Speech #970225636

It is important in the context of this debate on immigration reform to look back at U.S. commitments to the Armenian people. victims of the first genocide of the 20th century. American concern and support for the Armenian people go back to our extensive missionary presence and charitable work in Armenia in the 19th century. But official American dealings with the Armenians have consisted of broken promises and nonaction. During the terrible massacres of Armenians in 1894 and 1895. President Cleveland declined to protest to the Turkish Government. although he was asked to do so by both the House and the Senate. After the massacres and deportations of Armenians in 1915 and 1916 American public support for Armenians was even greater. In President Wilsons "14 Points" speech of January 8. 1918. he called for a "free. openminded. and absolutely impartial adjustment of all colonial claims. based upon a strict observance of the principal that in determining all such questions of sovereignty the interests of the populations concerned must have equal weight with the equitable claims of the government whose title is to be determined." His 12th point stated. " * * the other nationalities which are now under Turkish rule should be assured an undoubted security of life and an absoultely unmolested opportunity of autonomous development * * *". Justice to small nations became the American theme for a negotiated peace.