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Treaty of Moscow (1920)


The Treaty of Moscow (Russian: Московский договор, Moskovskiy dogovor, Georgian: მოსკოვის ხელშეკრულება, moskovis khelshekruleba), signed between Soviet Russia (RSFSR) and the Democratic Republic of Georgia (DRG) in Moscow on May 7, 1920, granted Georgia de jure recognition of independence in exchange of the promise not to grant asylum on Georgian soil to troops of powers hostile to Bolshevik Russia.

The Democratic Republic of Georgia, led by the Social Democratic (Menshevik) party, declared its independence from Russia on May 26, 1918. It was not formally recognized by the Soviets at that time, but the Georgian government eventually managed to obtain de facto recognition from the White leaders and the Allies.

Following an abortive Bolshevik coup in Tbilisi, and a failed attempt by the Red Army units to penetrate Georgia in early May 1920, Lenin's government agreed to sign a treaty with Georgia and recognize its independence de jure, provided that the Mensheviks formally undertook not to grant shelter on Georgian territory to any force hostile to Soviet Russia. Many Georgian politicians, including the Foreign Minister, Evgeni Gegechkori, regarded this clause as an infringement of Georgia’s sovereignty, and favored rejection of the Russian terms. However, Prime Minister, Noe Zhordania, anxious above all to secure for Georgia international recognition, agreed to these terms. The treaty was finally signed by Grigol Uratadze for Georgia and Lev Karakhan for Russia, in Moscow on May 7, 1920.


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