Not only were these financial actors quick to defend the cohesion of the Ottoman Empire, they also opposed the implementation of any reforms which might strengthen government infrastructure. As Pinon points out: "a reformed and strengthened Ottoman Empire, which could provide for itself, meant the end of the privileges of the foreign governments and their profitable activities. The guardian who makes a large profit from supervising a child under his care, wishes neither that the child die nor grow up. Even if he has sufficient compassion, he tries to keep the child alive in its present condition." 283
During the course of the massacres these profiteers used their influence within the media, preventing any coverage of the events in Armenia, and even using their influence over the political players. Albert Vandal writes: "The media was paralysed through the most cunning and horrible lies and silence campaign the like of which had never been seen." 284 Paul Cambon was justified in writing the following from Constantinople to Paris: "The Turks continue their murdering and plundering and setting of everything on fire, and even then our papers do not stop sympathising with the helpless Turks." 285
Sultan Abdul Hamid "could continue the massacres of the Armenians with the cooperation of Europe, who accepted his untruthful excuses, bribes and acting." 286 The words of Anatol Franz also ring poignantly: "Can it be possible that Europe should say to this "red sultan", you can murder only if you pay us? Can it be possible that the protective and thereby responsible Europe which considers itself so well armed that it can force the power of reason on Constantinople, considers itself powerless to stop the decapitation of 300 000 of the subjects of the sultan?" 287
"Victrix causa diis placuit, sed victa Cantoni" (The gods took the victor's side, but Cantoni took the side of the loser." 288
Despite the profiteering attitude of their indifferent and weak governments, the terrifying events evoked great sympathy for the Armenians amongst the populations of these countries.
In England, where public opinion was strongest and the middle class felt a greater sense of responsibility, the Armenian movement found many friends amongst strong-willed and good-hearted men, who fought indefatigably for the rights of this oppressed people, forcing the English government to adopt a suitable position for protecting the rights of the Armenians. 289
First amongst these defenders was one of the greatest politicians of the modern era, Gladstone. Gladstone showed a great interest in the fate of the Armenian people, devoting his powers to defending of the rights of this people, in his eyes no more than defending the very dignity of humanity. As mentioned above, his famous speech in Liverpool, in defence of the Armenians, was his last public political action. On this day, his clear and commanding voice reached a pitch of emotional excitement far exceeding that of his earlier speeches defending oppressed countries such as Italy, Bulgaria and Ireland. 290 "Seldom could a professional speaker compete against him, but no one could surpass his statements, which were equivalent to the final sentence of a court."
|
