1915-06-27-DE-013-M

Source: DE/PA-AA/Embassy Constantinople/Vol. 169.
Publication: DuA doc. 100 (rev. abbr.)
Translator: Linda Struck

From the Consul in Trapezunt (Bergfeld) to the Embassy in Constantinople

No. 5

Trapezunt, 27 June 1915

Further to Telegram dated 26 June.
About 30000 persons are affected by the deportations just in the Vilayet of Trapezunt. A mass transport of this kind for hundreds of kilometres along routes that are lacking in accommodation and supplies, and where 300 kilometres must count as being completely infested with typhus fever, would claim enormous numbers of victims, particularly among the women and children. This would cause damage to the moral image not only of Turkey, but also of its allies. I am absolutely no friend of the Armenians, but I consider myself to be obliged to point out to Your Excellency the dangers of this mass deportation from the standpoint of humanity and prestige. The local Vali simply refers to instructions from Constantinople.
My Austrian colleague is telegraphing a similar message to his Embassy. Also, there is a danger of the deportees spreading the typhus fever. Perhaps the Sublime Porte can refrain from deporting the women and children and suffice itself with accommodating them nearby, provided they do not wish to follow their men voluntarily.

[Bergfeld]