Ämnet för min C-uppsats handlar om diskussionen om vad som kan ...

2.1.5 1919In 1919, the Swedish Missionary, E. John Larson, with experiences from his work in Turkey andthe Middle East, published a book, Vid Ararats fot (“At Ararat’s foot”), writing about the SwedishMission’s 35 years activity in Caucasus. Describing the situation in Caucasus, Larson mentionsthe 1894-96 “Bloodbath in Armenia,” how the Turkish Armenia is now emptied of Armenians,and the numerous immigrants seeking shelter in Caucasus. 2451919 was the year in which the Turkish Government desperately tried to salvage as much as itcould. Under Entente pressure the Turkish Government issued orders for arresting allgovernmental and military members who were suspected of having committed crimes againsthumanity. Most of the leading figures, including Talaat, Enver, Djemal and Dr. Shakir fled toGermany before they were arrested. 246 Many others escaped captivity. Nevertheless, a largenumber of them were put on trial and convicted. 247On January 3, SvM published a note, asserting that “According to a French investigation, themassacres in Armenia have claimed 1.5 million victims.” 248 On February 11, SvM publishedanother article mentioning the trial of the “executioners of Armenians.” The article noted that“Governors and commanders, who are accused of instigating the massacres, are being tried incourt martial trials.” 249In an article, published in SvM on February 25, the women of Scandinavia appealed for thesake of the Armenians. An ad in the same paper recommended the two books, Blod och tårar andVid Ararats fot. 250On August 15, SvM informed of an American investigation committee, an initiative by the USPresident Wilson, sent to Armenia to examine the situation from a military perspective. 251 OnSeptember 1, DN published the news about the discussion of US mandate over Armenia, adecision condemned by the Republicans. 252 In his report dated February 24, 1919, Wirsén looksforward to coming home and gives a general description of the situation in the country, warningStockholm about the imposing migration wave, “a catastrophe in the entire Europe, worse thanany other since the great migrations during the Middle Ages.” The following remark is, however,interesting:The general situation in the Orient is unclear in so far as the fact that no definitive decisions aremade in regard to Turkey’s position. That this old rotten butcher-state can not be allowed to existas it has up till now, is, however, clear and must be agreed upon. 253245 Larson, 1919, p. 66-69, 99.246 Dadrian, 2004, p. 319.247 Dadrian, 2004, p. 321-333.248 SvM, January 3, 1919.249 SvM, February 11, 1919.250 SvM, February 25, 1919.251 SvM, August 15, 1919.252 DN, September 1, 1919.253 KA, Generalstaben, letter 1, February 24, 1919.56