Historical Facts

The Supreme Council of Allied Powers, recognized Armenia January 1920. The United States of America, recognized Armenia April 1920.

Acting on behalf of the Supreme Council of the Paris Peace Conference, it was recognized by Great Britain, France and Italy on January 19, 1920:

“It is agreed: that the government of the Armenian State shall be recognized as a de facto government on the condition that this recognition in no way prejudges the question of the eventual frontier.”

(Paris, 19 January 1920)

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The United States recognized the Republic of Armenia on April 23, 1920. Hereunder is the American recognition letter from the Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby to the “Representative of the Armenian Republic” in Washington – Dr. Garegin Pasdermadjian:

“Sir: Referring to communications heretofore received from you on the subject of the proposed recognition of your Government by the Government of the United States, I am pleased to inform you, and through you, your Government, that, by direction of the President, the Government of the United States recognizes, as of this date, the de facto Government of the Armenian Republic.

This action is taken, however, with the understanding that this recognition in no way predetermines the territorial frontiers, which, it is understood, are matters for later delimitation.

Accept, Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration”

Washington, April 23, 1920

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In addition to the above recognition of the Republic of Armenia by the executive branch, the legislative branch confirmed this recognition too. The United States Senate, upon the unanimous recommendation of the Committee on Foreign Relations, adopted the preamble and resolution of Senator Harding, which is both agreed upon by the Senate on May 13, 1920 read as follows:

“Whereas the independence of the Republic of Armenia has been duly recognized by the Supreme Council of the Peace Conference and the Government of the United States of America: Therefore be it

Resolved: That the sincere congratulations of the Senate of the United States are hereby extended to the people of Armenia on the recognition of the independence of the Republic of Armenia, without prejudice respecting the territorial boundaries involved; and be it further.

Resolved: That the Senate of the United States hereby expresses the hope, that stable government, proper protection of individual liberties and rights, and the full realization of nationalistic aspirations may soon be attained by the Armenian people.”

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As described above, that, after the recognition for Armenia by the Supreme Council of the Allied Powers(Great Britain, France and Italy) and the United States of America, there is no single document (governed by International Law) indicating that the above countries recognized the frontier between Armenia and Turkey except by the Arbitration Award of President Woodrow Wilson, issued November 22, 1920.