File No. 763.72/9295
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Great Britain (Page)
7116. Consul, Tiflis, sent Vice Consul Doolittle to Teheran to dispatch telegrams dated Tiflis, March 10, 11, and 12. American missionary Yarrow informs Barton and American Red Cross Caucasian situation most critical. Turks advancing. Surrounded by unfriendly Tatars. Armenians in real danger of extermination. If properly led and financed latter possess great potential military force. British [Page 624] mission must use more adequate efforts if situation is to be saved. Russian Red Cross work disorganized. Yarrow urgently appeals for $400,000 to reorganize hospitals and $100,000 monthly for maintenance. Red Cross here asking London whether credit can be made available in Caucasus.
Consul telegraphs Secretary of State German plan of utilizing native Moslem population being accomplished. Tatars and Turkish troops disguised as natives, pro-Turk Moslem leaders supplied with abundant cash, feverishly active in creating disturbances. Fighting between Moslem tribes and Terek Cossacks. Armenian villages and detachments constantly attacked by armed Moslems, although latter usually repulsed. Situation aggravated by inactivity of Allies. Turkish demand of part of Caucasus brought Georgians’ desire to join hands with Armenians. Defense of front depends entirely on latter whose present forces are 15,000 Ottoman subjects and 25,000 Russian subjects. With proper assistance probably force of 30,000 Georgians can be raised. Prime Minister requests help and states Armeno-Georgians will resist Turkish advance, but without instant financial aid and hope of future British military assistance, Turks may occupy as much Caucasian territory as they please. Without most urgent measures such occupation and massacre of Armenians within two months practically certain.
Prime Minister stated Black Sea Russian fleet offering sell his Government cruisers, torpedo boats, transports, and supplies, and that these would be sold to Turkish Government unless purchased by Allies.
Consul suggests placing in London to the credit of head of British mission at Tiflis 2,000,000 rubles to be used at his discretion for military purposes and possible purchase of Black Sea and Caspian fleets. Dunsterville, Tapping, or other tactful person could be charged with negotiations. Also credit of 2,000,000 rubles should be placed in London at disposal in Tiflis to provide for safety of Armenian people and prevent total extermination. The plan is to provision and supply the three mountain fastnesses in Russian Armenia, where in case of disasters troops at front may fall back and hold out probably for six months. If above is done Prime Minister promises hold Baku to keep open communications with British and North Caucasians.
As United States is not at war with Turkey this Government is prevented from taking action in the above premises. You may, however, inform Mr. Balfour of foregoing; telegraph result to the Department.
Since drafting the above Department received telegram March 28 from Doolittle still at Teheran stating his immediate return impossible, that Persian chieftain with 3,000 well-armed natives under [Page 625] German influence and fostering anti-Ally sentiments in north Persia; that British authorities at Teheran have lost hope of saving Caucasian situation.
Please inform Department what information British Government has.