LETTER TO THE ARMENIAN WEEKLY   6/19/05

The authenticity of the 1915 Genocide of 1,500,000 Armenians by the Ottoman Turks has
 resurfaced with a vengeance.  This is largely due, in part, to the meticulously verifiable
 studies and books written by the renowned Armenian historian Vahakn N. Dadrian.
 
With this mounting fervor, there is also speculation that at long last, Turkey might bend
 to the mounting pressures of the world and end their 90 years of fanatical denial.
   And the most important reason for this is that without finally admitting to the guilt
 of their grandfathers, the Turks will not be accepted into the European Union (E.U.).
  This effort is being spearheaded by France, along with many other E.U. nations.   

To further exasperate Turkey's criminal denial, there are also many other nations and
 organizations who have finally confirmed and accepted this horrible crime as part of
 their historical archives.  This is not to mention, of course, the documented testimony
 of the many thousands of non-Armenians and Armenians who not only witnessed but who also
 escaped being massacred. 

At present, one of the leading groups of Armenian organizations demanding Turkey's
 admission of guilt, is the Armenian Revolutionary Federation and herein lies the reason
 for my inquiry.

To begin with, I have always concurred with the ARF's public outcries for justice regarding 
the 1915-1923 Armenian Genocide.  I have also, in the past, been led to believe in the ARF's
 stated democratic principles, but I have since come to realize that generally speaking,
 they do not practice what they preach.   I, therefore, seriously wonder if their present
 involvement in this issue is sincere or primarily for political gain.  If their intentions
 are sincere -- wonderful.   But before committing myself one way or the other, I would 
like some questions answered.  

To begin with, since our newest Republic of Armenia became a reality, the ARF has been
 building up the 1918 Republic of Armenia as part of a heroic past.  I would like a
verifiable response to this issue.

Question #1 - Did the 1918 independent Republic of Armenia come into existence because
 of the ARF's revolutionary activities, or did the Ottomans initiate it to keep the 
Armenians on hold due to their ever-increasing involvement in the upcoming World War I?

Question #2 - If the Ottomans weren't instrumental in initiating the autonomy of the
 1918 Republic of Armenia, why did the ARF sign away everything but the kitchen sink?
  (They did this in the secret treaty of Alexandropol on December 2, 1920.)

Question #3 - Is it true or untrue that the ARF demanded no reparations in that treaty,
 and even went as far as forfeiting their autonomous existence, along with their name 
and goals.  

Your accurate and verifiable response to these questions would be greatly appreciated.


Sincerely,
Joseph Vosbikian