the russian manifesto., April 7/19, 1877

the russian manifesto.

M. L’Ambassadeur: The imperial cabinet has exhausted, since the commencement of the Eastern crisis, all the means in its power to bring about, with the concurrence of the great powers of Europe, a lasting pacification of Turkey.

All the propositions successively made to the Porte in consequence of the understanding established between the cabinets have met with an invincible resistance on its part.

The protocol signed in London on the 19th/31st March of this year was the last expression of the collective will of Europe.

The imperial cabinet had suggested it as a supreme effort of conciliation. It had made known, by the declaration bearing the same date and accompanying the protocol, the conditions which, if loyally accepted and performed by the Ottoman Government, might bring about the re-establishment and consolidation of peace.

The Porte has just answered by a fresh refusal. This eventuality had not been contemplated by the protocol of London. While it formulated the views and decisions of Europe, that document had confined itself to stipulating that in case the great powers were deceived in their hope of seeing the Porte apply energetically the measures destined to afford to the condition of the Christian populations the improvement unanimously called for as indispensable to the tranquillity of Europe, they reserved to themselves to consider in common as to the means which they might deem best fitted to secure the well-being of those populations and the interests of the general peace.

Thus the cabinets had foreseen the case of the Porte not fulfilling the promises it might have made, but not that of its rejecting the demands of Europe.

At the same time the declaration made by Lord Derby at the time of signing the protocol stated that as the government of Her Britannic Majesty had consented to the signature of that act only in view of the interests of the general peace, it was to be understood beforehand that in the event of the proposed object not being attained—namely, reciprocal disarmament and peace between Russia and Turkey—the protocol should be regarded as null and void.

The refusal of the Porte and the reasons on which it is founded leave no hope of deference on its part to the wishes and counsels of Europe, and no guarantee for the application of the reforms suggested for the improvement of the condition of the Christian populations. They render impossible peace with Montenegro and the performance of the conditions which might bring about disarmament and pacification. In these circumstances, every chance is closed for efforts of conciliation. There remains no alternative but to allow the state of things to continue which the powers have declared incompatible with their interests and those of Europe in general, or else to seek to obtain by coercion what the unanimous efforts of the cabinets have not succeeded in obtaining from the Porte by persuasion.

Our august master has resolved to undertake this work, which His Majesty had invited the great powers to pursue in common with him. He has given his armies the order to cross the frontiers of Turkey. You will make known this resolution to the government to which you are accredited.

In assuming this task, our august master fulfills duties imposed upon him by the interests of Russia, whose peaceful development is hindered by the permanent disturbances of the East. His imperial Majesty has the conviction that he responds at the same time to the sentiments and interests of Europe.

Accept, &c.,