The Problem of Nakhijevan in the American Policy (1919-1920)

Summary

Nakhijevan was recognized as a region of the Republic of Armenia by the decision of the British Command, dated April 24, 1919, and by the Order of May 3 of the same year. After the Turkish-Tatar assault on the Armenian state authorities and population on July 20-25, 1919, the Allied High Commissioner, the U.S. Army Colonel W.Haskell proposed to establish an American General Governorship under the guidance of the Colonel E.L.Daley. However, the Muslim National Council (MNC) of Nakhijevan opposed his introduction into the post.

On November 23, 1919, an Armenian-Azerbaijani non-aggression pact was signed under the aegis of Americans. Afterwards, the quick sovietization of Azerbaijan on April 28, 1920, together with the Soviet-Turkish collaboration essentially changed the whole situation. In endeavor to consolidate the state power an expedition of a military detachment under General G.Shelkovnikian was initiated on July 11, 1920. Three days later the Turk-Tatar forces fled in panic together with the Muslim dwellers. Therefore, on July 16-18, 1920, the MNC negotiated in Yerevan on the terms of the peaceful subordination of the region to Armenia. On July 20 of the same year local National Council recognized Nakhijevan and Sharur an //-54 integral part of the Republic of Armenia with all inhabitants to be citizens of Armenian State. As far as a formal procedure had not been performed in time, the fights resumed and the enemy took to flight again. On July 27, 1920, the MNC adopted the ultimatum again. Then it transformed into Revkom and exploited the presence of the Red Army that successfully neutralized the Republic of Armenia's military and diplomatic achievements. Along with reinforcement of the Soviet Russia, the USA did not perceptibly impact on the latert processes. //-55