Read this instruction alongside the later January denial and the separate recognition letter of 23 April. An instruction at one stage of a diplomatic exchange should not be presented as the whole recognition process.
As regards Armenia, this Government concurs in the decision taken by the Council to recognize the government of the Armenian state as a de facto government on the condition that this recognition in no way prejudges the question of the eventual frontiers. The Secretary of State will so notify the Armenian representative in Washington.
While this Government appreciates the point of view of the Allied Governments in wishing to render material assistance to Georgia and Azerbaijan, it cannot but feel that the question of the recognition of these governments as de facto governments raises issues of great scope and importance. The possible reaction on the minds of the Russians hitherto friendly to the Allied and Associated governments of such a recognition, which may be advertised by the Moscow government as the beginning of an attempt to dismember Russia, demands the further and very serious consideration of the American Government.
This is regional context for the Armenian recognition debate. It does not itself record recognition of Armenia; the source publishes an extract with omissions.
5. Upon the suggestion of Lord Curzon, the Council decided that the Principal Allied and Associated Powers would jointly recognize the Governments of Georgia and Azarbaidjan as de facto Governments subject to the reservations formulated by the American and Japanese representatives that they would request the instructions of their Governments on the matter. …
