Britain and the Armenian Question 1915-1923

The entry of Turkey into the First World War on the side opposing Britain brought Britain into sympathy with the Armenian people whom the Turks were fighting to suppress; and Armenia remained an important component of British policy after the creation of the Republic of Armenia on the break-up of the Russian Empire. This book examines the direction, changes and ramifications of British policy towards Armenia during these crucial years. The author has made extensive use of parliamentary papers and those of the Cabinet, Foreign Office, War Office and India Office as well as documents produced by pro-Armenian groups during the period. This material is used to build up a detailed and incontrovertible study of British policy, which shows the extent to which it was governed by self-interest even when support for Armenia was at its most altruistic. Once Britain secured predominance in the Persian Gulf, she lost all her interest in Armenian territory and a dilemma was posed when the war ended: not only did she no longer need Armenia but also had to decide who to support in Russia. Armenia lost out on all sides and was compelled eventually to adapt herself to the policies of the surrounding countries.