New-York tribune., 1920-04-04
Armenia Rule
w Ould Cost
ISL Millions
Harbord Report Says
Army of $4,000 to
10000 Also Would Be
Required for 5 Years

1000 Also Would Be
Required for S Years
From The Tribunes Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON, April 3.-It would
cost the United States $275, 900 900 and
would require from $4,000 to 100000
American troops the first year for the
United States to hold the mandate for
Armenia, President Wilson was advised
by the American commission, headed by
Major General James G. Harbord, that
made an exhaustive study Of conditions
in the former Turkish Empire at the
Presidents request. The total cost
was estimated at $757,35O 900.
The Harbord report was transmitted
to the Senate to-day by the President
IN response to Senate resolution
adopted two months ago. In the report
no recommendation was made as to
whether the United States should as
sumo the mandate for Armenia, but it
was urged that the whole of European
Turkey be placed under control Of the
great powers.
The mandate for Armenia would be
self-supporting at the end Of five
years, the commission reported. Dur
ing the five-year period, however, the
cost was estimated as follows: First
year, s275 100000; second year, S174,-
100000; third year. 1923, ,00O fourth
year, s96,7 ,750, 900; fifth year, SS5, 50 .o0o: F.:
grand total, s757.35O,0 900 The commits
sion recommended that the country
holding the mandate for Armenia take
over Constantinoplc
Suggests L. S. Conditions
The report told what the mission
found with respect 10 the reported
massacres Of Christians and deporta-
lions Of Arm enians, and continued:
"Fhe United States should make its
own conditions as q preliminary to con-
sideration of the subject certainly
before and not after acceptance
there are multitude of interests that
would conflict with what any American
would cons ider the proper administra-
ton Of the country. Every possible
precaution against international com
plications should be taken in advance.
In our opinion, there should be specific
pledges in terms of formal agreement
with France and England and definite
approval from Germany and Russia Of
the dispositions made of Turkey and
Transcaucasia and a pledge TO respect
them.
"Of particular interest are the fol-
lowing:
"Absolute control of the foreign re-
latons of the Turkish Empire, no am
bassador, envoy, minister OF diplo-
matte agent to be accredited to Tur-
key and the latter to send none
abroad
CONCESSIONS involving exclusive
privileges to be subject to review ii
shown contrary to the best interests
Of the state.
concessions undesirable from the
standpoint OF mandatary, upon which
work has not been started, to be can
celed. Compensation to be allowed to
holders when necessary.
Revenue Reforms Needed
"The system by which specified rev.
enues are assigned for particular pur-
poses to be discarded; all revenues to
creditors to took to the Treasury as
the source Of payment.
"Forelgn contro! of Turkish fnan-
clat machinery TO cease-meaning the
dissolution Of the Council OF Admin
istration of the Ottoman public debt,
reserving the right to retain some in
dividual members Of the council as ad-
vlsers because Of familiarity with OF
toman finances.
All foreign obligations Of the empire
TO be unified and refunded
Those countries receiving territory
of the Turkish Empire, Syria and Meso.
potamla, to assume their REASONABLE
share OF the paper currency, of the for
eign obligations and of obligations for
possible reparations payments.
"Abfogaton, on due notice, of exist
ing commercial treaties with Turkey.
"All foreign governments and troops
TO vacate territorial limits of mandate
at dates to be fixed by the mandatory
power.
Consent to many OF these measures
would not easily be obtained" the re-
port states. "Many nations now have
some sort of financial control within
the ottoman Empire. and would not sec
1t taken away without protest.
1T needs no argument, however tc
show that the United States could not
submit to having ker financial policies
controlled from foreign capitals. The
refundlng Of the debt, possibly with 6
reduction OF the capital amounts. woulc
raise storm OF protest, but it should
be insisted upon. Otherwise American
administration would be embarrassed
and run the risk Of being discredited
"The mission has not felt that it is
expected TO submit a dation
as to the United States accepting a
mandate in the Near Enst. 1t there
fore simply submits the following
summary of reasons for and against
Continued on next paus)
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