Armenian Genocide American Documents
US CONSUL LESLIE DAVIS
DESCRIBING ARMENIAN "DEPORTEES" PASSING THROUGH THE HARPOOT PLAIN ON
THEIR WAY TO DER ZOR
“All of them were in rags and many . . . almost naked . . . emaciated, sick, diseased, filthy, covered with dirt and vermin . . . driven along for many weeks like herds of cattle, with little to eat . . . There were few men among them, most of the men having been killed by the Kurd before their arrival at Harpoot. Many of the women and children also had been killed and very many others had died on the way . . . Of those who had started, only a small portion were still alive and they were rapidly dying . . . Many Turkish officers and other Turks visited the camps to select the prettiest girls and had their doctors present to examine them . . . Several hundred of the dead and dying scattered about the camp . . . the body of a middle-aged man who had apparently just died or been killed. A number of dead bodies of women and children lay here and there . . . Old men sat there mumbling incoherently. Women with matted hair and sunken eyes sat staring like maniacs. One, whose face has haunted my memory ever since, was so emaciated and the skin was drawn so tightly over her features that her head appeared to be only a lifeless skull. Others were in the spasms of death. Children with bloated bellies were on the ground wallowing in filth. Some were in convulsions. All in the camp were beyond help”.
United States Official records on the Armenian Genocide 1915-1917, pp. 644, doc. NA/RG59/867.4016/392.
CONFIDENTIAL TELEGRAM, AMBASSADOR MORGENTHAU TO SECRETARY OF STATE
Constantinople, 16 July 1915
"Deportation of and excesses against peaceful Armenians is increasing and from harrowing reports of eye witnesses it appears that a campaign of race extermination is in progress under a pretext of reprisal against rebellion. Protests as well as threats are unavailing and probably incite the Ottoman government to more drastic measures as they are determined to disclaim responsibility for their absolute disregard of Capitulations and I believe nothing short of actual force which obviously United States are not in a position to exert would adequately meet the situation. Suggest you inform belligerent nations and mission boards of this."
United States Official records on the Armenian Genocide 1915-1917, pp. 55, document NA/RG59/867.4016/76
AMERICAN CONSULATE
No. 71 COPY
Harpoot, 24 July 1915.
HONORABLE HENRY MORGENTHAU, AMERICAN AMBASSADOR, CONSTANTINOPLE.
SIR:
I have the honor to further supplement my reports of June 30th and July 11th (file no. 840. 1) in regard to the expulsion of the Armenians from this region, or, to speak more correctly, the wholesale massacre of these Armenians, as follows...
...it has been no secret that the plan was to destroy the Armenian race as a race, but the methods used have been more cold-blooded and barbarous, if not more effective, than i had at first supposed...
...it seems to be fully established now that practically all who have been sent away from here have been deliberately shot or otherwise killed within one or two days after their departure. This work has not all been done by bands of kurds but has for the most part been that of the gendarmes who accompanied the people from here or of companies of armed tchetehs (convicts) who have been released from prison for the purpose of murdering the Armenian exiles...
...i do not believe there has ever been a massacre in the history of the world so general and thorough as that which is now being perpetrated in this region or that a more fiendish, diabolical scheme has ever been conceived by the mind of man...
...it would be that even if all the people had been allowed to perish on the road. As the greater part of them, however, have been actually murdered and as there is no doubt that this was done by order of the government, there can be no pretense that the measure is anything else but a general massacre...
I have the honor to be sir,
Your obedient servant,
(signed): Leslie a. Davis
Consul
Source: NA/RG59/867.4016/269. United States Official Records on The Armenian Genocide 1915-1917. Compiled with an Introduction by Ara Sarafian, London, 2004, PP. 461-462.
HENRY MORGENTHAU'S REPORT OF HIS CONVERSATION WITH TALAAT PASHA
8 August 1915
"I argued in all sorts of ways with him but he said that there was no use, that they had already disposed of three quarters of them, that there were none left in Bitlis, Van, Erzeroum, and that the hatred was so intense now that they have to finish it. I spoke to him about the commercial losses and he said they did not care, that they had figured it out and knew it would not exceed for the banks etc. five million pounds. He said they want to treat the Armenians like we treat the negroes. I think he meant like the Indians. I asked him to make exceptions in some few cases which he promised to do."
United States Diplomacy on the Bosphorus: The Diaries of Ambassador Morgenthau 1913-1916, p. 298
“All of them were in rags and many . . . almost naked . . . emaciated, sick, diseased, filthy, covered with dirt and vermin . . . driven along for many weeks like herds of cattle, with little to eat . . . There were few men among them, most of the men having been killed by the Kurd before their arrival at Harpoot. Many of the women and children also had been killed and very many others had died on the way . . . Of those who had started, only a small portion were still alive and they were rapidly dying . . . Many Turkish officers and other Turks visited the camps to select the prettiest girls and had their doctors present to examine them . . . Several hundred of the dead and dying scattered about the camp . . . the body of a middle-aged man who had apparently just died or been killed. A number of dead bodies of women and children lay here and there . . . Old men sat there mumbling incoherently. Women with matted hair and sunken eyes sat staring like maniacs. One, whose face has haunted my memory ever since, was so emaciated and the skin was drawn so tightly over her features that her head appeared to be only a lifeless skull. Others were in the spasms of death. Children with bloated bellies were on the ground wallowing in filth. Some were in convulsions. All in the camp were beyond help”.
United States Official records on the Armenian Genocide 1915-1917, pp. 644, doc. NA/RG59/867.4016/392.
CONFIDENTIAL TELEGRAM, AMBASSADOR MORGENTHAU TO SECRETARY OF STATE
Constantinople, 16 July 1915
"Deportation of and excesses against peaceful Armenians is increasing and from harrowing reports of eye witnesses it appears that a campaign of race extermination is in progress under a pretext of reprisal against rebellion. Protests as well as threats are unavailing and probably incite the Ottoman government to more drastic measures as they are determined to disclaim responsibility for their absolute disregard of Capitulations and I believe nothing short of actual force which obviously United States are not in a position to exert would adequately meet the situation. Suggest you inform belligerent nations and mission boards of this."
United States Official records on the Armenian Genocide 1915-1917, pp. 55, document NA/RG59/867.4016/76
AMERICAN CONSULATE
No. 71 COPY
Harpoot, 24 July 1915.
HONORABLE HENRY MORGENTHAU, AMERICAN AMBASSADOR, CONSTANTINOPLE.
SIR:
I have the honor to further supplement my reports of June 30th and July 11th (file no. 840. 1) in regard to the expulsion of the Armenians from this region, or, to speak more correctly, the wholesale massacre of these Armenians, as follows...
...it has been no secret that the plan was to destroy the Armenian race as a race, but the methods used have been more cold-blooded and barbarous, if not more effective, than i had at first supposed...
...it seems to be fully established now that practically all who have been sent away from here have been deliberately shot or otherwise killed within one or two days after their departure. This work has not all been done by bands of kurds but has for the most part been that of the gendarmes who accompanied the people from here or of companies of armed tchetehs (convicts) who have been released from prison for the purpose of murdering the Armenian exiles...
...i do not believe there has ever been a massacre in the history of the world so general and thorough as that which is now being perpetrated in this region or that a more fiendish, diabolical scheme has ever been conceived by the mind of man...
...it would be that even if all the people had been allowed to perish on the road. As the greater part of them, however, have been actually murdered and as there is no doubt that this was done by order of the government, there can be no pretense that the measure is anything else but a general massacre...
I have the honor to be sir,
Your obedient servant,
(signed): Leslie a. Davis
Consul
Source: NA/RG59/867.4016/269. United States Official Records on The Armenian Genocide 1915-1917. Compiled with an Introduction by Ara Sarafian, London, 2004, PP. 461-462.
HENRY MORGENTHAU'S REPORT OF HIS CONVERSATION WITH TALAAT PASHA
8 August 1915
"I argued in all sorts of ways with him but he said that there was no use, that they had already disposed of three quarters of them, that there were none left in Bitlis, Van, Erzeroum, and that the hatred was so intense now that they have to finish it. I spoke to him about the commercial losses and he said they did not care, that they had figured it out and knew it would not exceed for the banks etc. five million pounds. He said they want to treat the Armenians like we treat the negroes. I think he meant like the Indians. I asked him to make exceptions in some few cases which he promised to do."
United States Diplomacy on the Bosphorus: The Diaries of Ambassador Morgenthau 1913-1916, p. 298
Armenian Genocide British Documents
[FROM FOREIGN PRESS OFFICE FOR PUBLICATION IN MONDAY MORNING PAPERS (23 MAY 1915)].
H.M. GOVERNMENT, IN COMMON WITH THE GOVERNMENTS OF FRANCE AND RUSSIA, MAKE THE FOLLOWING PUBLIC DECLARATION :-
“For about the last month Kurds and the Turkish population of Armenia have been engaged in massacring Armenians with connivance and often with help of ottoman authorities. Such massacres took place about the middle of April, at Erzerum, Dertchan, Egin, Bitlis, Sassoun, Moush, Zeitun, and in all Cilicia.
Inhabitants of about 100 villages near van were all assassinated. In town itself Armenians’ quarter is besieged by Kurds. At the same time ottoman government at Constantinople is raging against inoffensive Armenian population.
In face of these fresh crimes committed by turkey the allied governments announce publicly to the sublime port that they will hold all the members of the ottoman government, as well as such of their agents as are implicated, personally responsible for Armenian massacres.”
PRO, FO371/2488/63095.
VISCOUNT BRYCE: SPEECH IN HOUSE OF LORDS
I am sorry to say that such information as has reached me from many quarters goes to show that the figure of 800.000 which the noble earl thought incredible as a possible total for those who have been destroyed since may last is, unfortunately, quite a possible number. That is because the proceedings taken have been so absolutely premeditated and systematic. The massacres are the result of a policy which, as far as can be ascertained, has been entertained for some considerable time by the gang who are now in possession of the government of the Turkish Empire.
House of Lords, Hansard (5th Series), Vol. Xix, 6 October 1915, Cols. 994-1004
REPORT ON THE FORCED EXILE OF THE REMAINING ARMENIANS FROM AINTAB AND MARASH
LORD ROBERT CECIL. THE UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS, SPEECH IN HOUSE OF COMMONS
I think it may be said, without the least fear of exaggeration, that no more horrible crime has been committed in the history of the world…. this is a premeditative crime determined on long ago…. it was a long-considered, deliberate policy to destroy and wipe out of existence the Armenians in turkey. It was systematically carried out. it was ordered from above…
House Of Commons, Hansard (5th Series), Vol. LXXV, 16 November 1915, Cols. 1770-1776.
SITUATION IN TURKISH DISTRICTS NEAR SYRIAN NORTHERN FRONTIER.
BRITISH CONSULATE ALEPPO, 15 November 1922
My Lord,
I have the honour to report that on November 8 the Turks gave notice to the Armenians of Aintab & Marash and of the district, stretching Eastward to Birejik, that they must all leave the country in a month. This is done in pursuance of the policy that no Christians are to be allowed to stay in Turkey. Aintab which formerly held 40000 Armenians now contains only 3000.
The French Consular Representative in Aintab, Mr. de Sandfort, has been transferred to Adana and has not been replaced. I have the honor to be, With the highest respect, My Lord, Your Lordship's most obedient, Humble servant (signed) James Morgan Consul Copies to British High Commissioners, Constantinople, Cairo, Jerusalem and Bagdad. " " British Consuls, Beyrout and Damascus, G. H. Q., Cairo and British Liaison Officer, Beyrout, London S.W.1
H.M. GOVERNMENT, IN COMMON WITH THE GOVERNMENTS OF FRANCE AND RUSSIA, MAKE THE FOLLOWING PUBLIC DECLARATION :-
“For about the last month Kurds and the Turkish population of Armenia have been engaged in massacring Armenians with connivance and often with help of ottoman authorities. Such massacres took place about the middle of April, at Erzerum, Dertchan, Egin, Bitlis, Sassoun, Moush, Zeitun, and in all Cilicia.
Inhabitants of about 100 villages near van were all assassinated. In town itself Armenians’ quarter is besieged by Kurds. At the same time ottoman government at Constantinople is raging against inoffensive Armenian population.
In face of these fresh crimes committed by turkey the allied governments announce publicly to the sublime port that they will hold all the members of the ottoman government, as well as such of their agents as are implicated, personally responsible for Armenian massacres.”
PRO, FO371/2488/63095.
VISCOUNT BRYCE: SPEECH IN HOUSE OF LORDS
I am sorry to say that such information as has reached me from many quarters goes to show that the figure of 800.000 which the noble earl thought incredible as a possible total for those who have been destroyed since may last is, unfortunately, quite a possible number. That is because the proceedings taken have been so absolutely premeditated and systematic. The massacres are the result of a policy which, as far as can be ascertained, has been entertained for some considerable time by the gang who are now in possession of the government of the Turkish Empire.
House of Lords, Hansard (5th Series), Vol. Xix, 6 October 1915, Cols. 994-1004
REPORT ON THE FORCED EXILE OF THE REMAINING ARMENIANS FROM AINTAB AND MARASH
LORD ROBERT CECIL. THE UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS, SPEECH IN HOUSE OF COMMONS
I think it may be said, without the least fear of exaggeration, that no more horrible crime has been committed in the history of the world…. this is a premeditative crime determined on long ago…. it was a long-considered, deliberate policy to destroy and wipe out of existence the Armenians in turkey. It was systematically carried out. it was ordered from above…
House Of Commons, Hansard (5th Series), Vol. LXXV, 16 November 1915, Cols. 1770-1776.
SITUATION IN TURKISH DISTRICTS NEAR SYRIAN NORTHERN FRONTIER.
BRITISH CONSULATE ALEPPO, 15 November 1922
My Lord,
I have the honour to report that on November 8 the Turks gave notice to the Armenians of Aintab & Marash and of the district, stretching Eastward to Birejik, that they must all leave the country in a month. This is done in pursuance of the policy that no Christians are to be allowed to stay in Turkey. Aintab which formerly held 40000 Armenians now contains only 3000.
The French Consular Representative in Aintab, Mr. de Sandfort, has been transferred to Adana and has not been replaced. I have the honor to be, With the highest respect, My Lord, Your Lordship's most obedient, Humble servant (signed) James Morgan Consul Copies to British High Commissioners, Constantinople, Cairo, Jerusalem and Bagdad. " " British Consuls, Beyrout and Damascus, G. H. Q., Cairo and British Liaison Officer, Beyrout, London S.W.1
Armenian Genocide French Documents
CONSUL OF FRANCE IN SALONIKA SEON TO DELCASSE, FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER
T. N. 110
SALONIKA AUGUST 20, 1915, 18:30
(RECEIVED: 20:55)
Communication
I have received information from various reliable sources that the Armenians are pursued not only in Constantinople, but in the vilayets, too.
The number of Armenians killed in the empire reaches 200000, and if this state of affairs lasts long, the nation will be entirely exterminated…
(A.M.A.E., Guerre 1914-1918, Turquie, tome 887, f. 179). A. Beylerian, les grandes puissances, l’empire ottoman et les armeniens dans les archives francaises (1914-1918), p. 58.
REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT ON THE MASSACRES OF THE ARMENIANS
DECEMBER, 1915
…The number of Armenians, who disappeared, were killed, forced to become islams, abducted during deportation of the Armenian population in Armenia and vilayets of Armenia, exceeds 500000.
Arrests are constant in Constantinople, the arrested are sent away from the capital without any guarantee of their security. They are merchants born in vilayets and settled in Constantinople for a long time. Some Armenians succeeded in getting permission for abandoning the ottoman territory by paying large sums, which sometimes exceeded 100000 francs, to the Turkish and even the German officials.
The entire Armenian population in turkey was finally condemned to death and this verdict was implemented in the empire according to the German method. Neither Germany, nor Austria did any attempts to stop their ally, their ambassadors in Constantinople come to nothing more than making memoranda, they didn’t make a step, and they will show the pieces of paper for justifying themselves on the day of giving account. The consuls of these two powers to the u.s.a. state that “it is an internal affair of turkey”. Moreover, German officers are dubious owners of the supreme class in the whole ottoman territory, they admitted measures implemented by the civic and military authorities. They couldn’t justify evil deeds of the gendarmes and the army…
(A.M.A.E., Guerre 1914-1918, Turquie, tome 887, ff. 250-254 v). A. Beylerian, les grandes puissances, l’empire ottoman et les armeniens dans les archives francaises (1914-1918), p. 151
M. MARCEL CACHIN, DEPUTY OF SENA TO MR. ARISTID BRIANDE, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL, THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER
PARIS, DECEMBER 19, 1915
According to the stories of reliable eye-witnesses, the massacres in their cruelty exceed the massacres of 1894-1895, and the year 1915 filled Armenia with blood…
…in 1915 one million of these unfortunate people were exterminated by Enver pasha, the former student of Berlin military academy with complicity of German officers and consuls. The foreign affairs committee of the chamber was informed by respectable Mr.Aharonyan about the new attempt of extermination of the whole nation. The tragic story of this prominent Armenian was confirmed by the reports of American and Swiss missionaries and consuls, and they are involved in the last book of honorable lord Bryce.
… nobody could remain indifferent to the martyrdom of this nation subjected to extermination. Despite these present misfortunes France will protest against these terrible crimes once again in accordance with its noble and tender traditions.
A.M.A.E., Guerre 1914-1918, Turquie, tome 887, ff. 244-245v). A. Beylerian, les grandes puissances, l’empire ottoman et les armeniens dans les archives francaises (1914-1918), p. 148
REPORT ON THE MASSACRE OF ARMENIANS IN CILICIA UNDER FRENCH ADMINISTRATION
Decypher, Admiral de Robeck, (Constantinople), March 7th, 1920. D. 4.20. p.m. March 7th. 1920. R. 5.45. p.m. March 8th. 1920. No.200. (R).
Following for Mr. Aneurin Williams M.P. is transmitted at request of W.A. Kennedy. Message begins. No. 5. Confirmation of news of Marash: 18,000 massacred in district: city burnt and without supplies and has not been relieved: 2,000 refugees have reached Adana: 13,000 women and children perished in snow-storm on way there: 8,000 Armenians still in Marash of whom many are wounded: Hadjia Zeitoun isolated: Adana, Tarsus not immediately threatened, but anxious and unsettled: no confidence of security in district. Message ends. I submit any appearance of official confirmation of this message should be guarded against. We have no information other than that already telegraphed. French, as previously stated, are very reticent but take the line that loss of life is to be ascribed to casualties incident to hostilities and subsequent withdrawal rather than to massacre.
Armenian Genocide Turkish Documents
Talaat Pasha's Official Orders Regarding the Armenian Massacres,
March 1915-January 1916
March 25th, 1915
To Djemal Bey, Delegate at Adana:
The duty of everyone is to effect on the broadest lines possible the realization of the noble project of wiping out of existence the well-known elements who for centuries have been the barrier to the empire's progress in civilization.
We must, therefore, take upon ourselves the entire responsibility, pledging ourselves to this action no matter what happens, and always remembering how great is the sacrifice which the Government has made in entering the World War. We must work so that the means used may lead to the desired end.
In our dispatch dated February 18th, we announced that the Djemiet has decided to uproot and annihilate the different forces which for centuries have been a hindrance; for this purpose it is forced to resort to very bloody methods. Certainly the contemplation of these methods horrified us, but the Djemiet saw no other way of insuring the stability of its work.
Ali Riza [Note: the committee delegate at Aleppo] harshly criticised us and urged that we be merciful; such simplicity is nothing short of stupidity. We will find a place for all those who will not cooperate with us, a place that will wring their delicate heartstrings.
Again let me remind you of the question of property left. This is very important. Watch its distribution with vigilance; always examine the accounts and the use made of the proceeds.
THE DJEMIET
September 3rd, 1915
To the Prefecture of Aleppo:
We advise that you include the woman and children also in the orders which have been previously prescribed as to be applied to the males of the intended persons. Select employees of confidence for these duties.
Minister of the Interior, TALAAT.
September 16th
To the Prefecture of Aleppo:
You have already been advised that the Government, by order of the Djemiet, has decided to destroy completely all the indicated persons [Armenians] living in Turkey.
All who oppose this decision and command cannot remain on the official staff of the empire.
Their existence must come to an end, however tragic the means may be; and no regard must be paid to either age or sex, or to conscientious scruples.
Minister of the Interior, TALAAT.
November 18th, 1915
To the Prefecture of Aleppo:
It appears, from the interventions which have recently been made by the American Ambassador [Note: Mr. Morgenthau] at Constantinople on behalf of his Government, that the American Consuls are obtaining information by some secret means. They remain unconvinced, despite our assurance that the deportations will be accomplished in safety and comfort.
Be careful that events which attract attention shall not occur in connection with those who are near cities and other centres. In view of our present policy, it is most important that foreigners who are in those parts shall be convinced that the expulsion of the Armenians is in reality only deportation.
Therefore it is necessary that a show of gentle dealing shall be made for a while, and the usual measures be taken in suitable places.
All persons who have given information to the contrary shall be arrested and handed over to the military authorities for trial by court-martial. This order is recommended as very important.
TALAAT.
December 11th, 1915
To the Prefecture of Aleppo:
We are informed that some correspondents of Armenian journals are acquiring photographs and letters which depict tragic events, and these they give to the American Consul at Aleppo.
Dangerous people of this kind must be arrested and suppressed.
Minister of the Interior,
TALAAT.
December 29th, 1915
To the Prefecture of Aleppo:
We are informed that foreign officers are finding along the roads the corpses of the indicated persons, and are photographing them.
Have these corpses buried at once and do not allow them to be left near the roads.
This order is recommended as very important.
Minister of the Interior,
TALAAT.
January 15th, 1916
To the Government of Aleppo:
We are informed that certain orphanages which have opened also admitted the children of the Armenians.
Should this be done through ignorance of our real purpose, or because of contempt of it, the Government will view the feeding of such children or any effort to prolong their lives as an act completely opposite to its purpose, since it regards the survival of these children as detrimental.
I recommend the orphanages not to receive such children; and no attempts are to be made to establish special orphanages for them.
Minister of the Interior,
TALAAT.
(Undated.)
From the Ministry of the Interior to the Governor of Aleppo:
Only those orphans who cannot remember the terrors to which their parents have been subjected must be collected and kept.
Send the rest away with the caravans.
Minister of the Interior,
TALAAT.
March 1915-January 1916
March 25th, 1915
To Djemal Bey, Delegate at Adana:
The duty of everyone is to effect on the broadest lines possible the realization of the noble project of wiping out of existence the well-known elements who for centuries have been the barrier to the empire's progress in civilization.
We must, therefore, take upon ourselves the entire responsibility, pledging ourselves to this action no matter what happens, and always remembering how great is the sacrifice which the Government has made in entering the World War. We must work so that the means used may lead to the desired end.
In our dispatch dated February 18th, we announced that the Djemiet has decided to uproot and annihilate the different forces which for centuries have been a hindrance; for this purpose it is forced to resort to very bloody methods. Certainly the contemplation of these methods horrified us, but the Djemiet saw no other way of insuring the stability of its work.
Ali Riza [Note: the committee delegate at Aleppo] harshly criticised us and urged that we be merciful; such simplicity is nothing short of stupidity. We will find a place for all those who will not cooperate with us, a place that will wring their delicate heartstrings.
Again let me remind you of the question of property left. This is very important. Watch its distribution with vigilance; always examine the accounts and the use made of the proceeds.
THE DJEMIET
September 3rd, 1915
To the Prefecture of Aleppo:
We advise that you include the woman and children also in the orders which have been previously prescribed as to be applied to the males of the intended persons. Select employees of confidence for these duties.
Minister of the Interior, TALAAT.
September 16th
To the Prefecture of Aleppo:
You have already been advised that the Government, by order of the Djemiet, has decided to destroy completely all the indicated persons [Armenians] living in Turkey.
All who oppose this decision and command cannot remain on the official staff of the empire.
Their existence must come to an end, however tragic the means may be; and no regard must be paid to either age or sex, or to conscientious scruples.
Minister of the Interior, TALAAT.
November 18th, 1915
To the Prefecture of Aleppo:
It appears, from the interventions which have recently been made by the American Ambassador [Note: Mr. Morgenthau] at Constantinople on behalf of his Government, that the American Consuls are obtaining information by some secret means. They remain unconvinced, despite our assurance that the deportations will be accomplished in safety and comfort.
Be careful that events which attract attention shall not occur in connection with those who are near cities and other centres. In view of our present policy, it is most important that foreigners who are in those parts shall be convinced that the expulsion of the Armenians is in reality only deportation.
Therefore it is necessary that a show of gentle dealing shall be made for a while, and the usual measures be taken in suitable places.
All persons who have given information to the contrary shall be arrested and handed over to the military authorities for trial by court-martial. This order is recommended as very important.
TALAAT.
December 11th, 1915
To the Prefecture of Aleppo:
We are informed that some correspondents of Armenian journals are acquiring photographs and letters which depict tragic events, and these they give to the American Consul at Aleppo.
Dangerous people of this kind must be arrested and suppressed.
Minister of the Interior,
TALAAT.
December 29th, 1915
To the Prefecture of Aleppo:
We are informed that foreign officers are finding along the roads the corpses of the indicated persons, and are photographing them.
Have these corpses buried at once and do not allow them to be left near the roads.
This order is recommended as very important.
Minister of the Interior,
TALAAT.
January 15th, 1916
To the Government of Aleppo:
We are informed that certain orphanages which have opened also admitted the children of the Armenians.
Should this be done through ignorance of our real purpose, or because of contempt of it, the Government will view the feeding of such children or any effort to prolong their lives as an act completely opposite to its purpose, since it regards the survival of these children as detrimental.
I recommend the orphanages not to receive such children; and no attempts are to be made to establish special orphanages for them.
Minister of the Interior,
TALAAT.
(Undated.)
From the Ministry of the Interior to the Governor of Aleppo:
Only those orphans who cannot remember the terrors to which their parents have been subjected must be collected and kept.
Send the rest away with the caravans.
Minister of the Interior,
TALAAT.