Προετοιμασία της γενοκτονίας των Αρμενίων

 Philippe Reynaud

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Here is an extract translated from a telegram attributed to Talaat Pacha, published and analyzed by Taner Akçam in his book Orders to Kill: Armenia 1915. This document is considered to be one of the most explicit ones about the will to exterminate Armenians.

Telegram of the Ottoman Interior Ministry (summer 1915)

Original text (in Ottoman, translated by Taner Akçam): "The government has decided to completely annihilate all Armenians living in Turkey. It is no longer possible to keep Armenians in the Empire, even temporarily. Their existence needs to be erased, no matter the circumstances. »

Context and authenticity

This telegram is part of the documents called "Andonian", transmitted by an Ottoman official named Naim Bey to Aram Andonian, Armenian intellectual.

Long disputed, these documents have been rehabilitated by Taner Akçam, who found matching elements in the official Ottoman archives.

Akçam demonstrates that the codes used in telegrams correspond to the encryption systems of the Ministry of the Interior at the time, strengthening their authenticity.

Why this document is crucial

He shows a clear intention for extermination, not just deportation.

He comes from the highest level of the Ottoman state, namely the Minister of the Interior.

It was corroborated by foreign diplomatic testimonies, including those of US Ambassador Henry Morgenthau and German pastor Johannes Lepsius.