This is not 1915 when official orders can be destroyed after “the work is done.” This is 2007 when confidential orders are often e-mailed and sometimes to unintended recipients.

On March 7, 2007, Turkey’s cabinet Ministry of National Education sent this confidential letter to the Istanbul Governorate requesting “information and action so that the above mentioned arguments [that detail how to deny the Genocide] are taken into consideration in the organization of educational, cultural and social activities.” Source: e-mail.

REPUBLIC OF TURKEY

MINISTRY OF NATIONAL EDUCATION

DG Private Education Institutions

No : B.08.0.0.ÖÖG.0.0I.19.01.01/420.1

Subject: Fight against So-called Genocide Claims 07 MARCH 2007

TO ISTANBUL GOVERNORATE

(Provincial Education Directorate)

     In the 16th meeting of the Coordination Board for Fighting against so-called Genocide Claims, the following principles have been adopted:

     It should be voiced that:

     Turks respected and showed tolerance to the religions and cultures of the minorities living among the states that they had established,

     In the history of Turks, in their state tradition and culture, there has been no racism or hatred causing genocide and assimilation like it was in the western world,

     In order to protect the respectability of their professions, it is necessary for the colleagues to show reactions with the scientists and media that do not act on an unbiased basis vis-à-vis genocide claims,

     Armenia has destroyed Turkish cultural products; Turkish population was exiled from Armenia or annihilated.

     In this scope and in the framework of the general objectives and fundamental principles of our National Education System, I request your information and action so that the above mentioned arguments are taken into consideration in the organization of educational, cultural and social activities. 

İstanbul GovernorateOffice of the Clerical OfficerKozmik Büro

                                    Provincial Education Director

                  pp the Governor  Ömer Güney

                  pp the Minister   Director General

Beşevler Kampüsü E. Blok 06500 / ANKARA

Tel:213 47 25 Faks: 223 99 26         CONFIDENTIAL

E.Posta: [email protected]

İnt.adresi:http//ookam.meb.gov.tr