Note from the People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs of the Armenian SSR to the Commissar for Foreign Affairs of the Government of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey Yusuf Kemal.

 A source: USSR foreign policy documents. Volume 4. p. 292. Moscow. Gospolitizdat. 1960

Transmitted by telegraph on August 24, 1921 No. 6781

The Government of the Socialist Soviet Republic of Armenia considers the final settlement of relations between Soviet Armenia and Turkey on a firm treaty basis timely. Due to the close political and economic ties between the Transcaucasian Soviet Republics, we consider it expedient that the treaty between Soviet Armenia and Turkey be developed at a conference convened [in] the near future between Turkey and the rest of the Transcaucasian Republics with the participation of representatives of the RSFSR. The finding of power in the hands, on the one hand, of the Workers 'and Peasants' Soviet Government, and on the other hand, of the Revolutionary Government of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, is a simple guarantee that these Governments, free from the stupid chauvinism and blind mutual hatred of their predecessors, will be able to find a fair solution to all the issues that seemed insoluble for wise European diplomacy, and thus smooth over the traces of that struggle and mutual hatred of the two neighboring peoples, skillfully and maliciously fueled by imperialist diplomacy. The most pressing issues of both sides imperiously dictate to us peaceful cohabitation and complete mutual trust.

The Government of Soviet Armenia cherishes the hope that the Government of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey also shares our point of view and will not refuse to inform us about its consent.

Please accept the assurance of perfect respect for you.

People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs

Mravyan

 To this note, the following reply was received from Yusuf Kemal on August 30, 1921:

“I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your telegram of August 24, no. 6781, and at the same time to inform you of the assumptions and details regarding the future conference in Kars.

In order to reflect in the treaties to be concluded with the Transcaucasian Soviet Republics the provisions set forth in the Moscow treaty concerning these republics, my Government was back at the beginning of July this year. g. invited the Governments of the above-mentioned republics to the conference, the draft of which was developed in Baku and Tiflis during my stay in these cities in the spring upon my return from Moscow.

Your telegram of August 24 made me understand that the Government of Soviet Armenia is completely in agreement with us and also believes that the future conference in Kars represents a convenient opportunity to finally settle relations between Turkey and Soviet Armenia.

It would not be useless to add that I fully share your point of view regarding the need for our two peoples to live in the future in full harmony and forget all their previous feuds, the seeds of which, as you rightly noted, were sown by the imperialist powers who took advantage of our strife.

The government of Soviet Russia, as you already know, will also send its delegates to Kars in order to fulfill the obligations under the Moscow Treaty, and will make the necessary representations for the Transcaucasian Republics to conclude treaties with Turkey in accordance with the terms of the Moscow Treaty.

The Turkish delegation in Kars will be chaired by Kazim Karabekir Pasha, the commander of our Eastern Army and the deputy from Adrianople in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, consisting of: Velibey, the deputy from Vurdur, Memduh Shevket-bey, the plenipotentiary of Turkey in Baku, and Mukhtar-bey, chief engineer for the construction of the Anatolian railways, a former deputy and former secretary of state in the Commissariat of Public Works.

We have proposed the last week of September for the convening of this conference and we would be grateful if you would tell us as soon as possible the composition of the delegation that would represent Soviet Armenia, as well as your agreement on the proposed date,

While waiting for your answer, please accept, Mr. Commissioner, the assurance of my highest consideration. "