1915-06-27-DE-013
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Link: http://www.armenocide.net/armenocide/armgende.nsf/$$AllDocs/1915-06-27-DE-013
Source: DE/PA-AA/BoKon/169
Publication: DuA Dok. 100 (re. gk.)
Embassy register: A53a/1915/3939
Edition: Genocide 1915/16
Departure of telegram: 06/27/1915 09:00 PM
Arrival of telegram: 06/28/1915 02:00 PM
Embassy/consular serial number: No. 5
Translated by: Linda Struck (Translation sponsored by Zoryan Institute)
Last updated: 04/22/2012


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

Telegraphic Report



No. 5
Trebizond, 27 June 1915

Further to Telegram dated 26 June.

About 30,000 persons are affected by the deportations just in the Vilayet of Trebizond. 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]



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