declarations of great britain, russia, and italy before the signing of the protocol., March 31, 1877

declarations of great britain, russia, and italy before the signing of the protocol.

Declaration made by the Earl of Derby before the signature of the protocol.

The undersigned, Her Britannic Majesty’s principal secretary of state for foreign affairs, makes the following declaration in regard to the protocol this day signed by the plenipotentiaries of Great Britain, Germany, Austria-Hungary, France, Italy, and Russia:

Inasmuch as it is solely in the interests of European peace that Her Britannic Majesty’s Government have consented to sign the protocol proposed by that of Russia, it is understood beforehand that in the event of the object proposed not being attained, namely, reciprocal disarmament on the part of Russia and Turkey, and peace between them, the protocol in question shall be regarded as null and void.

Declaration made by the ambassador of Russia.

If peace with Montenegro is concluded, and the Porte accepts the advice of Europe, and shows itself ready to replace its forces on a peace footing, and seriously to undertake the reforms mentioned in the protocol, let it send to St. Petersburgh a special envoy to treat of disarmament, to which His Majesty the Emperor would also on his part consent.

If massacres similar to those which have deluged Bulgaria with blood take place, this would necessarily put a stop to the measures of demobilization.

Declaration made by the Italian ambassador.

Italy is only bound by the signature of the protocol of this day’s date so long as the agreement happily established between all the powers by the protocol itself is maintained.