Deukmejian Pleads for Reagan Change of Heart on Armenians

Gov. George Deukmejian sent a long and emotional appeal to President Reagan on Tuesday asking that the President reconsider his opposition to a congressional resolution marking the 70th anniversary of the Armenian genocide at the hands of the Ottoman Turks.

Deukmejian, son of Armenian immigrants, told Reagan that “throughout your career in public service, you have distinguished yourself as one of America’s most ardent and eloquent champions of freedom, democracy and human dignity.

“From our many years of friendship, I know first-hand the great depth of your feelings and concern for the innocent victims of violence, totalitarianism and genocide.”

But the governor said the Armenian genocide “is an indisputable historical fact,” and added that he was “disappointed and disturbed” that the President would oppose a national day of remembrance.

He pleaded with Reagan to “reconsider your current position and take action to affirm the historical truth. . . .”

It was a rare breach with the President for Deukmejian, who acknowledged as much in his letter by saying that “I’m sure you know the depth of my support for your efforts to lead our nation. Rather than sit silently on the sidelines, I have tried to be supportive and helpful on many of the challenging issues facing our country and your Administration. . . .

“On this issue, however, I am in disagreement with both your policy and your recent statements.”

The governor also reminded Reagan that “most recently, in a December, 1983, meeting in the Oval Office, you told me and the assembled representatives of the Armenian-American community about your personal knowledge of the Armenian genocide and your great sorrow for the Armenian people.”

The Reagan Administration has opposed the congressional resolution out of fear of offending Turkey, a military ally of the United States. The President also suggested that a day of remembrance might encourage Armenian terrorist attacks on Turks and Turkish-Americans.

Deukmejian, the highest ranking elected Armenian official in the nation, will deliver the keynote speech Saturday night in Washington at a dinner sponsored by the National Commemorative Committee of the 70th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.