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THE SUBLIME PORTE The Illustrious Ministry of Foreign Affairs Number 191 To the Capable Effendi, Locum Tenens of the Patriarchate:

Prudent and beloved Effendi, The Imperial Rescript concerning the Reforms requires that every Community, taking into examination within a determined period the special privileges and immunities it enjoys, determine through deliberation the reforms demanded by the requirements of the times and by the fruits of civilization and learning, and submit [them] to the Sublime Porte; and that the authority and competence granted to the Spiritual Heads be brought into harmony with the secured condition and new status of each Community. Therefore, a draft Constitution for the Armenian Nation was prepared by the hand of a Commission composed of honorable persons. But it was likewise deemed proper that the Ecclesiastical members and the parish Deputies of the General Assembly formed in the days of Patriarch Sarkis elect, by a majority of votes, a Commission composed of seven persons, and that the aforementioned draft be submitted once more to its [inspection]. Wherefore, we request that you cause the election of the said Commission to take place by dispatching the necessary letters of invitation within two [or] three days, and that you do the favor of bringing about the necessary disposition by having it assemble at the Sublime Porte together with the other Commission and the Official specially designated for this matter. We also request that you transmit beforehand to us the names of the seven persons elected in the manner aforesaid. (Signed) ÂLI

NOTE: 14 February 1862

[SUBLIME PORTE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS NUMBER 191] To the Sagacious Effendi, Locum Tenens of the Patriarchate:

Sagacious [and] amicable Efendi, Pursuant to the provisions of the Sublime Imperial Reform Edict (*Islahat Fermanı*), each community was to proceed, within a specified period, to the examination of its present privileges and immunities, and, upon deliberation, to submit the reforms necessitated by the times, the advancements of civilization, and acquired knowledge; and, furthermore, it being necessary that the authority and power granted to the spiritual heads be brought into conformity with the new status and condition secured for these communities, a draft regulation (*nizâmnâme*) concerning the Armenian nation was drawn up through the formation of a commission composed of notables of the nation. Nevertheless, it having been deemed appropriate that this [draft] be once presented to a commission composed of [...] persons—to be selected by a majority of votes from among the members belonging to the clergy and elected by the leaders of the community to the General Assembly formed during the time of Patriarch Sarkis—it is requested that, by dispatching the requisite letters of invitation within two or three days, and upon the election of this commission, diligence be exerted to unite [it] with the other commission and its special official at the Sublime Porte so as to carry out what the circumstances require; and that, in the first instance, a register setting forth the names of the [...] persons to be elected in this manner be delivered to our friendly side. (Signed:) ÂLÎ

NOTE: On 27 Shaʻban [A.H.] 1278 1