New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-01-02

this time.
Treaty Made in 1915
an 1915 treaty was signed between
England and France embodying these
IDEAS The phraseology of this treaty
was kept clear of such terms as pro
tectorate,' colonization and zone of in
tluence,' it is stated. The compact, so
far as France is concerned, merely rec
ognized the right of the government to
develop and promote civilization in the
regions mentioned.
Later, another treaty was signed
along similar lines by England, France
and Russia. Just what part Russia
intended to play may never be known,
because the collapse Of that empire
ended her aspirations. 1t is stated,
however, that she originally showed an
inclination to annex q part of Armenia.
"The boundaries for the proposed
activities of France appear to have
been left without absolute definition.
1t was agreed that Syria and Armenia,
which are inha by various nation
alities, and include both Moslems and
, Christians, we're not in position to
be given ruling power. They must have
guidance in the establishment of a
new state or states.
Arabian Status Underlined
an Arabian territory the situation
was different, owing to the greater uni
feation of the people, and here the
question of what action should be taken
by the protective power is not defined.
Palestine provides problem in
itself. It is made up not only Of many
nationalities. but it has been the birth
place of divers old religions. In ad-
dition, the situation is complicated by
the tendencies of the Zionists to estab
fish home in Palestine. With the
divergence in religious views to deal
with, it seemed impossible to place Pal
estne under the guidance of any one
of the great powers, and SO it was de-
cided that this country should come I'M
der an international protectorate."
The correspondent called attention to
the fact that Armenia is being urged
quietly by certain quarters to apply
for the establishment Of French pro-
tectorate over her. The reply was
that if Armenia wanted a protectorate
she should have it, but that thus far
France has had no intention Of doing
more than acting as guiding influence
in Asia Minor.
Hopes for Independence
An independent and integral Ar
menia under the collective protection
from the peace congress, however, &C
cording to a statement given Ehe As
ISOLATED Press by the Armenian Ma
tional Delegation, which now is in Paris
under the Craftsmanship of Nubar
Pacha.
After describing the horrors of the
massacres, deportations and tortures
suffered by the country at the hands
of "barbarians and their German al
lies" the statement voices apprecia
ton of Americas understanding,
sympathy and practical aid to Ar,
menia and declares it unthinkable that
Armenia, a Christian nation, should
be left under the Turkish yoke.
"The victory of the Allies" the
statement continues, zone of whose war
ends was the liberation of oppressed
peoples, already has liberated the Ar
menians. Nothing remains except to
fix the conditions under which they
may peaceably enjoy independence,
sheltered from all outside aggression
and permitted to obtain their evolution
and complete development. For this
end they need the protection and aid
Of the powers to which they owe their
deliverance"
Describing the complete overthrow
Of all conditions of existence in Ar
menian provinces, the statement de-
ciares that it will require several years
to repatriate the refugees deported, to
repair the ruin and to restore normal
conditions. The statement continues:
at is during this period Of repatria-
ton and reconstruction that the Ar
menians will need to be aided, pro-
tected and guided by the powers which
up their wounds and to be born again
to life. 1t is for that reason that
they ask to be placed under the col
lective protection Of the powers and
to be assisted in the work of recon
struction by one of them. to which the
protective powers will give a special
mandate for a temporary period, the
length of which is to be fixed by the
peace conference"
Places Hope in America
The statement then expresses re-
newed gratitude for Americas part in
the work of succor, relief and educa-
ton as we'll as in the projected plans
of the Armenian and Syrian relief COM
mlttee. 1t continues:
r This makes us hope that America,
which has been so generous in the work
Of Christian charity, will consent to
continue its action on political grounds
by contributing with it's allies to the
resurrection of Armenia"
The statement then recites the dec
llarations Of President Wilson regard
ing. the rights Of peoples and con
clndes:
at is in reliance on these principles
OF justice and right that the Armenian
National Delegation has just declared
the independence Of Armenia under the
sure conviction that the government Mt
at Washington will gladly be one Of
the first to recognize It."