Seeking Stability
The events surrounding the Balkan situation have prompted considerations of international law and the need for confirmation by the signatory powers of the Treaty of Berlin in 1878. The treaty stated that no nation could free itself from treaty commitments or modify stipulations without the consent of the contracting powers through amicable arrangements. To give legal sanction to various acts, confirmation by the signatory powers appears necessary, potentially through a logical and hoped-for conference.
The recent chapter of the Balkan situation, initiated in October 1908, concluded in March. Servia, influenced by Russia’s conciliatory stance, accepted Austria-Hungary’s annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Servia agreed to demobilize its military forces and officially declared that Austria-Hungary’s actions provided no grounds for complaint. Turkey had already accepted compensation and concessions from Austria, foregoing the nominal right of legal sovereignty over the annexed provinces Balkan Situation. Bulgaria, with Russia’s assistance, reached an agreement with Turkey on compensation for the loss of suzerainty over Bulgaria and sovereignty over Eastern Rumelia.
The war clouds that loomed over the Danube and the northern Macedonian border last autumn have dissipated. European attention, once focused on the Balkans Kukeri Carnival, has shifted to Constantinople. Here, the reactionary revolution gave way to the Young Turks’ counter-revolution, leading to the deposition of Abdul Hamid II. The hope now is for a peaceful conference among signatory powers to solidify the recent developments and maintain stability in the region.
