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Armenian Joint Resolution (1990) [1]
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Records of the White House Office of the Chief of Staff to the President (George H. W. Bush Administration)
John Sununu Issues Files
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Originally Processed With FOIA(s):
FOIA Number:
1998-0004-F[1]
S
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
Collection/Office of Origin: Chief of Staff, White House Office of
Series:
Sununu, John, Files
Subseries:
Issues Files
OA/ID Number:
29135
Folder ID Number:
29135-007
Folder Title:
Armenian Joint Resolution (1990) [1]
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
G
15
24
6
1
Withdrawal/Redaction Sheet
(George Bush Library)
Doc. No. / Type
Subject/Title
Date
Restriction
Classification
01. Resolution
Alternative Congressional Resolution
11/07/89
P-5.
Re: Armenian Anniversary (1 pp.)
02a. Memo
From Robert L. Hutchings to Brent Scowcroft
11/6/89
(b)(1)
Re: Armenian Proclamation (1 pp.)
02b. Statement
Re: Armenia (1 pp.)
n.d.
(b)(1)
Page 1 of 1
Collection:
Record Group:
Bush Presidential Records
Office:
Chief of Staff, White House Office of
Series:
Sununu, John, Files
Subseries:
Issues Files
WHORM Cat.:
File Location:
Armenian Joint Resolution (1990) [1]
Pinksheet Number:
KO0614
OA/ID Number:
29135-007
Date Closed:
12/7/2004
FOIA/Sys Case #:
1998-0004-F[1]
Re-review Case #:
2005-0426-S
P-2/P-5 Review Case #:
TRANSMITTED FROM 202 225 3341
02.15.90 12:11 P.02 *PASHAYAN WDC
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives in
Congress assembled, That April 24, 1990, is designated as
"Armenian Martyrs' Day," commemorating the seventy-fifth
anniversary of the systematic destruction of the Armenian people
in the period from 1915 to 1923. Congress calls on the people of
the United States to join the millions of Armenian and other
people around the world who commemorate every April 24th as the
anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, a day of rememberance of
the one-and-one-half million Armenian people who were the victims
of the Government of the Ottoman Empire of that period, prior to
the establishment of the Republic of Turkey.
KARL SAMUELIAN VERSION 2/6/90
JOINT RESOLUTION
RESOLVED, by the Senate and House of
Representatives of the United States of America in Congress
assembled, That April 24, 1990 is designated as "National Day
of Remembrance of the Seventy-Fifth Anniversary of the
Tragic
Genocide of Armenians in 1915-23." The President is
Inhumane
requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of
the United States to join the millions of Armenians around
Massures
the world and others in the international community in a day
of remembrance for the 1.5 million Armenian people who were
victims during this tragic period, prior to the establishment
of the current Republic of Turkey.
The Congress is deeply aware of the terrible
suffering of the Armenian people during that period and of
the strong conviction of the survivors, scholars and indeed
our own representative at the time, that those events
constituted a genocide.
The United States responded to the anguish of the
Armenian people during this period, prior to the
establishment of the Republic of Turkey, by leading the
international diplomatic and missionary efforts to terminate
the tragedy and to aid the millions of victims, including
those who died and those who survived.
In commemorating the Armenian and other victims of
this tragic period, the Senate and House of Representatives
also wish to emphasize that the United States is committed as
friend and ally to respect and support the territorial
integrity of the Republic of Turkey. The Congress calls upon
the Republic of Turkey to open immediately to all legitimate
scholars all the archives it possesses covering the period
1915-23.
This resolution also memorializes the three
thousand year old history of the Armenian people which has
been distinguished by their contributions to all fields of
endeavor and their capacity to endure immeasurable adversity,
along with their triumphs, and shall be commemorated by all
Armenians and their friends throughout the world.
SCOWCROFT
JOINT RESOLUTION
ASAP
Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives in
Congress assembled, That April 24, 1990, is designated as
"Armenian Martyr's Day," commemorating the seventy-fifth
anniversary of the systematic destruction and deportation of the
Armenian people in the period from 1915 to 1923. Congress calls
on the people of the United States to join the millions of
no
Armenian and other people around the world who commemorate April
24 as the anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, a day of
rememberance of for the grof. one-and-one-half million Armenian people who
Imprice of
were the victims of that period, prior to the establishment of
the Republic of Turkey.
of otton Empire
with #2 11 side by side"
with
02.08.90 12:57 P.02 *PASHAYAN WDC
TRANSMITTED FROM 202 225 3341
TO
Concurrent
SCOWCROFT
JOINT RESOLUTION
ASAP
Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives in
Congress assembled, That April 24, 1990, is designated as
"Armenian Martyr's Day," commemorating the seventy-fifth
anniversary of the systematic destruction and deportation of the
Armenian people in the period from 1915 to 1923. Congress calls
on the people of the United States to join the millions of
Armenian and other people around the world who commemorate April
24 as the anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, a day of
rememberance for the one-and-one-half million Armenian people who
were the victims of that period, prior to the establishment of
the Republic of Turkey.
with #2 " side by side"
with
R. JT-res.
02.08.90 12:57 P.02 *PASHAYAN WDC
TRANSMITTED FROM 202 225 3341
KARL SAMUELIAN VERSION 2/6/90
JOINT RESOLUTION
RESOLVED, by the Senate and House of
Representatives of the United States of America in Congress
assembled, That April 24, 1990 is designated as "National Day
of Remembrance of the Seventy-Fifth Anniversary of the
Tragic &
Genocide of Armenians in 1915-23." The President is
Inhumance
requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of
the United States to join the millions of Armenians around
Massures
the world and others in the international community in a day
of remembrance for the 1.5 million Armenian people who were
victims during this tragic period, prior to the establishment
of the current Republic of Turkey.
The Congress is deeply aware of the terrible
suffering of the Armenian people during that period and of
the strong conviction of the survivors, scholars and indeed
our own representative at the time, that those events
constituted a genocide.
The United States responded to the anguish of the
Armenian people during this period, prior to the
establishment of the Republic of Turkey, by leading the
international diplomatic and missionary efforts to terminate
the tragedy and to aid the millions of victims, including
those who died and those who survived.
In commemorating the Armenian and other victims of
this tragic period, the Senate and House of Representatives
also wish to emphasize that the United States is committed as
friend and ally to respect and support the territorial
integrity of the Republic of Turkey. The Congress calls upon
the Republic of Turkey to open immediately to all legitimate
scholars all the archives it possesses covering the period
1915-23.
This resolution also memorializes the three
thousand year old history of the Armenian people which has
been distinguished by their contributions to all fields of
endeavor and their capacity to endure immeasurable adversity,
along with their triumphs, and shall be commemorated by all
Armenians and their friends throughout the world.
GEORGE BUSH
October 11, 1988
EXHIBIT 44
Mr. Hirair Hovnanian
(2 pages)
1433 Hooper Avenue
Tom's River, New Jersey 08753
Dear Hirair:
Many thanks for your letter of September 20. We took
your good advice and had Andrew Falkiewicz of the campaign staff
work very closely with Barry Zorthian to pull together responses
to the important questions contained in your letter and the
questionnaire from the Armenian Assembly. Those answers are in
your hands by now. I believe they make the playing field level
and hope that they will be useful to your efforts, for which I
give you my continued thanks.
The demands of the campaign are heavy, but I am very
optimistic. With the support of wonderful people like you, I
feel most confident about the future.
With warm regards,
Sincerely,
George Bush
May thanks.
June 30, 1988
The Honorable Charles Pashayan, Jr.
United States House of Representatives
129 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Chip:
I am pleased to learn of your interest in the Genocide
Convention Implementation Act and want you to know that I fully
support a prompt favorable vote in congress this year on
legislation to put the Genocide Convention into effect.
As you know, on April 25, 1988, the House by voice
vote passed the Genocide Convention Implementation Act of 1988,
H.R. 4243. In the Senate, the Judiciary Committee on May 9,
1988, reported the Proxmire Act, S. 1851, with a Senate floor
vote to be scheduled soon.
It has been almost 40 years since the United States
signed the Genocide Convention, on December 11, 1948, signifying
its agreement with the Convention and its intention of ratifying
it. In 1984 Ronald Reagan and I supported the Senate's approval
of the Treaty. It is now appropriate to pass the necessary
implementing legislation.
This country should go on record in saying "Never
Again" to the dehumanizing crime of Genocide. More than that,
we must actively oppose any attempt by any government at any
place to destroy a people because of their race, religion, or
culture. Our society and our government are founded on the
moral values that this Convention seeks to protect: the dignity
of every individual person and the sanctity of human life.
Moreover, we should not allow the Soviets or others to excuse
their own conduct by reference to the lack of our name on this
convention.
Finally, we must consciously and conscientiously
recognize the genocides of the past ----- the enormous tragedies
that have darkened this century and that haunt us still. We
must not only commemorate the courage of the victims and of
their survivors, but we must also remind ourselves that
civilization cannot be taken for granted. It was a great
American philosopher, George Santayana, who taught us that those
who forget the past are condemned to relive it.
We must all be vigilant against this most heinous
crime against humanity.
Sincerely,
Cuy George Bush Bush
LEHN
Gous prior
CONCURRENT
version
1.5 Million
1 A
RESOLVED, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assambled, That April 24,
1990 is designated as "National Day of Remembrance of the
Seventy-Fifth Anniversary of the Tragic-Killing of Armenians in
1915-23," and the President is requested to issue
a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to
join the millions of Armenians around the world in a day of
remembrance for the Armenian people who were viotims during this
tragic period.
We are deeply aware of the terrible suffering of the
Armenian people during that period and of their strong conviction
of
that those events were a genocide. The United States responded
to the anguish of the Armenian people during this period, prior
many
to the establishment of the government of Turkey, by leading the
international diplomatic and missionary efforts to terminate the
tragedy and to aid the millions of victims who survived.
In commemorating the Armenian and other victims of this
tragic period, the Senate and House of Representatives also wish
to emphasize that the United States is planiyed as friend and ally
to
desend. the territorial integrity of the Republic of Turkey,
and that the United States condemns any terrorist violence
perpetrated against Turkey
This resolution also memorializes the three thousand year
old history of the Armenian people which has been distinguished
by their contributions to all fields of endeavor and their
capacity to endure immeasurable adversity, along with their
triumph, and shall be commemorated by all Armenians and their
friends throughout the world.
commitees
Republic
and others in the international
community, who believe these
respect
events consti tute a genocide
Extended Page 2.1
and
0
SUPPERT
The congress calls upon the
Republic of Twikey to open immediated C
to all, legitimate scholars
all the archers it possesses
consering the period 191523
HRMENING
JOINT RESOLUTION
Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives in
Congress assembled, That April 24, 1990, is designated as
"Armenian Martyr's Day," commemorating the seventy-fifth
anniversary of the systematic massacres of the Armenian people in
the period from 1915 to 1923. Congress calls on the people of
the United States to join the millions of Armenian and other
people around the world who commemorate April 24 as the
anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, a day of rememberance for
the one-and-one-half million Armenian people who were the victims
of that period, prior to the establishment of the Republic of
Turkey.
This Resolution also memorializes the three-thousand-year
history of the Armenian people, the first people to adopt
Christianity as a national religion, which history not only
reflects distinction in all fields of human achievement but also
the tragic suffering and triumphant rebirth of the Armenian
people throughout the world.
KARL SAMUELIAN VERSION 2/6/90
JOINT RESOLUTION
RESOLVED, by the Senate and House of
Representatives of the United States of America in Congress
assembled, That April 24, 1990 is designated as "National Day
of Remembrance of the Seventy-Fifth Anniversary of the
Genocide of Armenians in 1915-23." The President is
requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of
the United States to join the millions of Armenians around
the world and others in the international community in a day
of remembrance for the 1.5 million Armenian people who were
victims during this tragic period, prior to the establishment
of the current Republic of Turkey.
The Congress is deeply aware of the terrible
suffering of the Armenian people during that period and of
the strong conviction of the survivors, scholars and indeed
our own representative at the time, that those events
constituted a genocide.
The United States responded to the anguish of the
Armenian people during this period, prior to the
establishment of the Republic of Turkey, by leading the
international diplomatic and missionary efforts to terminate
the tragedy and to aid the millions of victims, including
those who died and those who survived.
In commemorating the Armenian and other victims of
this tragic period, the Senate and House of Representatives
also wish to emphasize that the United States is committed as
friend and ally to respect and support the territorial
integrity of the Republic of Turkey. The Congress calls upon
the Republic of Turkey to open immediately to all legitimate
scholars all the archives it possesses covering the period
1915-23.
This resolution also memorializes the three
thousand year old history of the Armenian people which has
been distinguished by their contributions to all fields of
endeavor and their capacity to endure immeasurable adversity,
along with their triumphs, and shall be commemorated by all
Armenians and their friends throughout the world.
TE
UNCLASSIFIED
WHITE HOUSE SITUATION ROOM
PAGE 01 OF 02
PRT: SIT SUNUNU
SIT: BLACKWILL HUTCHINGS SIT SUM VAX
<PREC> IMMEDIATE <CLAS> UNCLASSIFIED <DTG> 101129Z FEB 90
FM AMEMBASSY ANKARA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 1498
INFO RUFLEPA/AMCONSUL ADANA IMMEDIATE 8137
RUFHIT/AMCONSUL ISTANBUL IMMEDIATE 6075
RUFHIZ/AMCONSUL IZMIR IMMEDIATE 0501
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC
RUEKJCS/JCS WASHDC
RHFQAAA/CINCUSAFE RAMSTEIN AB GE//POLAD//
UNCLAS ANKARA 02143
E.0. 12356: N/A
TAGS: PREL, US, TU
SUBJECT: ARMENIAN GENOCIDE BILL
1. FEBRUARY 10 "MILLIYET" REPORTS (DATELINED
WASHINGTON) WHITE HOUSE CHIEF OF STAFF SUNUNU HAS
RESUMED NEGOTIATIONS WITH SENATOR DOLE OVER COMPROMISE
LANGUAGE FOR THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE BILL. ACCORDING TO
"MILLIYET," NEGOTIATIONS CONTINUED DURING THE PAST WEEK
IN CALIFORNIA AND INCLUDED A MEETING BETWEEN PRESIDENT
BUSH AND GOVERNOR DEUKMEJIAN. QUOTING BOTH
ADMINISTRATION AND CONGRESSIONAL SOURCES, "MILLIYET"
PREDICTS THE COMPROMISE BILL WILL COME TO THE FLOOR OF
THE SENATE DURING THE WEEEK OF FEBRUARY 19.
2. "MILLIYET," QUOTING THE SAME SOURCES, SUGGESTS THE
COMPROMISE LANGUAGE WILL INVOLVE SOME VARIANT OF THE
FOLLOWING TEXT:
DURING THE YEARS 1915-1923, ON THE TERRITORY OF THE
OTTOMAN EMPIRE, A NUMBER OF TRAGIC INCIDENTS OCCURED.
IN THE COURSE OF THESE INCIDENTS, ACCORDING TO SOME
PEOPLE, HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF ARMENIANS HAVE BEEN
UNCLASSIFIED
ATE
UNCLASSIFIED
WHITE HOUSE SITUATION ROOM
PAGE 02 OF 02
MASSACRED.
ABRAMOWITZ
BT
#2143
UNCLASSIFIED
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
14-Feb-1990 15:32 EDT
UNCLASSIFIED
MEMORANDUM FOR:
Virginia A. Lampley
( LAMPLEY )
FROM:
E. Bret Coulson
(COULSON)
SUBJECT:
Armenian Resolutions
97th Congress (1981-83) : No legislation
98th Congress (1983-85) : SRes124 (died in cmte), HRes171 (died in
cmte), HRes587 (died in cmte), SRes241 (reported from cmte)
99th Congress (1985-87) : HJRes37 (died in cmte), SJRes101 (died
in cmte), HRes142 (died in cmte), HJRes192 (suspension of rules
defeated, unfinished business)
100th Congress (1987-89) : SJRes43 (died in cmte), HJRes132 (rule
defeated)
101st Congress (1989-1991) : HJRes36 (in cmte), SJRes212 (reported
from cmte), HJRes417 (in cmte)
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
The Congress of the United States established the United States Holocanst
Memerial Council 11: Credit 3 living memorial to the victims of the Nari
Holecaust 115 purpose: So mankind will never lose memory of that termits
mement in time when the awful specific of death cumps stained the history of
our world.
When America and its allies liberated those haunting places of terror and sick
destructiveness. the world came to a vivid and tracic understanding of the evil
it feced in those years of the Second World War. Each of those names-
Auschwitz. Buchenwald, Dachau. Trablinka and so many' others-became
synonymous with herror.
The millions of deaths. the gas chambers. the inhuman crematoria. and the
thousands of people who somehow survived with lifetime scars are all now
part of the conscience of history. Forever must we remember just how
predious
is
civilization
important
is
liberty.
and
Like the sprocide of the Armenians before it. and the genocide of the
Cambodiars which followed it-and like too many other such persecutions of
100 many other peonles-the lessons of the Holocaust must never be forcotten.
As part of Is mandate. the Holocaust Memorial Council has been directed to
designate annual Days of Remembrance as a national. civic commemeration
of the Holacaust. and to encourage and sponsor appropriate observances
throughout the United States. This year. the national Days of Remembrance
will be obs irved on April 26 through May 3.
NOW. THEREFORE I. RONALD REAGAN. President of the United States of
America. d. hereby ask the people of the United States to observe this solemn
anniversary of the liberatic of the Nazi death camps. with appropriate study.
prayers ant commemoration. as a tribute to the spirit of freedom and justice
which Ame Scans fought so hard and well to preserve
IN WITNESS WHEREOF. I have hereunto set my hand this 22nd day of April.
in the year of our Lord nincteen hundred and eighty-one. and of the independ-
ence of the United States of America the two hundred and fifth
Ronald Reagon
IFR Doc. 81-12627
Filed +- 10.52 am!
on-ie
which has gone on in Lebanon for the past decade. The resulting death toll among
both Muslim and Christian communities of the region was immense, but much more
remains to be discovered before historians will be able to sort out precisely
responsibility between warring and innocent, and to identify the causes for the
events which resulted in the death or removal of large numbers of the eas'
Anatolian population, Christian and Muslim alike.
The signers conclude:
By passing (this) resolution, Congress will be attempting to determine by legislation
which side of a historical question is correct.
I share the anguish of the Armenian peple. Countless numbers of them were clearly
killed in a cruel and barbarous fashion during the period of time covered by this resolution.
But there were also countless numbers of Muslims who were killed in a cruel and
barbarous fashion as well. My opposition to this resolution in no way represents
indifference on my part to the suffering of the Armenian people or their desire to achieve
recognition of this tragic series of events. In the long history of man's inhumanity to man
this is but one of many tragedies which we need to recall in order to sensitize ourse
and prevent further such episodes.
In addition to these troubling questions, in recent years over 50 Turkish diplomats have
been murdered by Armenian terrorists. The terrorists have claimed revenge for the events
of many years ago as the rationale for their actions. Passage of this resolution, even though
it were not so intended, would be interpreted by these terrorists as vindication of and
support for their heinous crimes. And it would be seen in Turkey as an expression of
American insensitivity to continuing consequences of events which took place 70 years
DOCL
ago.
Source
If we are going to adopt a resolution which could jeopardize our relations with an
Letter
important ally, and thus put at risk vital American national security interests, we need
Honor
be absolutely convinced of the textural accuracy of that resolution. Even then there mig.
Secret
be persuasive arguments against the resolution, but we would at least know that we has
U.S. H
acted on the basis of an unambiguous historical truth and in response to a compelling
moral imperative. But for us to adopt a resolution which is likely to have the
counterproductive consequences of this one, after its textural accuracy has been
challenged by many of the leading scholars in the nation, would be both reckless and
wrong.
STEPHEN J. SOLARZ.
DOCUMENT LX
THE SECRETARY OF STATE
WASHINGTON
Source:
July 31, 1987, letter from the U.S.
Secretary of State, the Honorable George
July 31, 1987
P. Shultz. to Congressman Frank Horton.
Dear Mr. Horton:
Your letter concerning the Armenian genocide resolution recently passed by the
European Parliament is very timely. It has particular relevance, as you know, to HR
Resolution 132 and SJ Resolution 43, which are currently under consideration by the
DOC
Congress.
As you correctly state, only a small minority of the parliamentarians took part in
Sourc
voting on this issue in the European Parliament (EP) last June. The resolution was support
Augu:
by about 145 (28%) of the Parliament's 518 members although, since the final vote was
'Press
on a show of hands, an exact count is not available. In all, about 150 members or less than
Turk
one third of the total EP membership participated in the vote.
In addition to most of the French members and all of the Greek members, a majority
of Communists, Socialists and Greens voted for the resolution. Some moderate socialists
did: not participate and others abstained. Of the remaining EP parliamentarians, we
understand that three center-right political groups-comprising approximately one half of
all EP members-refused to participate in either the debate or the vote on the grounds that
the European Parliament should not make historical judgments.
162
mong
The turopean Paniament does the governments
more
of the Community, which includes 11 NATO members. The European Parliament is a
cisely
directly elected body and therefore, reflects the diversity of political opinion in its member
ir the
states.
istern
The British government made this clear in a Foreign Office press briefing during the July
5-7 visit of Turkish Foreign Minister Halefoglu. The Foreign Office spokesman said that the
UK Secretary of State had assured Minister Halefoglu that Her Majesty's Government (HMG)
was not associated with the recent European Parliament Armenian Resolution. He pointed
ation
out that the European Parliament did not speak for EC member states and that the member
states had no responsibility for the views expressed by the European Parliament, an
early
independent elected body. He added that the European Parliament had passed resolutions
stion.
in the past which were unwelcome to HMG.
and
I thank you for your letter and for your concern over this issue. In the hope that it may
sents
be of assistance to you, I enclose a statement of this Department's views on the Armenian
hieve
Resolution currently before the Congress.
man
elves
Sincerely yours,
George P. Shultz
have
vents
ough
and
on of
DOCUMENT LXI
THE SECRETARY OF STATE
vears
WASHINGTON
Source:
an
Letter of August 4, 1987, from the
ed to
August 4, 1987
Honorable George P. Shultz, U.S.
night
Secretary of State, to all members of the
had
U.S. House of Representatives.
I am writing to urge that you vote against H.J. Res. 132. the so-called "Armenian
elling
Resolution," when it comes before the House for a vote.
the
This Resolution, which deals with a tragic page in the history of the Ottoman Empire, will
been
have a severely negative impact on our country's relations with a major ally and friend,
and
modern-day Turkey. If passed, the Resolution would seriously damage the NATO Alliance.
There are important American national security interests involved in our friendship with
Turkey, whose government and people are offended by this Resolution. While I do not
doubt the motives of the sponsors of this Resolution, I believe its passage will be used to
justify the acts of Armenian terrorists who, since 1975, have murdered more than 45 Turkish
diplomats. I am confident that we are all determined to defeat international terrorism.
Because I believe there are compelling national interest reasons for voting against H.J.
Res. 132, I urge that you cast your vote against it.
Sincerely yours,
George P. Shultz
the
HR
the
DOCUMENT: LXII
Department of State Press Statement
August 3, 1987
Turkey: Armenian Resolution
Source:
the
August 3, 1987, U.S. Department of State
The House Rules Committee August 3 reported out H.J. Res. 132, also known as the
rted
'Press Statement' entitled:
Armenian Resolution. The Administration is strongly opposed, to this resolution.
was
Turkey:Armenian Resolution.'
han
Turkey is a major ally of the United States and a key member of NATO. Our country
has major national security interests in this relationship. The resolution, which is seen in
Turkey by voters and leaders as a gratuitous insult to Turkey, endangers those interests.
prity
lists
Nobody wishes to deny the suffering of the Armenians who resided in eastern Anatolia
we
where the Christian and Moslem population suffered great deprivation and death during
f of
the First World War. However, there is a question whether the United States should
that
legislate historical judgment of events in another nation when there is debate about the
events among reputable scholars.
163
We are all associated in the fight against international terrorism, the Administration
does not doubt the sincere motives of the sponsors of this resolution. However, we
believe that Armenian terrorists who have been responsible for the murder of 45 Turkish
diplomats since 1975 will use the resolution to justify their acts.
The Administration hopes that the House membership will take these importa
concerns into account and reject H.J. Res. 132.
DOCUMENT LXIII
Dear Congressman,
You will soon be asked to vote on HJ Res. 132 falsely characterizing the intercommunal
Source:
August 3, 1987, letter from Ambassador
warfare and accompanying human tragedy of the First World War in the Ottoman Empire's
Eastern Anatolian region as a "genocide" against the Empire's Armenian citizens.
Sükrü Elekdağ, Turkey's, representative in
Washington, D.C., to all members of the
Statements by the President of the Turkish Republic, the Prime Minister and the leadc
DOCU
U.S. House of Representatives
of all the political parties represented in the Turkish Parliament show clearly that ti,
passage of this resolution by the United States Congress will inevitably and irreparab:
Source:
damage Turkish-American relations and cooperation.
August
These foreseeable reactions stem from the fact that the Turkish people as a whole and
Özal, P
the Turkish body politic view the charge contained in the resolution as not only historically
Honoro
unfounded but also as a direct insult to and defamation of the Turkish people. The great
the U.S
majority of American scholars on Ottoman history challenge the "genocide" charge and
have asked the Congress not to legislate faulty history.
Furthermore, Armenian terrorists claiming revenge for the misrepresented events of 73
years ago as a rationale for thier heinous crimes, have murdered more than 70 innocent
people around the world, including 40 Turkish diplomats.
Consequently, the Turkish public justifiably believes that the passage of this resolutio.
will be interpreted by these terrorists not only as a legitimization and vindication of their
crimes by the United States Congress, but also as an encouragement for continuing their
murderous campaign.
As recent events have clearly demonstrated, this sort of resolution will inevitably fuel
international terrorism against Turkey. The resolution's passage will be seen by Turks as
a product of American insensitivity toward Turkish lives which are at risk because of
Armenian terrorism. In addition to casting doubt on the credibility of the United States'
commitment to combat international terrorism, this will also seriously alienate the Turkish
nation from the United States.
Likewise, in view of territorial demands advanced by the Armenian terrorists and
"mainstream" Armenian groups as well, the Turkish people will view the passage of
resolution as a vote for the dismemberment of the Turkish Republic, your strategically
important NATO ally.
I am sure you must understand that no representative government will be able to
mitigate or ignore the wave of public outrage the passage of this measure is certain to
generate.
Contrary to the claims advanced by its proponents, HJ Res. 132 is not merely a symbolic
gesture on behalf of a particular American ethnic group. It is in fact a measure with serious
and long term foreign policy implications for the United States and the Western alliance.
Advocates of HJ Res. 132, advance the argument that the European Parliament
recently acknowledged the veracity of Armenian allegations. Nothing could be fun
from the truth.
Only 68 members of the 518-member European Parliament supported the paragraph
DOCU
regarding Armenian allegations. Almost all of these were communist party members,
extreme left wing socialists, Greens, and Greek Parliamentarians, all of whom are
Source:
consistently hostile toward Turkey. Over two-thirds of the Parliamentarians boycotted the
Telegra
debate and the vote on the grounds that the European Parliament had no business
the U.S
discussing historically controversial cases or on passing historical judgments.
by Mr.
Assemb
Already the Governments of Great Britain and West Germany have officially
Associa
disassociated themselves from the actions of the European Parliament which, according 10
164
THE VICE PRESIDENT
WASHINGTON
August 12, 1988
Mr. Sakip Sabanoi
F.K. 643 80005
Salipazan
Istanbul, Turkey
Dear Mr. Sabanci:
Thank you for your letter expressing your views
regarding the deaths of Avmenians during the last years of the
Ottonan Empire.
During the early part of this century. horrifying
events occurred and many thousands of Armenians, Turks, Kurds, and
others were killed. Many others died as a result of famine and
epidemics. Neither the Turkish Government nor anyone alive now
bears responsibility for what happened. In faot, there is
considerable disagreement over the facts. only scholarly research
can bring to light the facts needed to resolve this tragedy.
For several years, I have been urging the Turkish
Government to open their archives to let the dispassionate light
of history fall on these long-age events. Our distinguished
American Anbassador, Robert Strausz-Hupe', reports some progress
along these lines. The problems involved in translating and
collating these documents, written in an old form of the Turkish
language, are daunting. Modern technology gives some hope, and I
will continue to press this issue.
Turkey is a strong and important ally and any remarks 1
have made on this highly sensitive subject are intended not 35 8
slight to Turkey or people of Turkish descent. Rather, they are
an effort to recognize the anguish that the Armenians still feel.
: believe that scholarly attention to these records is the best
vay to lay out clearly what happaned in the early yeart of this
century. Be assured. that I will press for this result as long as
: am in public office.
With best wishes,
sincersly,
any carge Bl Bush
JUNE 1988
PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE
P., you resolution 11 requides: National " Rememberance !'n Comm inda"
1.
sup 1915 it! Wash we'll 5:5" resolution Il 11 ,13 passed I'v 1114 CONNE cliled ills"
8808il thereits gossess 1111" Republic " iway?
Vice President George Bush
Governor Michael Dukakis
The United States must acknowledge the attempted
For many years. I have personally participated in
genocide of the Armenian people in the last years of
and led commemorations of the Armenian Genocide
the Ottoman Empire, based on the testimony of
Unless we forcefully condemn such outrages and
survivors, scholars, and indeed our own representa-
constantly remember the mistakes of the past, we rish
tives at the time. if we are to insure that such hurrors
a recurrence of these horrors. As President. 1 would
are not repeated: The American people. our govern-
steadfastly resist all efforts. from any sources, w
ment, and certainly the Bush Administration will
rewrite or deny history, and along with the Secretary
never allow political pressures 10 prevent our denun-
of State whom I select, would support a congressional
ciation of crimes against humanity. and I would join
resolution to designate J National Dav of Remem-
Congress in commemorating the victims of that pe.
brance of the Armenian Genocide of 1415-1923.
not I recognize that the events of 1915 were not the
responsibility of the present Republic of Turkey, and
am aware that the Republic of Turkey opposes the
characterization of that period as genocide. As Presi-
dent. I will urge the leaders of Turkey to enter into a
dialogue with representatives of the worldwide Ar.
menian community in order to resolve their differ-
ences. just as I will support the continuation of military
and economic assistance sw Turkey within the trame-
nush " NATO.
According to Amounty International. Helsinki Watch, and other human rights numerity rights organizations. the Republic
2.
of Turkey still inds a long way to 80 to improving its treatment of Armemans, Kunts. 6888el 381887 minorities. Here
would you approach urging Turkey to improve its human rights/minority rigits record? What rule should the questions of
human rigi!!> minority rights play in the formulation of U.S. foreign policy?
Vice President George Bush
Governor Michael Dukakis
The issues of human and minority rights are funda-
As President. I will be alert and responsive to human
mental to our view of the world. We are true to our
rights violations suffered by Armenians and other
beliefs. and the national interest of the United States is
minorities in Turkev. These violations cannot, and
best served, when we defend and promote freedom
must not, be ignored or compromised for reasons of
and the rights of man throughout the world. Bilateral
political expediency. In fact. because there IS no
and multilateral agreements must be observed by all
sovereign Armenian state to speak out for or defend
nations, and 1 svili use the power of the Presidency to
Armenian rights or interests. :: becomes even more
address violations whenever and wherever they
crucial that gun emments 4116 as ours " particularly
alert to violations of Armenian rights. That means the
occur.
State Department must actively raise the human
rights violations in trank, open dialogue with the
Republic of Turkey.
APR 23 '90 17:55 FROM ANCA-WASHINGTON-DC
PAGE. 002
ARMENIAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE OF AMERICA
1901 PENNSYLVANIA AVE., N.W. SUITE 503
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20006
TEL (202) 775-1918
PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release
Contact: Seto Boyadjian
April 21, 1990
Tel: (202) 775-1918
BUSH STATEMENT ON THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY
OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Last night, while on a visit in Orlando, Florida, President
George Bush issued a statement on the 75th anniversary of "the massacres" of
Armenians and expressed his personal wish "to join with Armenians and all
peoples in observing April 24, 1990 as a day of remembrance for more than a
million Armenian people who were victims." He then called "upon all peoples to
work to prevent future acts of inhumanity against mankind."
Avoiding the word genocide, the President described it as "the terrible
massacres suffered [by Armenians] in 1915-1923 at the hands of the rulers of
the Ottoman Empire" and depicted those massacred as "the victims of this crime
against humanity." However, he made clear reference to his campaign statement
by saying that "my comments of June 1988 represent the depth of my feeling for
the Armenian people and the sufferings they have endured," thus indirectly
reiterating his earlier recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
"The President's statement is a deeply-felt personal expression of sympathy
addressed to the Armenian community worldwide on the day of remembrance for
the victims of the Armenian Genocide," stated ANCA Executive Director Seto
Boyadjian. "The President's sincere words come in defiance of Turkish
pressures to prevent official observance by the U.S. government of the 75th
Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide," he said.
"While Armenian-Americans regret that the President could not make an explicit
declaration in this regard by directly characterizing the genocidal nature of
the 'terrible massacres' of 1915-1923, yet we recognize that he has in fact
identified these massacres as a 'crime against humanity' by stating the
magnitude of the crime and identifying the authors as the rulers of the
Ottoman Empire, and by reiterating his position on the basis of his 1988
statement affirming his stand on the Armenian Genocide," added Boyadjian.
Along with the tragedy of the genocide, President Bush also mentioned the
tragedy that befell upon Armenians by the earthquake of 1988 in Soviet
Armenia. In this regard, Boyadjian stated, "Needless to say, Armenian-
Americans remember with gratitude the President's personal involvement in
support of the recovery efforts for the earthquake and appreciate his
continuing commitment to the people of Soviet Armenia in their effort to
- MORE -
APR 23 '90 17:55 FROM ANCA-WASHINGTON-DO
PAGE 003
Page 2: "Bush Statement W - Press Release 4/21/90
maintain the integrity and the economic stability of their homeland."
In his statement, President Bush also paid tribute to the "special, enduring
relationship" which the United States has had with the Armenian people and
said that the more than one-million Armenian-American community continues "to
make significant contributions to the betterment of our country."
#######
Note to editors: Following is the text of the Statement by the President.
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(Orlando, Florida)
For Immediate Release
April 20, 1990
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
Throughout this century, the United States has had a special,
enduring relationship with the Armenian people.
Armenians around the world share with their friends in the United
States a love of freedom, and as proud people they have a strong
commitment to the preservation of their heritage and culture.
Their history, though marked by & number of tragedies,
nonetheless reflects their faith and the strength and resilience
of their tradition. Those tragedies include the Barthquake of
1988 and, most preminently, the terrible massacres suffered in
1915-1923 at the hands of the rulers of the Ottoman Empire.
The United States responded to the victims of this crime against
humanity efforts. by leading international diplomatic and private relief
The Armenian-American community now numbers nearly one million
people. These who emigrated to the United States, and their
descendants, continue to make significant contributions to the
betterment of our country in many fields of endeavor.
on this seventy-fifth anniversary of the massacres, I wish to
join with Armenians and all peoples in observing April 24, 1990
as a day of remembrance for the more than a million Armenian
people who were victims. I call upon all peoples to work to
prevent future acts of inhumanity against mankind, and my
comments of June 1988 represent the depth of my feeling for the
Armanian people and the sufferings they have endured.
# # #
APR 24 '90 14:53
P.2/4
ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY OF AMERICA
122 "C" STREET. N.W.
SUITE 350
WASHINGTON. D.C. 20001
(202) 393-3434
PRESS RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE
FOR RELEASE: IMMEDIATE
CONTACT: Carole Long
April 24, 1990
ASSEMBLY SAYS BUSH STATEMENT ON OCCASION OF APRIL 24 REJECTS
TURKISH DENIAL CAMPAIGN
WASHINGTON - Hirair Hovnanian, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of
the Armenian Assembly of America, says President George Bush's statement
last Friday on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide was a "clear and welcome rejection of the Republic of Turkey's
global campaign of denial."
In a letter to the President released today, Hovnanian asked that
Bush urge Turkey to "seize this moment to put its denial efforts to
rest."
"Just days ago, East Germany finally apologized to the Jewish people
for the crimes committed by Hitler; and in Moscow, the Soviet Union
acknowledged the Katyn Forest Massacres" Hovnanian noted. "Ankara can
hardly do less. Turkey must come to terms with its past by recognizing
the genocide committed by the Ottoman Empire against the Armenian
people."
In his statement released after 7 p.m. on April 20, the President
remarked that the history of the Armenian people has been marked by a
number of tragedies. "most prominently the terrible massacres suffered
in 1915 to 1923 at the hands of the rulers of the Ottoman Empire."
"On this 75th anniversary of the massacres, I wish to join with
Armenians and all people in observing April 24, 1990 as a day of
remembrance for the more than one million Armenian people who were
victims," Bush said in the statement. "I call upon all peoples to work
to prevent future acts of inhumanity against mankind, and my comments of
June 1988 represent the depth of my feeling for the Armenian people and
the sufferings they have endured."
Hovnanian pointed out in his letter to the President that the
Assembly regretted that his statement "avoided a direct reference to the
word genocide."
"Our views on that matter are well known and need no elaboration,"
Hovnanian said. "But we take heart that you affirmed comments you made
during the election campaign in which you characterized the intentional
destruction of the Armenian people as genocide." According to White
House sources, the reference to June 1988 reflected statements the
President made during the campaign on the Armenian Genocide.
When Bush was campaigning for the presidency in Fresno, California
in May of 1988, he met with local reporters. In response to a
REGIONAL OFFICE:
4250 WASHIRE BLVD.
SLATE 202
LOS ANGELES. CALIFORNIA 90010
(213) 933-5238
APR 24 '90 14:53
P.3/4
reporter's questions. Bush, who was then vice president, quickly
answered that there was a genocide, and "It's a matter that the Turks
have been unwilling to face up to." In October, 1988, Bush responded to
a questionnaire submitted by the Assembly to both presidential
candidates and he stated that "the United States must acknowledge the
attempted genocide of the Armenian people in the last years of the
Ottoman Empire, based on the testimony of survivors, scholars, and
indeed our own representatives at the time, if we are to insure that
such horrors are not repeated."
In his letter to the President, Hovnanian also praised the efforts
of several prominent Republican leaders, who have been urging the White
House to reaffirm the history of the Armenian Genocide.
"We are aware of the extreme pressures generated from Ankara on this
matter, Hovnanian said. "We applaud Senator Dole's leadership in
illuminating the facts of the Armenian Genocide during the Senate debate
on S.J. Res. 212." Over the past several months, California Governor
George Deukmejian and Rep. Chip Pashayan (R-CA) have also been urging
the White House to take a public stand on the issue.
#####
APR 24 '90 14:54
P.4/4
ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY OF AMERICA
122 "C" STREET. N.W.
0
SUITE 350
0
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20001
(202)393-3434
April 23, 1990
President George Bush
The White House
Washington, D.C.
Dear Mr. President:
Your statement on the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide serves as a clear and welcome rejection of the Republic of Turkey's
global campaign of denial. By remembering this crime against humanity,
you give meaning to your call for "all peoples to work to prevent future
acts of inhumanity against mankind."
We regret, however, that your statement avoided a direct reference to the
word genocide. Our views on that matter are well known and need no
elaboration here. But we take heart that you affirmed comments you made
during the election campaign in which you characterized the intentional
destruction of the Armenian people as genocide. We welcome your statement
that these represent "the depth of my feeling for the Armenian people and
the sufferings they have endured."
We are aware of the extreme pressures generated from Ankara on this matter.
We applaud Senator Dole's leadership in illuminating the facts of the
Armenian Genocide during the Senate debate on SR 212, and your wish to
join in observing April 24, 1990, "as a day of remembrance for the more
than one million Armenian people who were victims."
We ask that you urge that Turkey seize this moment to put its denial efforts
to rest. Just days ago, East Germany finally apologized to the Jewish
people for the crimes committed by Hitler. And in Moscow, the Soviet Union
acknowledged the Katyn Forest Massacres. Ankara can hardly do less. Turkey
must come to terms with its past by recognizing the genocide committed
by the Ottoman Empire against the Armenian people.
Sincerely,
Hirair Hovnanian
Chairman, Board of Trustees
HH:mg
REGIONAL OFFICE
4250 WILSHIRE GLVD.
SUITE 202
LOS ANGELES. CRUFORNIA 90010
(213) 933-5230
The California
COURIER
"The Newspaper For All Armenians" - Published Weekly Since 1958
P.O. BOX 5390, GLENDALE, CA 91221
VOL. XXXII, No. 41 THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 1990
Telephone: (818) 409-0949
Pres. Bush Issues Unexpected
Statement on Eve of April 24
WASHINGTON,D.C Presi-
dent George Bush issued a writ-
THE WHITE HOUSE
ten statement last Friday marking
the 75th anniversary of the "terri-
Office of the Press Secretary
ble massacres" suffered by Ar-
(April 20, 1990)
menians in Turkey, 1915-1923,
but avoided using the term
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
"genocide." He did, however,
Throughout this century, the United States has had a special, en-
characterize the killings as a
"crime against humanity."
during relationship with the Armenian people.
The President said he wished
Armenians around the world share with their friends in the United
"to join with Armenians and all
States a love of freedom, and as proud people they have a strong
peoples in observing April 24,
commitment to the preservation of their heritage and culture.
1990 as a day of remembrance for
Their history, though marked by a number of tragedies,
the more than a million Armenian
nonetheless reflects their faith and the strength and resilience of their
people who were victims."
tradition. Those tragedies include the Earthquake of 1988 and, most
"I call upon all peoples to work
prominently, the terrible massacres suffered in 1915-1923 at the
to prevent future acts of inhuma-
hands of the rulers of the Ottoman Empire.
nity against mankind," Bush
The United States responded to the victims of this crime against
said, "and my comments of June
humanity by leading international diplomatic and private relief
1988 represent the depth of my
efforts.
feeling for the Armenian people'
and the sufferings they have
The Armenian-American community now numbers nearly one
endured."
million people. Those who emigrated to the United States, and their
In 1988, as a candidate for
descendants, continue to make significant contributions to the bet-
president, Bush referred to the
terment of our country in many fields of endeavor.
killings as a genocide.
On this seventy-fifth anniversary of the massacres, I wish to join
Despite this pledge, the Bush
with Armenians and all peoples in observing April 24, 1990 as a
Administration opposed a Senate
day of remembrance for the more,thah a million Armenian people
resolution earlier this year spon-
who were victims. I call upon all peoples to work to prevent future
sored by Minority Leader Bob
acts of inhumanity against mankind, and my comments of June 1988
Dole (R-Kansas), which called
represent the depth of my feeling for the Armenian people and the
Continued on Page 15
sufferings they have endured.
Pres. Bush Issues Statement
Continued from Page 1
Committee of America in Wash-
the killings a genocide.
ington, called the presidential
Bush said that through their
statement "a deeply-felt personal
history, the Armenians have
expression of sympathy address-
shown strength and resilience in
ed to the Armenian communi-
the face of numerous tragedies.
ty..., indirectly reiterating his
"Throughout this century, the
earlier recognition of the Arme-
United States has had a special,
nian Genocide."
enduring relationship with the
Boyadjian added, "The Presi-
Armenian people,' Bush noted.
dent's words come in defiance of
"Armenians around the world
Turkish pressures to prevent of-
share with their friends in the
ficial observance by the U.S.
United States a love of freedom,
government of the 75th anniver-
and as a proud people, they have
sary of the Armenian Genocide.'
a strong commitment to the pre-
servation of their heritage and
culture."
Adding that "those tragedies
include the earthquake of 1988
and, most prominently, the terri-
ble massacres suffered in 1915-
1923 at the hands of the rulers of
the Ottoman Empire," the Presi-
dent recalled, "The United States
responded to the victims of this
crime against humanity by lead-
ing international diplomatic and
private relief efforts."
Bush pointed out that the
Armenian-American descendants
of those who emigrated to the
United States, "now number
nearly one million people...,"
and "continue to make significant
contributions to the betterment of
our country in many fields of
endeavor."
Seto Boyadjian, executive
director of the Armenian National
THE
ARMENIAN OBSERVER
VOL. XX, No. 23, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1990
(ISSN 0044-894X)
6646 Hollvwood Blvd., LA, CA 90028 Tel. (213) 467-6767
President Bush Calls
it "Terrible Massacres"
ORLANDO - (AP) - Presi-
The White House - Office of the Press Secretary, April 20, 1990
dent Bush paid respects last Fri-
day to the more than 1 million
(Orlando, Florida)
Armenians killed in "terrible
massacres" at the hands of the
Statement by the President
Turks from 1915 to 1923.
Bush, in a written statement
Throughout this century, the United States has had a spe-
issued during a visit here, said he
cial, enduring relationship with the Armenian people.
joined with Armenians and
Armenians around the world share with their friends in the
others who will observe April 24
United States a love of freedom, and as proud people they
as a day of remembrance.
have a strong commitment to the preservation of their heritage
"I call upon all peoples to
and culture.
wrok to prevent future acts of
Their history, thought marked by a number of tragedies.
inhumanity against mankind,
nonetheless reflects their faith and the strength and resilience
and my comments of June 1988
of their tradition. Those tragedies include the Earthquake of
represent the depth of my feel-
1988 and, most prominently, the terrible massacres suffered in
ing for the Armenian people and
1915-1923 at the hands of the rulers of the Ottoman Empire.
the sufferings they have endur-
The United States responded to the victims of this crime
ed." Bush said, thus indirectly
against humanity by leading international diplomatic and pri-
reiterating his earlier recognition
vate relief efforts.
of the Armenian Genocide.
The Armenians-American community now numbers nearly
In 1988. as a candidate for
one million people. Those who emigrated to the United States,
president, Bush referred to the
and their descendants. continue to make significant contribu-
killings as a "genocide."
tions to the betterment of our country in many fields of en-
As president, he has refrained
deavor.
from using that term out of sen-
On this seventy-fifth anniversary of the massacres, I wish to
sitivity toward Turkey, a NATO
join with Armenians and all peoples in observing April 24.
ally. The Bush administration
1990 as a day of remembrance for the more than a million Ar-
opposed a Senate resolution
menian people who were victims. I call upon all peoples to
Please Turn to Page 5
work to prevent future acts of inhumanity against mankind,
and my comments of June 1988 represent the depth of my
feeling for the Armenian people and the sufferings they have
endured.
"Terrible Massacres
Continued from Page 1
history. the Armenians have
prominently. the terrible mas-
sponsored by Minority Leader
shown strength and resilience in
sacres suffered in 1915-1923 at
Bob Dole. R-Kan.. which called, the face of numerous tragedies.
the hands of the rulers of the
the killings genocide.
"Those tragedies include the
Ottoman Empire," the president
Bush said that through their earthquake of 1988 and. most
said:
Assembly Says Bush Statement on April 24
Rejects Turkish Denial Campaign
campaign of denial."
In a letter to the President,
WASHINGTON - Hirair Hov-
last Friday on the occasion of
released on April 24, Hovnanian
the 75th anniversary of the
asked that Bush urge Turkey to
nanian, Chairman of the Board
of Trustees of the Armenian
Armenian Genocide was a "clear
"seize this moment to put its
denial efforts to rest."
Assembly of America. says Pre-
and welcome rejection of the
sident George Bush's statement
Republic of Turkey's global
"Just days ago, East Ger-
many finally apologized to the
Jewish people for the crimes
President George Bush
committed by Hitler; and in
The White House
Moscow, the Soviet Union ack-
Washington. D.C.
nowledged that Katyn Forest
Massacres" Hovnanian noted.
Dear Mr. President:
"Ankara can hardly do less.
Turkey must come to terms
Your statement on the occasion of the 75th Anniversary
with its past by recognizing the
of the Armenian Genocide serves as a clear and welcome re-
genocide committed by the Ot-
jection of the Repbulic of Turkey's global campaign of denial.
toman Empire against the Ar-
By remembering this crime against humanity. you give mean-
menian people."
ing to your call for "all peoples to work to prevent future acts
Hovnanian pointed out in
of inhumanity against mankind."
his letter to the President,
We regret. however. that your statement avoided a direct
printed below, that the As-
reference to the word genocide. Our views on that matter are
sembly regretted that his state-
well known and need no elaboration here. But we take heart
ment "avoided a direct reference
that you -affirmed comments you made during the election
to the word genocide. Our views
campaign in which you characterized the international destruc-
on that matter are well known
tion of the Armenian people as genocide. We welcome your
and need no elaboration," Hov-
statement that these represent "the depth of my feeling for
nanian added.
the Armenian people and the sufferings they have endured."
"But we take heart that you
We are aware of the extreme pressures generated from An-
affirmed comments you made
kara on this matter. We applaud Senator Dole's leadership in
during the election campaign in
illuminating the facts of the Armenian Genocide during the
which you characterized the
Senate debate on SR 212. and your wish to join in observing
intentional destruction of the
April 24. 1990. "as a day of remembrance for the more than
Armenian people as genocide."
one million Armenian people who were victims."
Hovnanian said.
We ask that you urge that Turkey seize this moment to
The letter also states: "We
put its denial efforts to rest. Just days ago. East Germany
are aware of the extreme pres-
finally apologized to the Jewish people for the crimes com-
sures generated from Ankara on
mitted by Hitler. And in Moscow. the Soviet Union acknow-
this matter, and we applaud
ledged the Katyn Forest Massacres. Ankara can hardly do less.
Senator Dole.s leadership in il-
Turkey must come to terms with its past by recognizing the
luminating the facts of the Ar-
genocide committed by the Ottoman Empire against the Ar-
menian Genocide during the
menian people.
Senate debate on SJR 212."
Hirair Hovnanian
Over the past several months,
Chairman. Board of Trustees
California Governor George
Deukmejian and Rep. Charles
Pashayan (R-CA) have also been
urging the White House to take
a public stand on the issue.
Meanwhile, the Turkish Fo-
reign Ministry has contacted the
White House several times to
make sure that the President
does not make any statement
on April 24, 1990.
But, history recorded it dif-
ferently.
3c 778
Guidance
us
State of California
ALIFORNIA
GOVERNOR'S OFFICE
GEORGE deukmejian
SACRAMENTO 95814
GOVERNOR
April 3, 1990
has THE CHIEF of STAFF
Governor John H. Sununu
The White House
Executive Office of the President
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear John:
Attached is the proposed statement for the
75th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
In furtherance of our telephone
conversation, please think of our sensitivity as
the equivalent of the Jewish community to the
remarks or statement that the President will be
making in observance of the Jewish Holocaust.
Surely he would not consider calling the
holocaust anything but a genocide.
Many thanks for your genuine interest and
understanding.
Sincerely,
rearge
George Deukmejian
km
attachment
PROPOSED STATEMENT OF PRESIDENT GEORGE BUSH
ON THE
SEVENTY FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMENIAN GENOC IDE
Throughout this century, the United States has had a special
enduring relationship with the Armenian people.
Regrettably, the Armenian nation is not free and independent
and the Armenian people do not live in their own country under a
democratic form of government.
They have been subjected to domination by other nations and
they experienced their greatest tragedy in 1915-1923 when they
became the first victims of a genocide in this century at the
hands of the rulers of the Ottman Empire.
The United States responded by leading international
diplomatic and private relief efforts to aid the victims of this
crime against humanity.
The Armenian-American community now numbers nearly one
million people. Those who emigrated to the United States and
their descendants continue to make significant contributions to
the betterment of our country in many fields of endeavor.
I wish to join with Armenians and all peoples in observing
April 24, 1990 as a day of remembrance for the 1.5 million
Armenian people who were victims of the genocide and I call upon
all peoples to work to prevent future acts of inhumanity against
mankind.
LAW OFFICES
PARKER, MILLIKEN, CLARK, O'HARA & SAMUELIAN
A PARTNERSHIP INCLUDING A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
KARL M. SAMUELIAN
PARTNER
TWENTY-SEVENTH FLOOR SECURITY PACIFIC PLAZA
333 so. HOPE STREET LOS ANGELES 90071-1488
DIRECT DIAL NUMBER
(213) 683-6500
(213) 683-6554
APR 23 '90 17:55 FROM ANCA-WASHINGTON-DC
PAGE. 002
ARMENIAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE OF AMERICA
1901 PENNSYLVANIA AVE., N.W. SUITE 503
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20006
TEL. (202) 775-1918
PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release
Contact: Seto Boyadjian
April 21, 1990
Tel: (202) 775-1918
BUSH STATEMENT ON THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY
OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Last night, while on a visit in Orlando, Florida, President
George Bush issued a statement on the 75th anniversary of "the massacres" of
Armenians and expressed his personal wish "to join with Armenians and all
peoples in observing April 24, 1990 as a day of remembrance for more than a
million Armenian people who were victims." He then called "upon all peoples to
work to prevent future acts of inhumanity against mankind."
Avoiding the word genocide, the President described it as "the terrible
massacres suffered [by Armenians] in 1915-1923 at the hands of the rulers of
the Ottoman Empire" and depicted those massacred as "the victims of this crime
against humanity." However, he made clear reference to his campaign statement
by saying that "my comments of June 1988 represent the depth of my feeling for
the Armenian people and the sufferings they have endured," thus indirectly
reiterating his earlier recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
"The President's statement is a deeply-felt personal expression of sympathy
addressed to the Armenian community worldwide on the day of remembrance for
the victims of the Armenian Genocide," stated ANCA Executive Director Seto
Boyadjian. "The President's sincere words come in defiance of Turkish
pressures to prevent official observance by the U.S. government of the 75th
Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide," he said.
"While Armenian-Americans regret that the President could not make an explicit
declaration in this regard by directly characterizing the genocidal nature of
the 'terrible massacres' of 1915-1923, yet we recognize that he has in fact
identified these massacres as a 'crime against humanity' by stating the
magnitude of the crime and identifying the authors as the rulers of the
Ottoman Empire, and by reiterating his position on the basis of his 1988
statement affirming his stand on the Armenian Genocide," added Boyadjian.
Along with the tragedy of the genocide, President Bush also mentioned the
tragedy that befell upon Armenians by the earthquake of 1988 in Soviet
Armenia. In this regard, Boyadjian stated, "Needless to say, Armenian-
Americans remember with gratitude the President's personal involvement in
support of the recovery efforts for the earthquake and appreciate his
continuing commitment to the people of Soviet Armenia in their effort to
MORE -
APR 23 90 17:55
FROM ANCA-WASHINGTON-DC
PAGE. 003
Page 2: "Bush Statement " - Press Release 4/21/90
maintain the integrity and the economic stability of their homeland."
In his statement, President Bush also paid tribute to the "special, enduring
relationship" which the United States has had with the Armenian people and
said that the more than one-million Armenian-American community continues "to
make significant contributions to the betterment of our country."
#######
Note to editors: Following is the text of the Statement by the President.
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(Orlando, Florida)
For Immediate Release
April 20, 1990
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
Throughout this century, the United States has had a special,
enduring relationship with the Armenian people.
Armenians around the world share with their friends in the United
States a love of freedom, and as proud people they have a strong
commitment to the preservation of their heritage and culture.
Their history, though marked by a number of tragedies,
nonetheless reflects their faith and the strength and resilience
of their tradition. Those tragedies include the Barthquake of
1988 and, most preminently, the terrible massacres suffered in
1915-1923 at the hands of the rulers of the Ottoman Empire.
The United States responded to the victims of this crime against
efforts. humanity by leading international diplomatic and private relief
The Armenian-American community now numbers nearly one million
people. These who emigrated to the United States, and their
descendants, continue to make significant contributions to the
betterment of our country in many fields of endeavor.
On this seventy-fifth anniversary of the massacres, I wish to
join with Armenians and all peoples in observing April 24, 1990
as & day of remembrance for the more than 4 million Armenian
people who were victims. I call upon all peoples to work to
prevent future acts of inhumanity against mankind, and my
Armenian people and the sufferings they have endured.
comments of June 1988 represent the depth of my feeling for the
# #
APR 24 '90-14:53
P.2/4
ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY OF AMERICA
122 "C" STREET. N.W.
SUITE 350
WASHINGTON. D.C. 20001
(202) 393-3434
PRESS RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE
FOR RELEASE: IMMEDIATE
CONTACT: Carole Long
April 24, 1990
ASSEMBLY SAYS BUSH STATEMENT ON OCCASION OF APRIL 24 REJECTS
TURKISH DENIAL CAMPAIGN
WASHINGTON - Hirair Hovnanian, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of
the Armenian Assembly of America, says President George Bush's statement
last Friday on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide was a "clear and welcome rejection of the Republic of Turkey's
global campaign of denial.'
In a letter to the President released today, Hovnanian asked that
Bush urge Turkey to "seize this moment to put its denial efforts to
rest."
"Just days ago, East Germany finally apologized to the Jewish people
for the crimes committed by Hitler; and in Moscow, the Soviet Union
acknowledged the Katyn Forest Massacres" Hovnanian noted. "Ankara can
hardly do less. Turkey must come to terms with its past by recognizing
the genocide committed by the Ottoman Empire against the Armenian
people."
In his statement released after 7 p.m. on April 20, the President
remarked that the history of the Armenian people has been marked by a
number of tragedies, "most prominently the terrible massacres suffered
in 1915 to 1923 at the hands of the rulers of the Ottoman Empire."
"On this 75th anniversary of the massacres, I wish to join with
Armenians and all people in observing April 24, 1990 as a day of
remembrance for the more than one million Armenian people who were
victims," Bush said in the statement. "I call upon all peoples to work
to prevent future acts of inhumanity against mankind, and my comments of
June 1988 represent the depth of my feeling for the Armenian people and
the sufferings they have endured."
Hovnanian pointed out in his letter to the President that the
Assembly regretted that his statement "avoided a direct reference to the
word genocide."
"Our views on that matter are well known and need no elaboration,"
Hovnanian said. "But we take heart that you affirmed comments you made
during the election campaign in which you characterized the intentional
destruction of the Armenian people as genocide." According to White
House sources, the reference to June 1988 reflected statements the
President made during the campaign on the Armenian Genocide.
When Bush was campaigning for the presidency in Fresno, California
in May of 1988, he met with local reporters. In response to a
REGIONAL OFFICE:
4250 WILSHIRE BLVD.
SUITE 202
LOS ANGELES. CALIFORNIA 90010
(213) 933-5238
APR 24 '90 14:53
P.3/4
reporter's questions, Bush, who was then vice president, quickly
answered that there was a genocide, and "It's a matter that the Turks
have been unwilling to face up to." In October, 1988, Bush responded to
a questionnaire submitted by the Assembly to both presidential
candidates and he stated that "the United States must acknowledge the
attempted genocide of the Armenian people in the last years of the
Ottoman Empire, based on the testimony of survivors, scholars, and
indeed our own representatives at the time, if we are to insure that
such horrors are not repeated."
In his letter to the President, Hovnanian also praised the efforts
of several prominent Republican leaders, who have been urging the White
House to reaffirm the history of the Armenian Genocide.
"We are aware of the extreme pressures generated from Ankara on this
matter, Hovnanian said. "We applaud Senator Dole's leadership in
illuminating the facts of the Armenian Genocide during the Senate debate
on S.J. Res. 212." Over the past several months, California Governor
George Deukmej ian and Rep. Chip Pashayan (R-CA) have also been urging
the White House to take a public stand on the issue.
####
APR 24 '90 14:54
P. 4/4
ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY OF AMERICA
122 "C" STREET. N.W.
SUITE 350
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20001
(202) 393-3434
April 23, 1990
President George Bush
The White House
Washington, D.C.
Dear Mr. President:
Your statement on the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide serves as a clear and welcome rejection of the Republic of Turkey's
global campaign of denial. By remembering this crime against humanity,
you give meaning to your call for "all peoples to work to prevent future
acts of inhumanity against mankind."
We regret, however, that your statement avoided a direct reference to the
word genocide. Our views on that matter are well known and need no
elaboration here. But we take heart that you affirmed comments you made
during the election campaign in which you characterized the intentional
destruction of the Armenian people as genocide. We welcome your statement
that these represent "the depth of my feeling for the Armenian people and
the sufferings they have endured."
We are aware of the extreme pressures generated from Ankara on this matter.
We applaud Senator Dole's leadership in illuminating the facts of the
Armenian Genocide during the Senate debate on SR 212, and your wish to
join in observing April 24, 1990, "as a day of remembrance for the more
than one million Armenian people who were victims."
We ask that you urge that Turkey seize this moment to put its denial efforts
to rest. Just days ago, East Germany finally apologized to the Jewish
people for the crimes committed by Hitler. And in Moscow, the Soviet Union
acknowledged the Katyn Forest Massacres. Ankara can hardly do less. Turkey
must come to terms with its past by recognizing the genocide committed
by the Ottoman Empire against the Armenian people.
Sincerely,
Hirair Hovnanian
Chairman, Board of Trustees
Hil:mg
REGIONAL OFFICE.
4250 WILSHIRE BLVD...
SUITE 202
LOS ANGELES. CALIFORNIA PODIO
(213) 933-5236
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(Orlando, Florida)
For Immediate Release
April 20, 1990
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
Throughout this century, the United States has had a special,
enduring relationship with the Armenian people.
Armenians around the world share with their friends in the United
States a love of freedom, and as proud people they have a strong
commitment to the preservation of their heritage and culture.
Their history, though marked by a number of tragedies,
nonetheless reflects their faith and the strength and resilience
of their tradition. Those tragedies include the Earthquake of
1988 and, most prominently, the terrible massacres suffered in
1915-1923 at the hands of the rulers of the Ottoman Empire.
The United States responded to the victims of this crime against
humanity by leading international diplomatic and private relief
efforts.
The Armenian-American community now numbers nearly one million
people. Those who emigrated to the United States, and their
descendants, continue to make significant contributions to the
betterment of our country in many fields of endeavor.
On this seventy-fifth anniversary of the massacres, I wish to
join with Armenians and all peoples in observing April 24, 1990
as a day of remembrance for the more than a million Armenian
people who were victims. I call upon all peoples to work to
prevent future acts of inhumanity against mankind, and my
comments of June 1988 represent the depth of my feeling for the
Armenian people and the sufferings they have endured.
# # #
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(Orlando, Florida)
For Immediate Release
April 20, 1990
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
Throughout this century, the United States has had a special,
enduring relationship with the Armenian people.
Armenians around the world share with their friends in the United
States a love of freedom, and as proud people they have a strong
commitment to the preservation of their heritage and culture.
Their history, though marked by a number of tragedies,
nonetheless reflects their faith and the strength and resilience
of their tradition. Those tragedies include the Earthquake of
1988 and, most prominently, the terrible massacres suffered in
1915-1923 at the hands of the rulers of the Ottoman Empire.
The United States responded to the victims of this crime against
humanity by leading international diplomatic and private relief
efforts.
The Armenian-American community now numbers nearly one million
people. Those who emigrated to the United States, and their
descendants, continue to make significant contributions to the
betterment of our country in many fields of endeavor.
On this seventy-fifth anniversary of the massacres, I wish to
join with Armenians and all peoples in observing April 24, 1990
as a day of remembrance for the more than a million Armenian
people who were victims. I call upon all peoples to work to
prevent future acts of inhumanity against mankind, and my
comments of June 1988 represent the depth of my feeling for the
Armenian people and the sufferings they have endured.
# # #
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(Orlando, Florida)
For Immediate Release
April 20, 1990
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
Throughout this century, the United States has had a special,
enduring relationship with the Armenian people.
Armenians around the world share with their friends in the United
States a love of freedom, and as proud people they have a strong
commitment to the preservation of their heritage and culture.
Their history, though marked by a number of tragedies,
nonetheless reflects their faith and the strength and resilience
of their tradition. Those tragedies include the Earthquake of
1988 and, most prominently, the terrible massacres suffered in
1915-1923 at the hands of the rulers of the Ottoman Empire.
The United States responded to the victims of this crime against
humanity by leading international diplomatic and private relief
efforts.
The Armenian-American community now numbers nearly one million
people. Those who emigrated to the United States, and their
descendants, continue to make significant contributions to the
betterment of our country in many fields of endeavor.
On this seventy-fifth anniversary of the massacres, I wish to
join with Armenians and all peoples in observing April 24, 1990
as a day of remembrance for the more than a million Armenian
people who were victims. I call upon all peoples to work to
prevent future acts of inhumanity against mankind, and my
comments of June 1988 represent the depth of my feeling for the
Armenian people and the sufferings they have endured.
# # #
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(Orlando, Florida)
For Immediate Release
April 20, 1990
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
Throughout this century, the United States has had a special,
enduring relationship with the Armenian people.
Armenians around the world share with their friends in the United
States a love of freedom, and as proud people they have a strong
commitment to the preservation of their heritage and culture.
Their history, though marked by a number of tragedies,
nonetheless reflects their faith and the strength and resilience
of their tradition. Those tragedies include the Earthquake of
1988 and, most prominently, the terrible massacres suffered in
1915-1923 at the hands of the rulers of the Ottoman Empire.
The United States responded to the victims of this crime against
humanity by leading international diplomatic and private relief
efforts.
The Armenian-American community now numbers nearly one million
people. Those who emigrated to the United States, and their
descendants, continue to make significant contributions to the
betterment of our country in many fields of endeavor.
On this seventy-fifth anniversary of the massacres, I wish to
join with Armenians and all peoples in observing April 24, 1990
as a day of remembrance for the more than a million Armenian
people who were victims. I call upon all peoples to work to
prevent future acts of inhumanity against mankind, and my
comments of June 1988 represent the depth of my feeling for the
Armenian people and the sufferings they have endured.
# # #
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(Orlando, Florida)
For Immediate Release
April 20, 1990
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
Throughout this century, the United States has had a special,
enduring relationship with the Armenian people.
Armenians around the world share with their friends in the United
States a love of freedom, and as proud people they have a strong
commitment to the preservation of their heritage and culture.
Their history, though marked by a number of tragedies,
nonetheless reflects their faith and the strength and resilience
of their tradition. Those tragedies include the Earthquake of
1988 and, most prominently, the terrible massacres suffered in
1915-1923 at the hands of the rulers of the Ottoman Empire.
The United States responded to the victims of this crime against
humanity by leading international diplomatic and private relief
efforts.
The Armenian-American community now numbers nearly one million
people. Those who emigrated to the United States, and their
descendants, continue to make significant contributions to the
betterment of our country in many fields of endeavor.
On this seventy-fifth anniversary of the massacres, I wish to
join with Armenians and all peoples in observing April 24, 1990
as a day of remembrance for the more than a million Armenian
people who were victims. I call upon all peoples to work to
prevent future acts of inhumanity against mankind, and my
comments of June 1988 represent the depth of my feeling for the
Armenian people and the sufferings they have endured.
# # #
file
DRAFT
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
April 18, 1990
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
Throughout this century, the United States has had a special,
enduring relationship with the Armenian people.
Armenians around the world share with their friends in the United
States a love of freedom, and as proud people they have a strong
commitment to the preservation of their heritage and culture.
Their history, though marked by a number of tragedies,
nonetheless reflects their faith and the strength and resilience
of their tradition. Those tragedies include the Earthquake of
1988 and, most prominently, the terrible massacres suffered in
1915-1923 in the eastern part of the Ottoman Empire.
The United States responded to the victims of this crime against
humanity by leading international diplomatic and private relief
efforts.
The Armenian-American community now numbers nearly one million
people. Those who emigrated to the United States, and their
descendants, continue to make significant contributions to the
betterment of our country in many fields of endeavor.
On this seventy-fifth anniversary of the massacres, I wish to
join with Armenians and all peoples in observing April 24, 1990
as a day of remembrance for the more than a million Armenian
people who were victims. I call upon all peoples to work to
prevent future acts of inhumanity against mankind, and my
comments of June 1988 represent the depth of my feeling for the
Armenian people and the sufferings they have endured.
APR 3 '90 15:26
PAGE 001
State of California
GOVERNOR'S OFFICE
GEORGE DEUKMEJIAN
SACRAMENTO 95814
GOVERNOR
April 3, 1990
Governor John H. Sununu
The White House
Executive Office of the President
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear John:
Attached is the proposed statement for the
75th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
In furtherance of our telephone
conversation, please think of our sensitivity as
the equivalent of the Jewish community to the
remarks or statement that the President will be
making in observance of the Jewish Holocaust.
Surely he would not consider calling the
holocaust anything but a genocide.
Many thanks for your genuine interest and
understanding.
Sincerely,
rearge
George Deukmejian
km
attachment
PROPOSED STATEMENT OF PRESIDENT GEORGE BUSH
ON THE
SEVENTY FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
Throughout this century, the United States has had a special
enduring relationship with the Armenian people.
Regrettably, the Armenian nation is not free and independent
and the Armenian people do not live in their own country under a
democratic form of government.
They have been subjected to domination by other nations and
they experienced their greatest tragedy in 1915-1923 when they
became the first victims of a genocide in this century at the
hands of the rulers of the Ottman Empire.
The United States responded by leading international
diplomatic and private relief efforts to aid the victims of this
crime against humanity.
The Armenian-American community now numbers nearly one
million people. Those who emigrated to the United States and
their descendants continue to make significant contributions to
the betterment of our country in many fields of endeavor.
I wish to join with Armenians and all peoples in observing
April 24, 1990 as a day of remembrance for the 1.5 million
Armenian people who were victims of the genocide and I call upon
all peoples to work to prevent future acts of inhumanity against
mankind.
PAGE.002
15:27 06, E RPR
2/4
JAN'17 '90 14:53
PRESS RELEASE
CONTACT: Bill Secrest
203 Cannon
Washington, DC 20515
FOR RELEASE: Immediately
DATE: January 11, 1990
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Congressman Chip Pashayan said today
that he is highly critical of President Bush's continuing failure
to push for official United States recognition of the 1915-1924
Armenian genocide.
"In 1988, the President campaigned and won in my district,
with heavy support from the local Armenian-American community,"
Pashayan said. "He generated enthusiasm by recognizing the
genocide as an historical fact--at an Armenian American dinner in
Boston on October 10, 1987, and again in Fresno on May 17, 1988.
"After the election, he further stated that the United
States must acknowledge this tragedy. More than a year has
passed and no further word has come from the White House. "
With the seventy-fifth anniversary of the genocide taking
place next April 24, Pashayan said that President Bush must take
swift action on this issue--not only to honor his campaign
promise, but to allay further criticism.
1-17-90; 2:39 PM;
COITT G3
2022243163 ; # 3
JAN 17 '90 14:54
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"A resolution to commemorate this date has obtained the
senate Judiciary Committee S approval and has now been placed on
the calendar for a vote," Pashayan said. "President Bush's
immediate expression of support for this measure is crucial.
After getting this far, with considerable opposition, it cannot
be allowed to fail.
"Senate opposition to the resolution has centered on whether
'genocide' is too strong a word to use. I hope President Bush
disagrees with this conclusion. Anyone familiar with the facts
knows the word is most appropriate. "
Pashayan expressed hope that the President's apparent
indecision was not prompted by fears of offending the current
Turkish government.
"No reasonable person can deny that the Ottoman Turkish
government commissioned the genocide," said Pashayan, "and the
present-day government is not responsible, but has steadfastly
refused to acknowledge this fact.
"Some claim that the United States's recognition of the
genocide would jeopardize our military bases and intelligence-
gathering facilities in Turkey. During the crisis in Cyprus,
more than a decade ago, we had to cope with the same problem.
2.89 PM;
CCITT G3
2022243163 ; # 4
"
JAN 17 90 14:54
PASHATAN
P.474
- 3 -
"The day came when we had to remove our troops and listening
posts from Turkish soil. It was far from being a fatal blow to
our national security. We were able to retain a military
presence in other nearby countries, and shift our intelligence-
gathering activities to make up for the losses.
"If we need to do this again to prove our point, then we
must. With all its economic and governmental ills, Turkey needs
our help more than we need theirs. They came to this conclusion
after the civil war in Cyprus, eventually allowing our troops to
return. If we are insistent on the genocide issue, I predict the
same outcome. "
Pashayan also said that Bush needs to clarify his stance on
the genocide as a matter of purely personal integrity.
"I do not want to lose faith in the President and his agenda
for our country, he said. "Nor do the millions of Americans Who
voted for him. However, if backtracking on this campaign promise
should be the final outcome, then I would lose a great deal of
faith in the Bush Administration, and I cannot but think that
many people would agree with me. "
# # #
December 20,1989
JOINT RESOLUTION
RESOLVED, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America, in Congress assembled, that April 24, 1990,
is designated as a "National Day of Remembrance" of the Seventy Fifth
Anniversary of the Armenian massacres and deportations in the Ottoman
Empire that began in 1915 and continued for a number of years
thereafter and the President is authorized and requested to issue a
proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to join the
millions of Armenians and their friends around the world in a day of
remembrance for the one and a half million Armenians who lost their
live during this tragic period as a result of policies initiated and
perpetrated by Ottoman authorities.
JOINT RESOLUTION
RESOLVED, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled, That April 24,
1990 is designated as "National Day of Remembrance of the
Seventy-Fifth Anniversary of the Armenian Victims of the Tragedy
of 1915-23," and the President is authorized and requested to
issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States
to join the millions of Armenians around the world in a day of
remembrance for the Armenian people who were victims during this
tragic period, prior to the establishment of the current Republic
of Turkey.
The congress 15
the Congress acknowledges
We are deeply aware of the terrible suffering of the
Armenian people during that period, and of the strong conviction
of the survivors and some scholars that those events shall be
characterized as a genocide. The United States responded to the
anguish of the Armenian people during this period, by leading the
international diplomatic and missionary efforts to terminate the
tragedy and to aid the millions of victims. who survived.
In commemorating the Armenian and other victims of this
tragic period, the Senate and House of Representatives also wish
to affirm their pledge as friend and ally to defend the
territorial integrity of the Republic of Turkey
This resolution also memorializes the three thousand year
old history of the Armenian people which has been distinguished
by their contributions to all fields of endeavor and their
capacity to endure immeasurable adversity along with their
triumphs, and shall be commemorated by all Armenians and their
friends throughout the world.
including those who dud
many
and those
respect, and assist Turkey
in resisting any attempts to
compromise,
COMMITTEE ON
CHARLES pashayan, JR.
RULES
17TH DISTRICT. CALIFORNIA
COMMITTEE ON
203 CANNON BUILDING
STANDARDS OF OFFICIAL
WASHINGTON. D.C. 20$15
CONDUCT
(202) 225-3341
CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
December 14, 1989
Governor John Sununu
Chief of Staff
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Subject: Armenian Resolution
Dear John,
1. The Armenian Resolution drops both the national-day-of-
recognition and the Presidential proclamation.
With but a stroke of the pen, the President could
fulfill his campaign pledge.
2. It refers to the Armenian people's commemoration of 1990
as the 75th anniversary honoring the victims of the genocide, and
not to the genocide directly.
3. The Armenian Assembly and perhaps other organizations
would publically support the Turkish Resolution.
4. As per our phone call today, I shall call you on
December 19.
Best,
Clup
PLEASE REPLY TO:
KINGS COUNTY HOME OFFICE
TULARE COUNTY HOME OFFICE
PORTERVILLE HOME OFFICE
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12. 14. 89 01 11PM *1-209-487-5037
JOINT RESOLUTION
RESOLVED, by the Senate and the House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled, that the
Senate and House of Representatives and the President of the
United States of America join with the Armenian people in the
United States and around the world in their commemoration of
April 24, 1990, as the seventy-fifth anniversary honoring the
victims of the Armenian Genocide during the period from 1915 to
1923, prior to the establishment of the current Republic of
Turkey.
We are deeply aware of the terrible suffering of the
Armenian people during that period. The United States responded
by leading the international diplomatic and missionary efforts to
terminate that tragedy and to aid the millions of people who
survived.
In commemorating the one-and-one-half million victims of
that tragedy, we also wish to memorialize the three-thousand-year
history of the Armenian people, who have been distinguished by
their contributions to all fields of endeavor and by their
capacity to endure immeasurable adversity along with achieving
their triumphs, and will be commemorated by all Armenian people
and their friends throughout the world.
PO3
2E09-9-6- 68 I 121
JOINT RESOLUTION
RESOLVED, by the Senate and the House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled, that the
Senate and House of Representatives and the President bf the
United States of America commemorate the twenty-second
anniversary of the Truman Doctrine, and hereby reaffirm the
pledge of the United States thereunder to defend the national
integrity of the Republic of Turkey, a valued ally and friend of
the United States.
PO4
Wal:TO 6811
BoB DOLE
UNITED STATES SENATE
has THE sean CHIEF of STAFF
November 20, 1989
Dear John:
I appreciate the efforts you and other
White House staff have made to try to work
out acceptable language on an Armenian
genocide resolution. It is clear to me,
though, that time is going to run out on
us this Session before any final agreement
on language can be reached.
Let's keep working over the adjounrment
period, to see what we can come up with.
Meanwhile, I do hope the President will
issue some kind of message on the first
anniversary of the Armenian earthquake, but
will refrain in that message from trying to
address the genocide issue. Language in such
a message that the Armenian-American
community might find unacceptable would
probably not be helpful in finally achieving
language we can all live with.
Sincerely yours,
BOB DOLB
United States Senate
The Honorable John H. Suntnu
Chief of Staff
The White House
PHOTOCOPY
MISC. HANDWRITING
JOINT RESOLUTION
RESOLVED, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled, That April 24,
1990 is designated as "National Day of Remembrance of the
Seventy-Fifth Anniversary of the Armenian Victims of the Tragedy
of 1915-23," and the President is authorized and requested to
issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States
to join the millions of Armenians around the world in a day of
remembrance for the Armenian people who were victims during this
tragic period, prior to the establishment of the current Republic
of Turkey.
We are deeply aware of the terrible suffering of the
Armenian people during that period and of the strong conviction
of the survivors and some scholars that those events shall be
characterized as a genocide. The United States responded to the
anguish of the Armenian people during this period, by leading the
international diplomatic and missionary efforts to terminate the
tragedy and to aid the millions of victims who survived.
In commemorating the Armenian and other victims of this
tragic period, the Senate and House of Representatives also wish
to affirm their pledge as friend and ally to defend the
territorial integrity of the Republic of Turkey.
This resolution also memorializes the three thousand year
old history of the Armenian people which has been distinguished
by their contributions to all fields of endeavor and their
capacity to endure immeasurable adversity, along with their
triumphs, and shall be commemorated by all Armenians and their
friends throughout the world.
JOINT RESOLUTION
RESOLVED, by the Senate and the House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled, that the
Senate and House of Representatives and the President of the
United States of America join with the Armenian people in the
United States and around the world in their commemoration of
April 24, 1990, as the seventy-fifth anniversary honoring the
victims of the Armenian Genocide during the period from 1915 to
1923, prior to the establishment of the current Republic of Turkey.
We are deeply aware of the terrible suffering of the
Armenian people during that period. The United States responded
by leading the international diplomatic and missionary efforts to
terminate that tragedy and to aid the millions of people who
survived.
In commemorating the one-and-one-half million victims of
that tragedy, we also wish to memorialize the three-thousand-year
history of the Armenian people, who have been distinguished by
their contributions to all fields of endeavor and by their
capacity to endure immeasurable adversity along with achieving
their triumphs, and will be commemorated by all Armenian people
and their friends throughout the world.
11.16.89 17:21 P.02 *PASHAYAN WDC
TRANSMITTED FROM 202 225 3341
JOINT RESOLUTION
RESOLVED, by the Senate and the House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled, that the
Senate and House of Representatives and the President of the
United States of America commemorate the twenty-second
anniversary of the Truman Doctrine, and hereby reaffirm the
pledge of the United States thereunder to defend the national
integrity of the Republic of Turkey, a valued ally and friend of
the United States.
11.16.89 17:21 P.03 *PASHAYAN WDC
TRANSMITTED FROM 202 225 3341
1:10. p.m.
DRAFT
11/14/89
JOINT RESOLUTION
RESOLVED, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled, That April 24,
1990 is designated as "National Day of Remembrance of the
Seventy-Fifth Anniversary of the Armenian Victims of the Tragedy
of 1915-23," and the President is authorized and requested to
issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States
to join the millions of Armenians around the world in a day of
remembrance for the Armenian people who were victims during this
tragic period, prior to the establishment of the current Republic
of Turkey.
We are deeply aware of the terrible suffering of the
Armenian people during that period and of the strong conviction
of the survivors and some scholars that those events shall be
characterized as a genocide. The United States responded to the
anguish of the Armenian people during this period, by leading the
international diplomatic and missionary efforts to terminate the
tragedy and to aid the millions of victims who survived.
In commemorating the Armenian and other victims of this
tragic period, the Senate and House of Representatives also wish
to affirm their pledge as friend and ally to defend the
territorial integrity of the Republic of Turkey.
This resolution also memorializes the three thousand year
old history of the Armenian people which has been distinguished
by their contributions to all fields of endeavor and their
capacity to endure immeasurable adversity, along with their
triumphs, and shall be commemorated by all Armenians and their
friends throughout the world.
1:10 p.m.
DRAFT
11/14/89
JOINT RESOLUTION
RESOLVED, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled, That April 24,
1990 is designated as "National Day of Remembrance of the
Seventy-Fifth Anniversary of the Armenian Victims of the Tragedy
of 1915-23," and the President is authorized and requested to
issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States
to join the millions of Armenians around the world in a day of
remembrance for the Armenian people who were victims during this
tragic period, prior to the establishment of the current Republic
of Turkey.
We are deeply aware of the terrible suffering of the
Armenian people during that period and of the strong conviction
of the survivors and some scholars that those events shall be
characterized as a genocide. The United States responded to the
anguish of the Armenian people during this period, by leading the
international diplomatic and missionary efforts to terminate the
tragedy and to aid the millions of victims who survived.
In commemorating the Armenian and other victims of this
tragic period, the Senate and House of Representatives also wish
to affirm their pledge as friend and ally to defend the
territorial integrity of the Republic of Turkey.
This resolution also memorializes the three thousand year
old history of the Armenian people which has been distinguished
by their contributions to all fields of endeavor and their
capacity to endure immeasurable adversity, along with their
triumphs, and shall be commemorated by all Armenians and their
friends throughout the world.
DRAFT
11/14/89
JOINT RESOLUTION
RESOLVED, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled, That April 24,
1990 is designated as "National Day of Remembrance of the
Seventy-Fifth Anniversary of the Tragic Killing of Armenians in
1915-23," and the President is authorized and requested to issue
a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to
join the millions of Armenians around the world in a day of
remembrance for the Armenian people who were victims during this
tragic period, prior to the establishment of the current Republic
of Turkey.
We are deeply aware of the terrible suffering of the
Armenian people during that period and of the strong conviction
of the survivors and some scholars that those events shall be
characterized as a genocide. The United States responded to the
anguish of the Armenian people during this period, by leading the
international diplomatic and missionary efforts to terminate the
tragedy and to aid the millions of victims who survived.
In commemorating the Armenian and other victims of this
tragic period, the Senate and House of Representatives also wish
to affirm its pledge as friend and ally to defend the territorial
integrity of the Republic of Turkey.
This resolution also memorializes the three thousand year
old history of the Armenian people which has been distinguished
by their contributions to all fields of endeavor and their
capacity to endure immeasurable adversity, along with their
triumphs, and shall be commemorated by all Armenians and their
friends throughout the world.
NOV E '89 09:16
P.2/3
News
from
Congressman
RICHARD
CALIFORNIA'S 18TH DISTRICT
LeHMAN-
202-225-4540
Contact: Tim Egan
PR89087
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 3, 1989
LEHMAN WRITES PRESIDENT BUSH ON ARMENIAN GENOCIDE ISSUE
released a copy of the following letter to President Bush:
Washington, D.C. - Congressman Richard Lehman (D-Sanger) today
position on legislation relating to the Armenian Genocide.
I am writing to express my grave concern regarding your
In the early part of this century, from the years 1915 to
in an attempted genocide of the Armenian people by the
1923, a million and a half men, women and children were murdered
governments of the Ottoman Empire, before the establishment of
the Republic of Turkey. Prior to 1982, the U.S. Congress passed
most recent one being in April of 1975,
several affirmative resolutions commemorating the ganocide; the
The United States government today does not officially
recognize this tragic event in history despite efforts by some
Members of Congress to commemorate the Armenian Genocide. Your
lack of support has been particularly disappointing, for a number
of reasons.
In May of 1988, during the heat of the presidential
campaign, you came to my district in Fresno, California and
engaged in a roundtable discussion with reporters from some of
the local newspapers. When asked whether you believed there was
an attempted Armenian Genocide, you answered in the affirmative.
Responding to the question, you said that "it's a matter
that the Turks have been unwilling to face up to." You went on,
"You can never make up for the suffering that took place. But
getting the facts out It is sensitive and there are some
strategic considerations there." At the time, I questioned why
you had remained silent for so many years while Armenian Genocide
bills in Congress were defeated, largely due to administration
opposition.
Later that year, you responded even more forcefully on this
issue in a questionnaire from the Armenian Assembly of America.
In the questionnaire, you gave your support to Congressional
recognition of, in your words, "the attempted genocide of the
Armenian people in the last years of the Ottoman Empire." Most
importantly, you added, "I would join Congress in commemorating
the victims of that period." Finally, Mr. President, you stated
that the "Bush Administration will never allow political
pressures to prevent denunciation of crimes against humanity."
That is what you said when you were a candidate for
President seeking Armenian-American votes.
On October 17th, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved a
bill for a day of remembrance of the 1.5 million Armenians slain
between 1915 and 1923 in the days of the Ottoman Empire. The
bill, introduced by Senate Minority Leader Robert Dole, has wide,
bipartisan support. A nearly identical bill, which I cosponsored
with several other Members, has been introduced in the House by
1319 Longworth HOB
2115 Kern Street
Federal Building - Suite 216
Washington, D.C. 20615-0518
Albert N. Francisco Bldg.
Suite 210
401 North San Joaquin Street
48 West Yaney Avenue
202-225-4540
Fresno, CA 93721-2682
Stockton, CA 95202-2003
Sonora; CA 95370-4812
Majority Deputy Whip David Bonior.
Under heavy pressure from the government of Turkey, your
Administration has suddenly reversed itself by announcing your
intention to oppose the Senate bill. It appears by recent events
that you are actively seeking to defeat the Armenian Genocide
Resolution. Sources have indicated that you sent a letter on
October 13, 1989 to Senate Minority Leader Robert Dole, informing
him of your opposition to the resolution. In addition, various
Senators have acknowledged both privately and during Senate
debate that a number of people associated with the White House,
particularly Brent Scowcroft, the National Security Advisor, are
pressuring Senators to kill the resolution.
Moreover, it has been reported that U.S. Ambassador to
Turkey, Morton Aramowitz, was recalled to the United States,
presumably for State Department briefings, but reportedly to
lobby against the resolutions. These actions raise concerns of a
possible violation of 18 U.S.C. 1913. As you are well aware,
this provisions states:
"No part of the money appropriated by any enactment of
Congress shall, in the absence of express authorization
by Congress, be used directly or indirectly to pay for
any personal service, advertisement, telegram,
telephone, letter, printed or written matter, or other
device, intended or designed to influence in any manner
a Member of Congress, to favor or- oppose, by vote or
otherwise, any legislation or appropriation by
Congress, whether before or after the introduction of
any bill or resolution proposing such legislation or
appropriation."
I hope that the administration will keep this provision in
mind as it considers the Armenian Genocide issue.
Mr. President, I realize that you do not want to offend
Turkey, which is a valuable ally and friend. It is not the
intention of supporters of the Armenian Genocide Resolution to
lay blame, seek reparations or otherwise embarrass the government
of Turkey. We acknowledge the importance of our relationship and
value their friendship.
The fact of the matter is, though, that the legislation
carefully states that the genocide took place before the
establishment of the Republic of Turkey. Also, regarding their
concern about terrorism, terrorist acts are more likely to occur
when the concerns of an oppressed group are not acknowledged and
expressed openly. Finally, with reference to use of the word
genocide, the word itself was invented to describe the Armenian
massacre, before the Jewish or Cambodian genocides occurred. The
U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council has stated that the Armenian
Genocide should be included in the Holocaust Museum Memorial.
The real question that needs to be asked, however, is
whether the Bush Administration is going to allow itself to be
influenced on = basic moral issue by pressure from foreign
governments.
Mr. President, your leadership is needed on this issue. I
implore you to take your campaign promise to the Armenian
community seriously. Should you choose to ignore your campaign
promise it will be a slap in the face to the Armenian community
in this country and throughout the world.
Please keep your word, Mr. President - support official
recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
-30-
The Armenian nation is over three thousand years old and is
distinguished by its contributions to all fields of human
to
endeavor. The first to have adopted Christianity as a national
arti Tenh.
religion, the Armenian people have also endured immeasurable
adversity along with their triumphs. Their greatest tragedy
5 MILLION.
occurred when hundreds of thousands of Armenians lost their lives
Fiftern
during the period 1915-23, the anniversary of which the Armenian
people will commemorate on April 24, 1990. I am deeply aware of
the terrible suffering of the Armenian people during that period
were
a
and of their strong conviction that those events should be
with
along
Rafael
characterized as a genocide. The United States responded to the
Samphin
anguish of the Armenian people during that period by leading
international diplomatic and missionary efforts to terminate this
tragedy and to aid the victims who survived.
RCV BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ;11- 9-89 ; 4:25PM
9164454633-
3957214;# 2
JOINT RESOLUTION
RESOLVED, by the Senate and House of Representatives
of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That
April 24, 1990 is designated as "National Day of
Remembrance of the Seventy-Fifth Anniversary of the
Genocide of the Armenian people in 1915-1923," and the
President is authorized and requested to issue a
proclamation calling upon the people of the United States
to join the international community and the millions of
Armenians around the world in a day of remembrance for the
1.5 million Armenian people who were victime during this
tragic period of the Ottoman Empire and prior to the
establishment of the Republic of Turkey.
We are deeply aware of the terrible suffering of the
Armenian people during that period and of the strong
conviction of the survivors, scholars and indeed our own
representative at the time, that those events were a
genocide. The United States responded to the anguish of
the Armenian people during this period by leading the
international diplomatic and missionary efforts to
terminate the tragedy and to aid the millions of victims
who survived.
In commemorating the Armenian and other victims of
this tragic period, the Senate and House of Representatives
also wish to affirm that the United States is pledged as
friend and ally to defend the territorial integrity of the
Republic of Turkey.
This resolution also memorializes the three thousand
year old history of the Armenian people which has been
distinguished by their contributions to all fields of
endeavor and their capacity to endure immeasurable
adversity, along with their triumphs, and shall be
commemorated by all Armenians and their friends throughout
the world.
1500, 000
The Armenian nation is over three thousand years old and is
distinguished by its contributions to all fields of human
endeavor. The first to have adopted Christianity as a national
religion, the Armenian people have also endured immeasurable
adversity along with their triumphs. Their greatest tragedy
a
occurred when hundreds of thousands of Armenians lost their lives
secrety fifth
during the period 1915-23, the A anniversary of which the Armenian
people will commemorate on April 24, 1990. I am deeply aware of
the terrible suffering of the Armenian people during that period
and of their strong conviction that those events should be
were
characterized as a genocide, The United States responded to the
anguish of the Armenian people during that period by leading
international diplomatic and missionary efforts to terminate this
tragedy and to aid the victims who survived.
A ,
along with Rafeal
Lemphen, author 6
the term.
The United states cack wouldges on of of
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generates
RCV BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 :11- 9-89 ; 4:25PM
9164454633-
3957214;# 2
JOINT RESOLUTION
RESOLVED, by the Senate and House of Representatives
of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That
April 24, 1990 is designated as "National Day of
Remembrance of the Seventy-Fifth Anniversary of the
Genocide of the Armenian people in 1915-1923," and the
President is authorized and requested to issue a
proclamation calling upon the people of the United States
to join the international community and the millions of
Armenians around the world in a day of remembrance for the
1.5 million Armenian people who were victims during this
tragic period of the Ottoman Empire and prior to the
establishment of the Republic of Turkey.
We are deeply aware of the terrible suffering of the
Armenian people during that period and of the strong
conviction of the survivors, scholars and indeed our own
representative at the time, that those events were a
genocide. The United States responded to the anguish of
the Armenian people during this period by leading the
international diplomatic and missionary fforts to
terminate the tragedy and to aid the millions of victims
who survived.
In commemorating the Armenian and other victims of
this tragic period, the Senate and House of Representatives
also wish to affirm that the United States is pledged as
friend and ally to defend the territorial integrity of the
Republic of Turkey.
This resolution also memorializes the three thousand
year old history of the Armenian people which has been
distinguished by their contributions to all fields of
endeavor and their capacity to endure imeasurable
adversity, along with their triumphs, and shall be
commemorated by all Armenians and their friends throughout
the world.
WASHFAX RECEIPT
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
35
11 5.5
B
S/S #
043458
MESSAGE NO.
CLASSIFICATION Limited Official Use No. Pages
1
FROM: JSROY
S/S
5301
7224
(Officer name)
(Office symbol)
(Extension)
(Room number)
MESSAGE DESCRIPTION Armenian Resolution Language
TO: (Agency)
DELIVER TO:
Extension
Room No.
NSC
Brent Scowcroft / Gates
NSC
Phillip Hughes
HUTCHINGS
FOR:
CLEARANCE
INFORMATION
PER REQUEST
COMMENT
REMARKS:
S/S Officer: by
FORM
7.87
D8-2790
Withdrawal/Redaction Sheet
(George Bush Library)
Document No.
Subject/Title of Document
Date
Restriction
Class.
and Type
01. Resolution
Alternative Congressional Resolution
11/07/89
Re: Armenian Anniversary (1 pp.)
Collection:
Record Group:
Bush Presidential Records
Office:
Chief of Staff, White House Office of
Series:
Sununu, John, Files
Open on Expiration of PRA
Subseries:
Issues Files
(Document Follows)
WHORM Cat.:
By
of
(NLGB)
on
5/12/05
File Location:
Armenian Joint Resolution (1990) [1]
Date Closed:
12/7/2004
OA/ID Number:
29135-007
FOIA/SYS Case #:
1998-0004-F[1]
Appeal Case #:
Re-review Case #:
2005-0426-S
Appeal Disposition:
P-2/P-5 Review Case #:
Disposition Date:
AR Case #:
MR Case #:
AR Disposition:
MR Disposition:
AR Disposition Date:
MR Disposition Date:
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P-1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA]
(b)(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P-2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA]
(b)(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of an
P-3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA]
agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P-4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
(b)(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA]
(b)(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P-5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA]
(b)(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P-6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA]
(b)(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed of
(b)(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
gift.
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
(b)(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
PRM. Removed as a personal record misfile
LIMITED OFFICIAL USE
ALTERNATIVE RESOLUTION
Resolved by the Senate and llouse of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled, That April 24,
1990, is designated as "National Day of Remembrance of the
Seventy-Fifth Anniversary of the Tragic Loss of Life that
Occurred to Armenians and Others during and after World War I."
The President is authorized and requested to issue a
proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to
observe this date as a day of remembrance for those who
suffered during this tragic period.
The Armenian people have a history over three thousand
years old, distinguished by their contributions to all fields
of human endeavor. They were among the first peoples to have
adopted Christianity. The Armenians have also endured
immeasurable adversity along with their triumphs. Their
greatest tragedy occurred when hundreds of thousands of
Armenians lost their lives during the period 1915-23, the
anniversary of which the Armenian people will commemorate on
April 24, 1990. (We are deeply aware of the terrible
suffering of the Armenian people during that period and of
their strong conviction that those events should be
characterized as a genocide. We are also aware that large
numbers of Moslems of the region also lost their lives during
this period, and that historians continue to dispute whether
the term genocide accurately characterizes these events.) The
United States responded to the anguish of the Armenian people
during that period by leading international diplomatic and
missionary efforts to terminate this tragedy and to aid the
victims who survived.
In commemorating the Armenian and other victims of this
tragic period, the Senate and House of Representatives also
wish to emphasize that the United States is pledged as friend
and ally to defend the territorial integrity of the Republic of
Turkey and that the United States condemns any terrorist
violence perpetrated against Turkey.
*
The Department continues to oppose use of the word
"genocide." The word will be unacceptable to the Turks no
matter how qualified. Even when "genocide" is put in the
mouths of others, they will perceive it as the word of the
President. If "genocide" is retained, we strongly urge that
the second sentence also be retained to provide balance in what
is a legitimate historical dispute.
W2408; 11/07/89
LIMITED OFFICIAL USE
Joint Resolution
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled, That April 24, 1990,
is designated as a "National Day of Remembrance" of the Seventy-
Fifth Anniversary of the Armenian massacres of 1915-23
in the Ottoman Empire and the President is authorized and requested
to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States
to observe this date as a day of remembrance for the 1.5 million
people of Armenian ancestry who during the period from 1915 to
1923 were victims of the policies perpetrated (efforts made by?) by
Ottoman authorities to destroy the Armenian race, prior to the
establishment of the Republic of Turkey and the Adoption in 1948 of
the Convention on Genocide by the United Nations General Assembly,
and in their memory this date is commemorated by all Armenians
and their friends throughout the world.
101st CONGRESS
1st Session
S. J. RES.
Designating April 24, 1989, as "National Day of Remembrance of
the Seventy-Fifth Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide of
1915-1923".
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
Mr. DOLE
) introduced the following joint resolution; which was read
twice and referred to the Committee on
JOINT RESOLUTION
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled, That April 24,
1990, is designated as "National Day of Remembrance of the
Seventy-Fifth Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923",
and the President is authorized and requested to issue a
proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to
observe this date as a day of remembrance for the 1.5 million
people of Armenian ancestry who were victims of the genocide
perpetrated by the governments of the Ottoman Empire from 1915 to
1923, prior to the establishment of the Republic of Turkey, and
in their memory this date is commemorated by all Armenians and
their friends throughout the world.
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
06-Nov-1989 09:07 EDT
CONF DENTIAL
MEMORANDUM FOR:
Brent Scowcroft
( SCOWCROFT )
FROM:
Robert L. Hutchings RZH
(HUTCHINGS)
SUBJECT:
Armenian Proclamation
We have attached a replacement paragraph with the language you
indicated. This formulation, while better than the existing
draft, would nonetheless do considerable damage to our relations
with Turkey. The Turks would judge, not unreasonably, that by
referring to the Armenians' characterization of these events as a
"genocide," the President had gone some distance toward
legitimizing and implicitly endorsing that characterization.
11/6/89
0957
Brent --
DECLASSIFIED
PER NSC WAIVER, 1500 2021-02
I may draw your fire
By SS NARA, Date 11/29/23
but the very mention of
generide could produce an
explosion in Ankara, with
dire consequences for our
bilation relatimship, The DECA
and most important CFE
CC: Robert D. Blackwill
where the Tudy could bring
the regitiation to a halt.
BS Blachill
The Armenian nation is over three thousand years old and is
distinguished by its contributions to all fields of human
endeavor. The first to have adopted Christianity as a national
religion, the Armenian people have also endured immeasurable
adversity along with their triumphs. Their greatest tragedy
occurred when hundreds of thousands of Armenians lost their lives
during the period 1915-23, the anniversary of which the Armenian
people will commemorate on April 24, 1990. I am deeply aware of
the terrible suffering of the Armenian people during that period
and of their strong conviction that those events should be
characterized as a genocide. The United States responded to the
anguish of the Armenian people during that period by leading
international diplomatic and missionary efforts to terminate this
tragedy and to aid the victims who survived.
ROV BY:Xe X Telecopier 7020 ;11- 9-89 ; 4:25PM ;
9164454633-
3957214;# 2
JOINT RESOLUTION
RESOLVED, by the Senate and House of Representatives
of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That
April 24, 1990 is designated as "National Day of
Remembrance of the Seventy-Fifth Anniversary of the
Genocide of the Armenian people in 1915-1923," and the
President is authorized and requested to issue a
proclamation calling upon the people of the United States
to join the international community and the millions of
Armenians around the world in a day of remembrance for the
1.5 million Armenian people who were victims during this
tragic period of the Ottoman Empire and prior to the
establishment of the Republic of Turkey.
We are deeply aware of the terrible suffering of the
Armenian people during that period and of the strong
conviction of the survivors, scholars and indeed our own
representative at the time, that those events were a
genocide. The United States responded to the anguish of
the Armenian people during this period by leading the
international diplomatic and missionary Afforts to
terminate the tragedy and to aid the millions of victims
who survived.
In commemorating the Armenian and other victims of
this tragic period, the Senate and House of Representatives
also wish to affirm that the United States is pledged as
friend and ally to defend the territorial integrity of the
Republic of Turkey.
This resolution also memorializes the three thousand
year old history of the Armenian people which has been
distinguished by their contributions to all fields of
endeavor and their capacity to endure immeasurable
adversity, along with their triumphs, and shall be
commemorated by all Armenians and their friends throughout
the world.
RCV BY:Xemox Telecopier 7020 ;11- 9-89 ; 4:25PM ;
9164454633-
3957214;# 1
State of California
STATES was THE
GOVERNOR'S OFFICE
SACRAMENTO, CA 95814
(fin
GEORGE DEUKMEJIAN
GOVERNOR
TELEPHONE
(916) 445-2841
DATE: 11/9
TO:
John H. Sununu
Chief of Staff
The White House
TELEPHONE NUMBER: ( 202 ) 456-2397
FROM:
Governor George Deukmejian
! NUMBER OF PAGES (Including Cover) :
2
Please contact ( Lorrie Ward
if all pages have not been received.
) at (916) 445-2843
NOTE:
DRAFT
3:20 pm
Diamin
JOINT RESOLUTION
RESOLVED, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled That April 24,
1990, is designated as "National Day of Remembrance of the
Seventy-Fifth Anniversary of the Tragic Killing of Armenians in
1915-23," and the President is authorized and requested to issue
a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to
join the millions of Armenians around the world in a day of
remembrance for the Armenian people who were victims during this
tragic period.
We are deeply aware of the terrible suffering of the
of the the
Armenian people during that period and of their strong conviction
summ,
and
indeed
that those events shall be characterized as a genocide. The
United States responded to the anguish of the Armenian people
during this period, prior to the establishment of the government
Regalar
of Turkey by leading the international diplomatic and missionary
time,
efforts to terminate the tragedy and to aid the millions of
victims who survived.
In commemorating the Armenian and other victims of this
affirms
tragic period, the Senate and House of Representatives
to that the United States is pledged as friend and ally
to defend the territorial integrity of the Republic of Turkey,
and that the United States condemns any terrorist violence
perpetrated against Turkey.
This resolution also memorializes the three thousand year
old history of the Armenian people which has been distinguished
by their contributions to all fields of endeavor and their
capacity to endure immeasurable adversity, along with their
triumphs, and shall be commemorated by all Armenians and their
friends throughout the world.
DRAFT
3:20 pm
JOINT RESOLUTION
RESOLVED, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled, That April 24,
1990 is designated as "National Day of Remembrance of the
Seventy-Fifth Anniversary of the Tragic Killing of Armenians in
1915-23," and the President is authorized and requested to issue
a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to
join the millions of Armenians around the world in a day of
remembrance for the Armenian people who were victims during this
tragic period.
We are deeply aware of the terrible suffering of the
survivers and
Armenian people during that period and of their strong conviction
of
the
some scholars
that those events shall be characterized as a genocide. The
United States responded to the anguish of the Armenian people
during this period, prior to the establishment of the government
of Turkey, by leading the international diplomatic and missionary
efforts to terminate the tragedy and to aid the millions of
victims who survived.
In commemorating the Armenian and other victims of this
tragic period, the Senate and House of Representatives also wish
to emphasize that the United States is pledged as friend and ally
to defend the territorial integrity of the Republic of Turkey,
and that the United States condemns any terrorist violence
perpetrated against Turkey.
This resolution also memorializes the three thousand year
old history of the Armenian people which has been distinguished
by their contributions to all fields of endeavor and their
capacity to endure immeasurable adversity, along with their
triumphs, and shall be commemorated by all Armenians and their
friends throughout the world.
amm