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  Selected Secret Documents from Soviet Foreign Policy Documents Archives - 1919 to 1941

Concentrated on 1st and  2nd WW Correspondence and Meetings related to Turkey, Balkans and Iran, with some additions from Afghanistan and India.

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Note of the peopleʹs commissar for foreign affairs of the RSFSR to the ambassador of Turkey to the RSFSR Ali Fuad.

April 8, 1921 no. 11/568

Mr. Ambassador,

I cannot hide from you my deep surprise, which I experienced when I  read the statements of the minister of war of the government of the grand national assembly of Turkey Kemal Fevzi pasha, which I  was informed about from Trapezoid in the newsletter. The minister of war declares, in particular, that the Turkish army of the eastern front, while remaining in the Caucasus, should serve as an element of balance there. It is difficult for me to understand which other military force the Turkish army of the eastern front is intended to oppose to restore the balance of power in the Caucasus. Since the only other military force in the area is the united red armies of the Soviet republics, the conclusion is that, in the opinion of the minister of war, the Turkish army should serve as an element hostile to the Soviet forces and intended to be a counterbalance to their military power.

In the same statement, the minister of war says that the part of Armenia that is still under the occupation of Turkish troops will be evacuated only after the entry into force of the treaty of Alexandropol. Let me remind you that the treaty of Alexandropol was concluded with the Dashnak government at the time when the Armenian Soviet government was already proclaimed, and that it was not ratified, although, according to the text of this treaty, ratification within a month was a condition of its entry into force ... But even if we leave this consideration aside, then all the main provisions of the treaty of Alexandropol were canceled in part by the Moscow treaty, in part by statements by two delegations about the preservation of the right of absolute and complete sovereignty of the Soviet republics. To wish for the fulfillment of the treaty of Alexandropol is tantamount to annulling the Moscow treaty. Therefore, Mr. Ambassador, it would be extremely important for me to get clarifications from you in connection with the above‐mentioned statements by the minister of war of your government.

I take this opportunity to remind you that it is imperative to achieve the urgent evacuation of Alexandropol by Turkish troops in order to avoid the unfortunate consequences of the continued occupation of this city by the Turks.

Please accept, Mr. Ambassador, my sincere assurances of my highest consideration. Chicherin

Print. By architect.

To this note, Ali Fuad received a reply from April 10, 1921, no. 280, which, in particular, said:

“the statements attributed to the military commissioner of my government, which I am not yet aware of, appear to have been made before the announcement of the establishment of a new communist government in Erivan was received in angora. Putting facts and dates in their proper place in this way, it is clear that the above‐mentioned statements only express views that are resolutely directed against imperialism and, therefore, favorable for the Soviet armed forces.

As for the question of the need to evacuate the territories on this side of the border line established by the Russian‐Turkish treaty, I  already had the honor to give Mr. Komisar an answer regarding this in my letter dated April 10, 1921, no. 274.

During the negotiations at the Moscow conference, the Turkish delegation repeatedly explained the circumstances and decisive motives that dominated the conclusion of the treaty of Alexandropol with Armenia. And during the same negotiations we expressed to the Russian delegation our firm hope that after the disappearance of all factors that disturb and peace, and the coming to power of a truly Soviet Armenian government, all articles and conditions included in this treaty to ensure our security against aggressive elements will be canceled. At the present time, I have the same hope. In addition, I officially declare that the provisions of the Russian‐Turkish treaty, which is the result of the conference, which concern the Soviet republics, are clear and final.

I have sent to my government all messages that have been made to me by Mr. Commissioner. Nevertheless, in view of the fact that Mr. Komisar often manages to deal with angora faster than the Turkish embassy, I allow myself to suggest to him the idea of discussing this issue directly with angora through the intermediary of comrade Mdivani as the fastest way to resolve this issue.

In this case, I have the honor, Mr. Commissioner, to repeat to you once again that the friendship and good intentions of Turkey towards Soviet Russia, as well as the fraternal republics with strong ties to it, are deep and unchanging.

Assuring you that the future will fully confirm my present statements and precedents, I have the honor to ask you, Mr. Commissioner, to accept the assurances of my highest consideration. ʺ