Erzurum, 4 June 1915
[Scheubner-Richter sent several reports by telegram from the local Armenian Bishop Sembat to the Armenian Patriarch Zaven in Constantinople, requesting that they be delivered to him.]
For your personal information: a former Turkish deputy from Erzurum was among the leaders of the Russian troops consisting largely of Armenian deserters which occupied Van. This fact was determined without doubt by the Turkish government and the Armenians must blame themselves if innocent people must also suffer under the measures which the Turkish government is forced to take – now elsewhere as well – against rebellious elements which threaten the security of the state.
When the opportunity presents itself, please inform Armenian circles there that, with all goodwill for them, we are not authorised to represent their interests according to general principles of constitutional law with their own government. But I will attempt to bring the contents of the bishop’s telegram to the Patriarch’s attention without mentioning the place of origin.
To Consul General Dr. Mordtmann for appropriate, careful use.
1) of the deportation of the population from Erzurum with some details, particularly Consul Scheubner’s intervention on behalf of the deportees and the thanks of the Murakkasa there for this;
2) of the incidents in Khinis, where some villages were attacked by the Kurds.
I did not mention the Murakkassa’s telegram.