BOB DOLE 
KANSAS

United States Senate 
OFFICE OF THE REPUBLICAN LEADER 
WASHINGTON, DC 20510 

September 28, 1989

Dear Colleague:

Tomorrow I will introduce a Joint Resolution, designating April 24, 1990, as a national day of remembrance for the victims of the Armenian genocide, which occurred in the Ottoman Empire during the period 1915-23. That date will mark the 75th anniversary of the on-set of the terrible events of that era, when some historians believe as many as a million-and-a-half Armenians may have perished.

There are deep and enduring ties between the United States and Armenia -- a fact reflected in the incredible outpouring of private American relief aid in response to last December's devastating earthquake in Armenia. The Armenian-American community numbers nearly a million people. And I can attest, from my own recent visit to Armenia, that the Armenian people feel real friendship for the United States and our people. In light of these ties, it is especially appropriate that the Senate take solemn note of the events of 1915-23.

I want to stress my strong hope that this Resolution will not be misunderstood by anyone. I do not believe that Senate action on this Resolution need in any way affect our strong security ties with Turkey, nor our close friendship with the Turkish people. All of the events in question occurred long before the Republic of Turkey was formed, and before the overwhelming majority of the Turkish population was even born. I know, too, that there are hundreds of thousands of Turkish-Americans who may hold a different view of the events of 1915-23, and they -- every bit as much as the Armenian-American community -- deserve to have their views heard and concerns addressed.

Nonetheless, it is my view that we should act on the Resolution I will introduce; and it is my hope that our action will help all of us, whatever our ethnic heritage, to come together even more determined to see that no people ever again need suffer as others have in the past. Should you wish to cosponsor my Resolution, please contact me or have your staff contact Al Lehn (224-3135). Please do note again that I plan to introduce it tomorrow, Friday, September 29 -- so if you wish to be an original cosponsor, it is important that you contact my office as soon as possible.

Sincerely yours,

[signature]
BOB DOLE 
United States Senate


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