Genocide

Herman Bernstein writes to Theodore Roosevelt after having read Roosevelt’s article “Peace of Righteousness.” Bernstein recalls having an agreeable meeting with Roosevelt, during which Roosevelt informed Bernstein he cannot, as a former President, write publicly on foreign matters. Bernstein urges him to reconsider.

Bernstein states that he understands foreign nations have no international legal standing to interfere with “Jewish massacres”, and that foreign nations cannot criticize the lack of reforms that had been codified in the Manifesto of October 17, 1905. However, Bernstein claims that Russia violated the Russo-America treaty of 1832 due to their treatment of Jewish Americans and states that by allowing in to continue, “Uncle Sam… should permit his ‘face to be slapped’ ” – quoting Roosevelt’s own words.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Theodore Roosevelt is unsure what he can do to help the Armenian people. The Germans will not influence Ottoman Turkey in favor of Armenia, as the Germans have too much contempt for the United States and have already disregarded international morality. Since there is no Turkish vote, the United States government could take action but Roosevelt doubts there would be any results. Roosevelt will call attention to Armenian suffering but the American public will need to change its opinion on international duty and affairs.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-10-20

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Theodore Roosevelt told Judge Osborn that he felt great sympathy for the Armenians that are being persecuted in Turkey but he cannot speak to a mass meeting on the subject. Roosevelt thinks a meeting about Armenian atrocities should also address Belgian atrocities. However, there will be no results until the United States atones for the Americans lost on the Lusitania and murdered in Mexico. In a postscript, Roosevelt states that no protest will be effective until the country shows it has the strength and will to fulfill its promises.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-10-25

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Theodore Roosevelt is “shocked and horrified” by the atrocities committed against the Armenians. He feels the same way about the treatment of the Armenians as he does about the treatment of the Belgians and vows to do whatever he can to help the Armenians if the opportunity arises.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-10-28

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919