After the bourgeois revolution triggered by the Young Turks, facing the tense situation of Bulgaria becoming an independent kingdom and Austria-Hungary announcing the annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, discussions arose at the top levels of the government.
After the bourgeois revolution, Sultan Abdul Hamid II, who no longer had much real power, also attended this meeting related to the fate of the Ottoman Empire at this critical moment. As the nominal leader, he first asked the following:
Government officials. “What do we do now?”
Facing Sudan’s question, as Foreign Minister Mehmet Rifaat Pasha could only express his own opinion when faced with the crisis. “Dear His Highness the Sultan, regarding the Bosnia-Herzegovina region, we should discuss with Austria-Hungary and strive to
Get compensation. After all, Austria-Hungary has been in charge of the country for 30 years, and everyone knows what Austria-Hungary wants. We don’t have the power to solve two problems at the same time."
After talking about Bosnia and Herzegovina's response, the Foreign Minister continued. "For Bulgaria to become an independent kingdom, I think it is necessary to mobilize troops to the Bulgarian front line. We must express our disapproval of Bulgaria's independence to the outside world. We must first look at Europe for subsequent actions.
The attitude of each country determines."
Having been the Minister of Foreign Affairs for 9 years, Mohammad Rifat Pasha's diplomatic skills are still quite good. At the same time, he also understands the Sultan's thoughts very well, but of course he will not tell the truth as a veteran.
After seeing the Foreign Minister’s clever methods, War Minister El Pasha also expressed his opinion. “I very much agree with the Foreign Minister’s suggestion. The military’s attitude is that now we can only guarantee the use of our power in one direction. Bulgaria
It is too close to our capital, and it only takes a week's march to reach us. This is too dangerous, we cannot let Bulgaria become independent so easily, and this will make the Balkan countries have a strong influence on our Albania, Thrace and Macedonia.
The idea is getting stronger, which will increase the pressure on our military to guard these places."
After the new Minister of War El Pasha spoke, Finance Minister Kamil Pasha expressed his dissatisfaction. "Are we just waiting for the verdict of European countries? Everyone knows that the Russians are behind Bulgaria. Now Russia, France,
Yingdu is almost ready to wear a pair of pants, can we just wait?"
Everyone knows Kamil Pasha's thoughts. If there is a war with Bulgaria, the Macedonian Legion, mainly the Young Turks, will be the first to be thrown into the battle.
Regarding the Finance Minister's plan, Talat Pasha, the leader of the Young Turk Party, retorted. "Can the Finance Minister not see the current situation clearly? We are not afraid of Bulgaria, but who can resist Russia standing behind it? Dear Minister of Finance
?"
Facing Talat Pasha's question, Finance Minister Kamil Pasha couldn't help but said, "Isn't it the responsibility of your army to resist foreign invasion?"
"We gave advice, but you ignored it."
Seeing the quarrel between the two, as the "freedom hero" of this revolution, Enver Pasha knew it was time to stand up. "Dear Your Highness the Sultan, I volunteered to go to the Bulgarian border to guard the territory. If war breaks out, I will be the first
Rushing to the battlefield, our Young Turks will shed our last drop of blood for our country."
Faced with Enver Pasha's impassioned speech, Sultan Abdul Hamid II knew that this star figure had greatly reduced his power. As a monarch who has been in power for decades, he still has basic palaces. "I
I am very pleased that our country has a hero like Enver Pasha. We can all feel your patriotic enthusiasm and believe that we will fulfill your wishes."
Enver Pasha listened to the Sultan's words to him, and he also had a plan in his heart. Going to the Bulgarian border would allow the people to see his patriotic fervor. The current title of "Hero of Freedom" cannot satisfy him. He can only get greater
Only by having the right can you satisfy yourself.
After domestic discussions, Turkey was discussing with Austria-Hungary the compensation issue for the transfer of the Bosnia and Herzegovina region. At the same time, it was also mobilizing troops to march to the Bulgarian border. Bulgaria was not willing to be outdone and took the same step. Soon this situation led to the mediation of Russia behind Bulgaria.
In St. Petersburg, Nicholas II was well prepared for the current situation. "We must support Bulgaria and draw them to our side."
The message was sent across the Black Sea to the Russian Embassy in Turkey. After receiving the Tsar's order, Ambassador Midnovich took a car to the Ottoman Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mehmet Rifat Pasha.
"Your Excellency, we are very concerned about the tense situation between your country and Bulgaria, which is not good for anyone." Ambassador Midnovich walked into the Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and told the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mehmet Rifat Pasha, about Russia's situation.
manner.
"Bulgaria's unilateral announcement of this news is disrespectful to the Ottoman Empire. It also violates the Treaty of Berlin. We have reason to make a strong counterattack against Bulgaria." Foreign Minister Mehmet Rifat Pasha said forcefully.
Hearing the tough tone of the Ottoman Foreign Minister, Ambassador Midnovich replied. "As for the complete independence of Bulgaria, this is also a reflection of the will of the Bulgarian people. We can never stop public opinion. Regarding the lack of consultation with the Ottoman Empire, this is indeed their fault."
If I don’t do well, I will tell Bulgaria about the foreign minister’s dissatisfaction, and I believe they will send someone to apologize.”
Faced with the Russians' naked pro-Bulgarian attitude, Foreign Minister Mehmet Rifat Pasha had no other choice. He could only send the Russians away and find the British ambassador for help.
When British Ambassador Shirk was invited to attend the dinner of Foreign Minister Mohammad Rifat Pasha that day, after dinner, the Foreign Minister told the British Ambassador about Turkey's plight, hoping to get help.
British Ambassador Silk sat on the sofa and said slowly to the Foreign Minister. "Your Excellency, the current situation is indeed worrying, and Bulgaria is indeed doing something wrong. I will send the news back to the country, and I believe that the British government will lend a helping hand to the Ottoman Empire."
of."
After the news came back to Downing Street, Prime Minister Asquith saw the Ottoman request and said to Foreign Secretary Edward Grey. "Let the ambassador to the Ottomans negotiate with the Russians and ask them to give the Ottomans some compensation. The current situation in the Balkans is really
Annoying.
Foreign Secretary Edward Gray nodded to acknowledge the Prime Minister's words. "These Ottomans are used to being bullied by the Russians, and they will make a fuss whenever something involves Russia. The real worry now is Germany." "They have built new ships.
Yet?"
London's reply led Ambassador Silk to approach the Russians, and after some friendly exchanges, Russia finally agreed to exempt Turkey from compensation for the 1878 War. In exchange, Ottoman Turkey also gave up its demand for compensation from Bulgaria and recognized it.
Bulgarian independence.
Looking at this condition, Foreign Minister Mohammad Rifat Pasha was thoughtful and silent. The British and Russian ambassadors sat across from the Foreign Minister and waited for a reply. "Is there no room for modification?" the Foreign Minister asked reluctantly. "
I believe this is the greatest effort of the British Empire." British Ambassador Silk said, and after speaking, he glanced at Russian Ambassador Midnovich. "This is also Russia's greatest concession."
In the end, Ottoman Turkey agreed to this condition. The negotiations with Austria-Hungary also produced results, and they gave up the nominal suzerainty of the two provinces of Bosnia and Herzegovina at a cost of 2.5 million pounds. At this point, Ottoman Turkey was against Austria-Hungary and Bulgaria for violating the Treaty of Berlin.
The response was completely dictated by the European powers.
This allowed the Balkan countries to see Turkey's weakness, and its ambitions for European territory were almost unstoppable.
