FREE CONSOLATION versus FRAIL COMPENSATION !

FREE CONSOLATION versus FRAIL COMPENSATION !

Every time I read the Armenian Diaspora publications, newsletters, articles, bragging and self-praising, I remember “Odyssey” and the story of nymphs or sirens dragging boats to go on rocks for final destruction.

Those who have read a little about the Armenian Revolutionaries activities, would know that those coming from Russia (where they were oppressed) to save the Armenians of Turkey (who were relatively in better standards) and their songs of “liberty and independence” was like the tunes of the sirens! They will also wonder why and how an innocent nation who lived in harmony with Turks for over six centuries, were dragged onto the rocks and suffered severe calamities, because of the tunes they heard and liked.

In the third (after 1970s) or final stage of revolutionary activities by propaganda and political pressure, the diaspora Armenians living in USA (and also France), are continuously asked to pay – contribute to the cause with the solemn goal to force Turkey to pay Compensations or Restitution which is read loudly, at the end of each article as a rightful demand. The diaspora Armenians believe in this “jackpot” prize so seriously, that in California, even a law has been passed to exempt Armenians from taxes, when they get these compensations paid. At universities, student bodies hold symposiums to decide where and how these “sure compensations should be spent”. In short, the feasting table is all set for the “prize fish, big enough to feed all hungry”!

A recent study (see www.tallarmeniantale.com/settlement.htm or http://armenians-1915.blogspot.com/2008/01/2262-turkey-paid-13m-by-1934-to-settle.html revealed an article by Roger Alford from Opinio Juris weblog, stipulating that all “Armenian Genocide Claims are Dismissed” because Turkey paid $ 1.3 millions in 1934, in settlement of all claims by USA for her citizens.

Thanks to the help our friend Gokalp, I excerpt below the Original “Adjustment of Payments due to the United States” no.168, Washington, Sept.8, 1937, and the final letter of agreement No.93, dated Sept.23, 1937 which in short reconfirm that the actual amount paid by Turkey was not even $ 1.3 millions, but $ 899.338.09! All of the valid claims had amounted to $ 539.844.13; the difference constituted the interest added on the main amount. This agreement was applied and all amounts were paid by June 1944. This agreement fully discharged Turkey from all claims of USA or her citizens and hence cannot be brought up by international law, at least for all (Armenian) U.S. citizens!

S.S.Aya Istanbul, Nov. 5th 2008