The report enclosed in transcript by Dr. Neukirch from Erzindjan, the German doctor who is a member of the Red Cross expedition, on the Armenian question is respectfully sent for your information.1
A 31677
While previously miserable hordes of poor women and children, with no possessions whatsoever, were shepherded past, led by only a few armed men, those people who have passed by recently had pack animals and livestock with them. Most recently, the inhabitants of Erzurum passed by in huge, well-supplied ox wagon caravans. The people looked very well (it seemed as if all of the men were with them), made the journey in small segments and were protected by numerous gendarmes under the leadership of officers.
The largest of these caravans was accompanied by a high official, the Mutessarif of Bayazid himself. The people set up camp on the plain of Erzindjan and moved on about a week later. Credit for such proper transportation of the Armenians from Erzurum obviously goes to Taxim-Bey, the Vali there. It is regrettable that the local authorities here acted differently. According to a good source, the events in Trebizond were also not carried out correctly. The people from that area passed through here on foot, with little or no possessions. The economic consequences, which must be of particular interest at home, cannot yet be assessed.
The relations between the expedition and public authorities and the population are good. On the other hand, the Armenians will want to burden us with the responsibility for what has happened.
The economic consequences are incalculable.