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Convention between the RSFSR and Turkey on repatriation - 1921

A source:  USSR foreign policy documents. Volume 4.page 32. Moscow. State Political Publishing House. 1960

March 28, 1921

Pursuant to Article XIII of the Treaty signed between Russia and Turkey on March 16, 1921 (1337), on the return of prisoners of war to their homeland, the undersigned, being duly authorized by their respective governments, have agreed as follows:

Article I

The contracting parties undertake to return to their homeland, as soon as possible, all prisoners of war, both military and civil, of the other party, who are on their territory.

It means that the prisoners in European Russia and the Caucasus must be returned to their homeland within three months, and those in Asian Russia - within six months, counting from the date of the signing of the Russian-Turkish Treaty on March 16, 1921.

Article II

It is envisaged that the mutual return of prisoners to their homeland is made at their request and forced return is in no case allowed.

The Prisoners' Registration Office will collect from military and civilian prisoners who have declared their unwillingness to return to their homeland, detailed information about their place of birth, their first and last name, their place of residence, their positions and their profession for reporting to the delegation of the other Party. provided for in Article IX of this Convention.

Article III

Prisoners have the right to return to their homeland for their families who were taken prisoner or declared prisoners at the same time as them, as well as their wives and children, insofar as this concerns families formed during the captivity. In the latter case, a necessary condition, however, is cohabitation.

In general, on the issue of returning families to their homeland, the provisions of Articles XXIV and XXV of the Treaty on Repatriation concluded between Russia and Poland on February 24, 1921 will be observed.

Article IV

The issue of exporting the property of prisoners is resolved in accordance with the provisions of Articles VII, VIII and IX of the Treaty of Repatriation concluded between Russia and Poland on February 24, 1921.

The families of prisoners of war returned to their homeland shall, by virtue of Article III of this Convention, enjoy the same rights as prisoners themselves with respect to the removal of their property.

Article V

The carriage of prisoners and their baggage to the transfer point shall be carried out within its territory by each of the Contracting Parties at the expense of the latter.

Each of the Contracting Parties will take care of the sanitary conditions and the provision of food for the prisoners within the limits of their territory during their journey home.

It is envisaged that each of the Contracting Parties has the right to use military and civilian prisoners until their return to their homeland as labor force, undertaking at the same time not to use them for particularly heavy work and for work that may in one way or another delay the return of prisoners to their homeland. ...

Article VI

Immediately after the signing of this Convention, all prisoners of pre-trial detention or convicted of any crime will be released to be sent home, except those convicted of murder or theft.

Delegations receive a list containing the names of all persons accused of a crime or convicted of murder and theft, with details of personal information about them, the type of crime they are charged with and the degree of punishment they are subject to.

Article VII

Within five months from the date of signature of this Convention, delegations must receive a list of deceased prisoners with all information about their name, surname, place of origin, disease or cause of death, as this information is at the disposal of the other Party.

Article VIII

Novorossiysk, Batum, Tuapse, Alexandropol for Russia and Inebolu, Trebizond and Alexandropol for Turkey are elected as transfer points of prisoners.

Article IX

It is agreed that each of the Parties shall appoint an official delegation of three members, whose task is to promote the effective implementation of this Convention, to provide assistance and support to prisoners, to monitor the implementation of articles of both this Convention and agreements that may subsequently be concluded on the same issue.

The members of this delegation will be guaranteed diplomatic immunity during their stay in the capital of the country where they are located, as well as during their movement through the territory of that country.

Each of the Parties undertakes to recognize for the official delegates authorized to handle the case of returning prisoners to their homeland the right:

Relations with your Embassy and Government.

Visits to all places of detention of prisoners. Local authorities have the right, if they find fit, to accompany delegates during these visits.

In case of need, providing assistance to the prisoners with money, clothing and food.

By agreement with the authority in charge of evacuation to another country, the use of all means to inform the prisoners on the issue of returning to their homeland. This concept means the posting of announcements drawn up in the language of prisoners and the placement of official news in the press.

Use of official seals.

Article X

This Convention shall be published in the capital no later than ten days, and in the province no later than one month from the date of its signing.

Article XI

This Convention is not subject to ratification and shall enter into force from the date of its signature.

Done in Moscow, in duplicate on March 28, 1921 (1337).

On behalf of Russia: I. Yakubovich, A. Sabanin, A. Yastrebov

On behalf of Turkey: Sefi, Savfet, Zia Midhad

 Publ. in the "Collection of Legalizations ..." No. 43, July 2, 1921, pp. 245-246.

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