of their editorial staff. 

*****

From 1937 to 1954, from the eve of the Second World War to the Nazarite movement and the awakening of Arab Nationalism, which shook the political map of the Middle East and the Arab World, Garo Kevorgian once again took the role of the exiled Armenians and traveled from country to country.

- In Sofia, he edited "Razmik", the official newspaper of the tseghagron  movement, created by ARF and headed by Garegin Nzhdeh.

- In Shuttgart (Germany), he published his own newspaper newspaper "Daragir -  Driven Away" and the official newspaper of the Armenian National Committee "Panper - Messenger " 

Subsequently, Garo Kevorgian moved to Paris, and joined Shavarsh Misakyan's , ARF affiliated “Haratch” daily, and then moved to Cairo and joined the editorial staff of the ARF official newspaper "Housaper – That Which Brings Hope".

*****

In 1954, Garo Kevorkian settled in Beirut and where he initiated his colossal publication “ Amenoun Darekike - Everyone’s Yearbook,”

*****

ԿԱՐՕ ԳԷՈՐԳԵԱՆ (1895-1975).

«Ամէնուն Տարեգիրք»ի վաստակաշատ խմբագիրը՝ արժանաւոր Հայն ու հաւատաւոր Դաշնակցականը

Ն. ՊԷՐՊԷՐԵԱՆ

48 տարի առաջ, Նոյեմբեր 11ի օրը, Լիբանանի քաղաքացիական 15ամեայ պատերազմի առաջին բռնկումներու փուլին, Պէյրութի Ժեհթաուի հայահոծ թաղամասին մէջ, երկարամեայ հիւանդութեամբ անկողին գամուած ու հիւծած, հայ կեանքէն առյաւէտ հեռացաւ մեր ժողովուրդի արժանաւոր զաւակներէն ԿԱՐՕ ԳԷՈՐԳԵԱՆ։

11 Նոյեմբեր 1975ին, անապահով պայմաններու մէջ եւ անշուք յուղարկաւորութեամբ մը, տարագրութեան ցուրտ հողին յանձնուեցաւ հայ մամուլի անձնուէր առաքեալ մը, որ ամբողջ տասնամեակներ դաշնակցական մամուլի տարբեր օրգաններու խմբագրումին իր վաստակաշատ ծառայութիւնը բերելէ ետք՝ 1954էն սկսեալ անխափան 14 տարի, «Ամէնուն Տարեգիրքը» հրատարակելով, ամենամեայ հոգեմտաւոր լոյս եւ սնունդ հասցուց հայ ընթերցողին, աշխարհի չորս ծագերուն։

***

Հիւսիսային Յունաստանի Քոմոթինի (Կիւմիւլճինէ) քաղաքէն էր Կարօ Գէորգեան։ Ծնած էր 1895ին։ Հայեցի ուսումը ստացած էր Պարտիզակի մէջ, իսկ բարձրագոյն ուսման տիրացած էր Պոլսոյ իրաւագիտութեան համալսարանէն։ Հայերէնի կողքին՝ հմուտ էր թրքերէնի ու անգլերէնի։

1913ի Պալքանեան Պատերազմին, Արեմտեան Թրակիան օսմանեան լուծէն անցաւ Պուլկարիոյ տիրապետութեան։ Իսկ 1914ին, երբ Առաջին Աշխարհամարտը պայթեցաւ եւ Պուլկարիա պատերազմի մէջ մտաւ Գերմանիոյ ու Թուրքիոյ կողքին՝ Կեդրոնի Ուժերու ճամբարին միանալով, պուլկար բանակի ընդհանուր զօրակոչին հետ 19ամեայ Կարօ Գէորգեանը եւս ռազմաճակատ ղրկուեցաւ՝ Սքոփիա։

Պուլկար բանակը ջախջախիչ պարտութիւն կրեց։ Հազարաւոր պուլկար բանակայիններու հետ, Կարօ Գէորգեան եւս գերի բռնուեցաւ ֆրանսական զօրքերուն կողմէ։ Յունական Լարիսա քաղաքը համախմբուած էին ռազմագերիները։

Առաջին պատեհ առիթին փախուստ տալով ռազմագերիներու ճամբարէն՝ Կարօ Գէորգեան ապաստանեցաւ նախ Աթէնք, ապա՝ Թեսաղոնիկէ, ուր Լեւոն Շիրինի հովանաւորութեամբ, իբրեւ անգլերէնի եւ թրքերէնի հմուտ թարգման, ծառայութեան կոչուեցաւ անգլիական բանակին մէջ։

Ինչպէս որ ինք կը պատմէ «Ամէնուն Տարեգիրքը» շարքի վերջին հատորով՝ 1967-1968 տարիներու միացեալ համարով լոյս տեսած իր յուշերուն մէջ, Կարօ Գէորգեան Առաջին Աշխարհամարտի վերջին երկու տարիները, իբրեւ անգլիական բանակի սպաներուն թարգման, շրջեցաւ արեւելեան ռազմաճակատի ողջ երկայնքին, յատկապէս Պաղեստինի հատուածին մէջ, ուր Հայ Լեգէոնականներու հետ հաստատեց ծանօթութիւններ ու մտերմութիւններ, որոնք հիմք ծառայեցին հետագայ տասնամեակներու իր գործունէութեան։

***

Ա․ Աշխարհամարտի աւարտին աւերուած էր Կարօ Գէորգեանի ծննդավայր Քոմոթինին։

Կարճ ժամանակ մը Աթէնք ապրելէ եւ ապրուստը ապահովելու դժուարութեանց մատնուելէ ետք, 1921ին ան ընդառաջեց Պոլիս տեղափոխուելու եւ «Ազատամարտ»ի ժառանգորդ «Ճակատամարտ»ի խմբագրութեան մաս կազմելու հրաւէրին։

Բայց Քեմալականներու հակահայ եւ հակայոյն խժդժութեանց ահագնացումէն ու Զմիւռնիոյ Ողբերգութենէն ետք, Յունաստան տեղափոխուած յոյն եւ հայ գաղթականութեան մեծ ալիքին հետ, Կարօ Գէորգեան վերադարձաւ Յունաստան եւ հաստատուեցաւ Թեսաղոնիկէ։

Թեսաղոնիկէի մէջ աւելի քան 15 տարի Կարօ Գէորգեան բեղուն գործունէութիւն ծաւալեց թէ՛ իբրեւ ազգային-հանրային տարբեր պատասխանատուութեանց կոչուած դաշնակցական գործիչ, թէ՛ իբրեւ տեղւոյն դաշնակցական կամ անձնական թերթերու՝ «Ալիք»ի, «Հորիզոն»ի, «Նոր Օր»ի եւ երգիծական «Կսմիթ»ի խմբագիր, կամ՝ խմբագրական կազմի անդամ։

***

1937էն մինչեւ 1954, Երկրորդ Աշխարհամարտի նախօրէէն մինչեւ Միջին Արեւելքի ու Արաբական Աշխարհի քաղաքական քարտէսը ցնցած Նասըրական շարժումն ու Արաբ Ազգայնականութեան զարթօնքը, Կարօ Գէորգեան դարձեալ վերցուց տարագիր հայու ցուպը եւ շրջեցաւ երկրէ երկիր.

- Սոֆիայի մէջ խմբագրեց Դաշնակցութեան առաջացուցած եւ Գարեգին Նժդեհի գլխաւորած Ցեղակրօն Շարժումին պաշտօնաթերթ «Ռազմիկ»ը․

- Շթութկարտի (Գերմանիա) մէջ լոյս ընծայեց, յաջորդաբար, իր սեփական թերթ «Տարագիր»ը եւ Հայ Ազգային Կոմիտէի պաշտօնաթերթ «Բանբեր»ը։

Այնուհետեւ, Կարօ Գէորգեան անցաւ Փարիզ՝ Շաւարշ Միսաքեանի դաշնակցական «Յառաջ»ին, ապա եւ Գահիրէ՝ Հ.Յ.Դ. պաշտօնաթերթ «Յուսաբեր»ի խմբագրական կազմերուն միանալով։

***

1952ին Կարօ Գէորգեան հաստատուեցաւ Պէյրութ, ուր եւ ձեռնարկեց իր կարապի երգին՝ «Ամէնուն Տարեգիրքը» շարքի հրատարակման կոթողական գոր

 

Sunday, November 12, 2023

If you don't help Armenia, at least don't harm

The attached is my second abridge translation of Lucy Deukmejian’s articles. She had posted this latest article in Keghartcom on October 30, 2023. Some see a cup half empty and some see the cup half full and have a vision of filling it to the rim drop by drop. Lucy Deukmenjian, a repatriate from Lebanon, is the latter. She writes with an unblemished Western Armenian. The original is attached.

After the 44-day Artsakh war, the disaster that befell upon Artsakh, entered a new phase in December 2022. The enemy blockaded the Berdzor corridor, keeping Artsakh under complete siege. This painful period of the Armenian history culminated in the depolulation of Artskah in September 2023. More than 100,000 people of Artsakh faced the challenge of being homeless. But, the Republic of Armenia from the first day, welcomed the forcibly displaced Artsakh citizens with open arms by providing them with shelter and with the basic necessities to survive.

However imperfect or lacking were the methods and steps of the administration of Armenia, one cannot fail to appreciate the fact that the state immediately welcomed our compatriots from Artsakh with an open heart and spared no effort to shelter them by allocating housing and financial assistance, and by creating work opportunities, providing medical services and placing the children in the schools of Armenia. Along with the government, numerous local and diaspora organizations do everything possible for the well-being of the forcibly displaced Artsakh citizens, who we fully hope will only temporarily be away from their lands and homes.

Not whistanding the efforts, there are those who criticize the multifaceted assistance provided to the people of Artsakh and consider the assistance insufficient and disproportionate to the loss they suffered. It's the easiest thing to complain and criticize. In reality, the Armenians as a whole suffered. We all lost a part of our homeland. But now is the time to accomodate our displaced brothers and sisters in Armenia, to alleviate their pains, and to heal their wounds as soon as possible by extending a helping hand. There is no room for bargaining. Everyone will give within the limits of their ability. This also applies to the Republic of Armenia, which, as we well know, is not a country of unlimited resources. The latter spares nothing in this regard and will continue to do so. 

We do not need the appreciation of foreign governments, altough, according to their own testimonies, the Republic of Armenia was able to accept a large number of "refugees" in a very short time, while economically far more advanced and prosperous countries find it difficult to accept several thousand at a time. These governments miss a very important fact. The people of Artsakh are our compatriots. If other countries accept refugees of other nationals for humanitarian reasons, for us such a consideration is secondary because we are accepting our relatives, and we will do everything to improve their shattered lives to some extent. 

It should not be difficult to see this, even an unaided eye. It is not only material benefits that are being provided to our brothers and sisters from Artsakh who were forcibly displaced. There is also a moral dimension. At every opportune occasion, it is announced at the highest state level that they are in their own home and should not think about leaving Armenia. The nexus of all this is the firm "invitation" for Artskah Armenians to stay here, in Armenia, to live in Armenia and to be productive in Armenia.

Thus, not only the Republic of Armenia will end up supporting the people of Artsakh, but the people of Artsakh will also end up supporting the Republic of Armenia. When the people of Artsakh were displaced, their destination should definitely be Mother Armenia. This circumstance of the people of Artsakh is understandable and is by default and the course is natural and is the logical course. The incomprehensible, the unnatural and the illogical is construe the opposite. Calling this a strategy is a "stupid proposition". To put it mildly, it is absurd and impudent. This open "invitation" is directed to ALL Armenians, and is not be limited by time or circumstances.

I was also one of those who believed in that offer. In 2016 the RA Ministry of Diaspora started a pan-Armenian movement with the slogan "What are you doing for Karabakh?" At the time, when the minister of the Diaspora (note refrencing to Minister Hranoush Hagopian), after her the speech, gave me the opportunity to voice, I suggested that one day if another pan-Armenian movement adopts the slogan, "What are you doing for Armenia", along with various assistance we render to Armenia, our primary collective answer should be: "We will repatriate to Armenia".

The third year of my repatriation has already passed. Soon I will complete my three years of emplyment in Armenia. There are eight other persons who do a similar work in our workplace. I do not do a titanic job, but I know that by what I have done with the work I have provided, I am serving the Republic of Armenia and to the people, to  some extent. I feel proud that I am investing my experience and knowledge in the efforts to create a brighter, a more progressive and a robust Armenia.

Apart from that, I am now a part of the soil of Armenia, I am a sprout of the field that is Armenia. I am a leaf of the flower that is Armenia, and I am one single unit of the population of the Republic of Armenia. And every single individual, by the very fact of living on his native land, changes something positively, because it is quantity that ensures quality. And each of us, believe me, can add a drop to fill the cup that is Armenia.

This is me, and it's up to you. Let's at least help the Republic of Armenia in this way. Living here and creating here is the greatest help we can offer her.

And if we can't help, at least let us not harm her by attaching labels of mistrust and misgiving, by putting forward theses of distrust and disbelief towards Armenia.


ԲՆԱԳԻՐԸ ՝ «Եթէ չես օգներ Հայաստանին, գոնէ մի՛ վնասեր» (Լիւսի Տէօքմէճեան, Երեւան, 30 Հոկտեմբեր 2023): https://keghart.org/deukmejian-if-you-cant-help-homeland/


 


Saturday, November 11, 2023

The History and Meaning Behind Veterans Day

Posted in honor of immediate family members who are veterans having served in the armed forces of their respective countries and honorably discharged after service: my wife Marie Apelian (U.S.), my paternal cousin Stepan Apelian (Syria), and my maternal cousin Haig Chelebian (Syria), and all the rest who served. 


I came across this article. I could not share it on my Facebook page. I copied it and posted it in my blog. It is titled “Learn the History and Meaning Behind Veterans Day” By Catherine Boeckmann on September 12, 2023. Since 2008, Catherine Boeckmann has been the editor of Almanac.com and all things digital for The Old Farmer’s Almanac. Catherine is also a Master Gardener with Purdue University Extension and volunteers with Helpings of Hope community garden to support local refugees and food pantries.

 

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Veterans Day is observed every year on November 11. This year, the 11th day of the 11th month is a Saturday. Learn the true meaning of Veterans Day and its important history—as well as ten ways to show vets how you appreciate the sacrifices that they have made. 

When Is Veterans Day?

Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the United States, observed officially on November 11, regardless of the day of the week on which it falls. 

In 2023, Veterans Day will be observed on Saturday, November 11.


Veterans Day Dates

Year

Veterans Day

2023

Saturday, November 11

2024

Monday, November 11

2025

Tuesday, November 11

2026

Wednesday, November 11

 

What Does Veterans Day Mean?

Veterans Day is an important day set aside to honor and show appreciation for ALL who have served in the United States military—in wartime or peacetime, living or deceased. ”We can’t all be heroes; someone has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by.”
—Roy Rogers

In Canada, November 11 is called Remembrance Day. This day, which is more similar to Memorial Day than Veterans Day, honors veterans who have died in service to their country.

What’s the Difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day?

On both Veterans Day and Memorial Day, it’s customary to spend time remembering and honoring the countless veterans who have served the United States throughout the country’s history. However, there is a distinction between the two holidays:

·       Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor ALL who have served, living or deceased, but in particular the living veterans among us. 

·       Memorial Day specifically commemorates the men and women who died while serving their country and made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. 

A Short History of Veterans Day

Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day in the United States, commemorating the signing of the agreement that ended World War I at 11:00 A.M., November 11, 1918. President Woodrow Wilson celebrated the first Armistice Day in 1919.

In 1938, November 11 became a legal holiday by an act of Congress.

In 1954, this federal holiday was changed from “Armistice” to “Veterans” Day.

Although this holiday initially honored those who perished in service to their country, when the holiday’s name was changed to Veterans Day, it became a day to honor ALL the men and women who have served in the armed forces of the United States.

Each year, special ceremonies are held at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

Lt. Col Marie Apelian, Greater Cincinnati Woman Veteran
 of the Year, November 9, 2012

10 Ways To Show Vets Appreciation

Remember that Veterans Day is to honor the service of all Americans who have served, but particular the living veterans among us. Many of our vets stepped in harm’s way on our behalf. 

Therefore, a cheery “Happy Veterans Day!” may not be fitting to a person who may have friends who died in combat. According to a veterans poll (CVN), 49% of vets feel uneasy with the expression, “Thank you for your service.” They weren’t sure how to respond, and preferred action to words. 

But don’t get hung up on not knowing exactly how to express your gratitude to a veteran. Everyone knows and appreciates a kind word and, even better, an act of kindness.

Here are 10 ways you can show vets that you appreciate the sacrifices they made:

1.   If you personally know a veteran (perhaps a relative, friend, or even a neighbor), reach out to them on Veterans Day with a phone call or visit! This is one opportunity to engage beyond just saying thank you. If they are comfortable discussing it, ask a vet where they served, where they were stationed, what specific jobs they did while serving, and so on.

2.   If you’re not close to a veteran, write a thank you card and drop it off at a VA hospital. If you’re not in time for this Veterans Day, that’s fine; a thoughtful card is appreciated any time. Or, contact Operation Gratitude, which sends letters of thanks and care packages to veterans as well as deployed vets. 

3.   Place a small flag on every veteran’s grave. This is an annual tradition for many scout troops. In some states, there are “Operation Flags For Vets” organizations. Call your local cemetery first for permission.

4.   Do you have a driver’s license? Help bring disabled vets to their doctor appointments. Contact the hospital service coordinator [PDF] at your local VA Hospital.

5.   If you make charitable donations, consider helping wounded veterans. Or, sponsor an “honor flight” to send veterans of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam to Washington D.C. to see their national monuments. Donate here.

6.   Perhaps you or your church group or scout group would like to actively help a vet in your own community? Contact a local veterans assistance program, such as the one offered by DAV. From helping do yard work or running errands. There’s sure to be a need.

7.   Call your Veterans Administration Hospital. See how you can help out.

8.   Display the flag proudly to salute our veterans! See how to properly display the American Flag.

9.   Read the poem “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae and reflect on the poem’s significance to veterans. 

10.                 Spend an hour or more learning about our nation’s veterans. The Great War Society has developed a Web site devoted to World War I educational materials. The World War IIMemorial celebrates the victory of “the greatest generation” with a design that uses moving water to harmonize with its natural surroundings. Visit the Korean War Veterans Memorialonline; this moving memorial, dedicated in 1995, is the latest addition to the National Mall in Washington, D.C. See a registry of all the names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C.


Stepan Apelian


 

 

Thursday, November 9, 2023

November 9, 2020 & November 9, 1920

 Tatul Hakobyan posted the following from Yeraskh, Ararat, Armenia, on his Facebook page today, on November 9, 2023. He also drew a comparison to another decisive period in our recent history, one hundred years ago today as well, November 9, 1920.

Alexander Khatisyan 

Tatul Hakobyan's post noted the following: “Today marks the 3rd anniversary of the announcement of the 44-day disaster, which many consider a capitulation. I have often used that word, but after September 2023, November 9 is the lesser of the evils. The final capitulation, or the last part of the capitulation, was the decree to dissolve Artsakh, as well the handing of millions of dollars’ worth of Armenian military equipment, to the Russian-Azerbaijani alliance.

It is apropos to note that November 9, 1920 was also a very tragic day. On that day, Karabekir presented a new ultimatum to Armenia from the already captured Alexandropol. The commander of the Eastern Front of the Kemalists - Kâzım Karabekir - demanded the Armenian government relinquish its arms." (read below, my translation of the Armenian government’s communication and appeal in “Haratch” daily, in Yerevan).

Tatul concluded the post stating that he was not able to find out whether the Armenian government complied with the Turkish demand in part or in full. But that on the night of November 23, 1920, as Alexander Khatisyan (Armenia’s PM) was going by train from Yerevan to Alexandropol (the present day Gumri) to sign the capitulation, a part of the Armenian war materiel  was being taken away in another wagon.


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The communication and the appeal the Armenian government issued on November 9, 1920.

GOVERNMENTAL COMMUNICATION

HARATCH

Social, political, economic, literary newspaper

Yerevan

“You already know that the Armenian government accepted the conditions  the Turkish command proposed on a November 6 for a truce. The conditions were harsh. But the interest of the country and the people’s demand for peace, necessitated accepting, especially that the government in Ankara had officially communicated on November 2, to begin the peace negotiations.

At that time when the conditions of November 7 truce were already being implemented and we were ready to send a delegation for peace, the same government in Ankara, in its November 8 telegram, informed that it is changing the conditions for truce and is proposing new conditions. The conditions were the following: in 24 hours the Armenian forces were required to retreat again east of (Սուրմալու (Surmalu) – Արաքս Կայարան (Araxe Station) – Գըզըլ Զիարէթ – Արագած լեռան լանջը (Aragats Mountain slope) -Տանազիրմազ Նօվօ – Լոռիրենք – Շերմուք – Եալվանագաղ) line. That is to say, yield to the Turks more than half of Armenia. The Armenian government should also relinquish to the Turks in Alexandrapol, 2000 guns, 60 machine guns, 12 cannons, 4000 mules, 1000 chests of bullets, 6000 cannonballs, 2 steam engines, 50 wagons. Right after signing the truce, the transport of military equipment will cease on the Sanahin (Սանահին)-Alexandrapol (Ալէքսանրապոլ) rail line, and a few more demands.

To accept these conditions means to give up the most important positions for defending our country and totally disarm in front of the enemy.

Such reneging of the conditions of the truce and the demand for such deadly conditions mean that the enemy, not only has no desire to make peace, but aims to destroy Armenia and annihilate the Armenian people

Given the demanded conditions, the government could not trust the intent of the Turkish conditions, refused the new conditions demanded by the government in Ankara, over the the truce signed on November 7. There is no reason to renege the truce already in force.

Armenian people, informing you about all this, the government appeals to your rightful instincts and prudence.  You, who did not will to protect the state’s border at Սարիղամիշ (Sarikamish), Կարս (Gars) and Ալեքսանդապոլ (Alexandrapol), the enemy over again is threatening, not only your freedom but also of your lives. You should wake up before it’s too late. The enemy is coming with a small force. Its success will be because of your inertia (indifference). If you will, it will not only be incapable of annihilating you, but having been defeated will give up on its diabolic objectives.

Citizens, the Armenian government is resolute in its decision to fight the enemy that wills its joy on your corpses. Unrelenting and decisive fight, until the enemy proposes terms for truce that are acceptable to us. There is no other way out. Stand up Armenian people, this is the last make or break battle.

The Government of the Republic of Armenia

November 9, 1920

Yerevan”