ABSTRACT
The independent Azerbaijan Republic was occupied by Soviet Russia in April 1920. The national government was overthrown and some members of the parliament and government were arrested. Others left the country. The Azerbaijan delegation in Europe, led by Topchibashov, appealed to international organizations, the great powers, and the world community for help. Unfortunately, this plea had no effect. Soon Armenia and Georgia fell under Soviet Russian control as well. Rebellions against the occupation were suppressed by the Red Army. The civil freedom of the Republic of Azerbaijan was replaced with Bolshevik repression. After the April invasion the members of the Azerbaijani peace delegation became émigrés in Europe. The united forces of the South Caucasian émigrés strengthened their anti-Soviet propaganda and protests against Russian policy but could not prevent Sovietization. Topchibashov represented Azerbaijan in disputes concerning Baku oil. As the Western powers started to recognize the legitimacy of the Soviet regime after 1924, the Caucasian and Azerbaijani émigrés lost their political importance.
