The document discussed herein is a political agreement, which was signed between the ARF and the Armenian Democratic Liberal (Ramgavar) Party. The document was signed in Constantinople, on December 20, 1921.

This is not the sole example of cooperation between the Armenian political parties. This cooperation has historic roots. In 1896, in the city of Van, the self-defense forces of the Armenakan and Social Democratic Hunchakian parties, along with those of the ARF, headed respectively by Avetissian, Marto and Bedik, engaged in fierce defensive battles against the imperial Ottoman forces. It was again in Van, in 1915, that the Armenian political parties unified their forces against the genocidal campaign of the Turkish government. This self-defense effort was led by two prominent leaders, Armenak Yegarian and Aram Manookian. Three years later, in 1918, Aram Manookian played a pivotal role in the creation of the Republic of Armenia.

In December 20, 1921, in Constantinople, the representatives of the ARF, A. Giulkhandanian, S. Araratian and Kh. Papayan signed an agreement with the representatives of the Central Executive of the Ramgavar Party- A. Terzibashian, H. Yervand and Artak Darbinian.

This document is about an ARF-Ramgavar unified policy regarding Soviet Armenia.

It is kept in our archives, along with the signed credentials of the Ramgavar delegates. The first document bears the call-number 1711-2 and the second one is under the call number 1711-1.

The agreement consists of 7 points. It regards the Soviet regime and the presence of the Red Army in Armenia as a factor of security for Armenia against the Turko-Tatar (Azeri) danger. While expressing serious reservations about the Soviet regime’s ability to promote the economic development of Armenia and to guarantee the basic freedoms of its population; the two parties find the idea of an uprising against the Soviet regime unacceptable, since it would endanger the physical safety of the Armenian people.

Further, the agreement stipulates that both the criticisms and the applause of the regime should be based upon facts. Also, the agreement underscores the importance of sending the much needed help to the people of Armenia, at the same time, demanding from the authorities of Yerevan to favor free trade and private ventures.

The document further stipulates that the authorities of Soviet Armenia should embark on the creation of an Armenian Red Army.

Finally, the agreement states that any further change from these policy issues, should be made only after bilateral consultations.

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