Chapter 45： Turkey's response

After the bourgeois revolution triggered by the Young Turkish Party, the tension between the independence of Bulgaria as a kingdom and the announcement of the annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina by Austria-Hungary aroused discussion among the senior government.

After the bourgeois revolution, Sultan Abdul Hamid II, who has little real power, also attended this meeting concerning the fate of the Ottoman Empire at this moment of crisis. As the nominal leader, he first asked the government officials below. "What should we do now?"

Facing Sudan’s questions, as the foreign minister, Mohammed Rifat Pasha can only express his own views in the face of the crisis. "His Royal Highness the Sultan, regarding Bosnia-Herzegovina, we should discuss with Austria-Hungary and strive for compensation. After all, Austria-Hungary has been escrow for 30 years, and everyone knows what Austria-Hungary has. Questions."

The Minister of Foreign Affairs continued after talking about the response of Bosnia and Herzegovina. "For Bulgaria's independence as a kingdom, I think it is necessary to mobilize the army to the front line of Bulgaria. We have to express our disapproval of Bulgaria's independence to the outside world. The follow-up approach must first look at the attitudes of European countries."

I have been Minister of Foreign Affairs for 9 years. Muhammad Rifat Pasha’s diplomatic methods are still a little standard. At the same time, he understands Sudan’s mind well, but as an old fried dough stick, he certainly won’t break it.

After seeing the brilliant methods of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Secretary of War El Pasha also expressed his views. "I very much agree with the foreign minister’s suggestion. The military’s attitude is that we can only guarantee the use of our power in one direction. Bulgaria is too close to our capital, and it only takes a week to reach us on the march. This is too dangerous. We cannot allow Bulgaria to become independent so easily, and it will make the Balkan countries more strongly think about our Albania, Thrace, and Macedonia regions, which will increase the pressure on our military to guard these places."

After the new Secretary of War El Pasha gave a speech, Finance Minister Camille Pasha expressed his dissatisfaction. "Are we waiting for the ruling of European countries like this? Everyone knows that Bulgaria is behind the Russians. Now Russia, France, and Britain are almost wearing a pair of pants. Can we just wait?"

Everyone knows the thoughts of Camille Pasha. If you fight against Bulgaria, then the Macedonian Army of the Young Turkish Party will bear the brunt of the battle.

Talat Pasha, the leader of the Young Turkey Party, retorted the plan of the Minister of Finance. "Can't the Minister of Finance see the current situation? We are not afraid of Bulgaria, but who will resist Russia behind the scenes, honorable Minister of Finance?"

Facing Talat Pasha’s question, Finance Minister Camille Pasha said with confidence. "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. "His Royal Highness Sultan, I voluntarily go to the Bulgarian border to guard the territory. If a war breaks out, I will be the first to rush to the battlefield, and our Young Turkish Party will drain the last drop of blood for the country."

In the face of Enver Pasha’s impassionedness, Sultan Abdul Hamid II knew this star who had greatly reduced his power. As a monarch who has been in power for decades, there are still basic cities. "I am very pleased that there are heroes like Enver Pasha in the country. We can all feel your patriotic enthusiasm and I believe it will satisfy your wishes."

Enver Pasha listened to what the Sultan said to him, and he had a plan in his heart. Going to the Bulgarian border allows the people to see their patriotic enthusiasm. The current title of "freedom hero" cannot satisfy oneself. Only by gaining greater rights can you satisfy yourself.

After discussions in Turkey, while discussing with Austria-Hungary about the compensation for the transfer of Bosnia and Herzegovina. While also mobilizing troops to go to the Bulgarian border, Bulgaria is not to be outdone to take the same steps. Soon this situation led to the mediation of Russia behind Bulgaria.

In St. Petersburg, Nicholas II was prepared for the current situation. "We want to support Bulgaria and bring them to us."

The message was sent across the Black Sea to the Turkish-Russian Embassy. After receiving the czar’s instructions, Ambassador Midnovich took a car to the Ottoman Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I met the Minister of Foreign Affairs Muhammad Rifat Pasha.

"Your Excellency, we are very concerned about the tensions in your country and Bulgaria. It is of no benefit to anyone." Ambassador Midnovich walked into the Foreign Minister's Office and spoke to Foreign Minister Mohamed Rifat Pasha. attitude.

"Bulgaria's unilateral announcement of this news is disrespectful to the Ottoman Empire. It is also a violation of the "Berlin Treaty". We have reason to make a strong counterattack against Bulgaria." Foreign Minister Mohamed Rifat Pasha said forcefully.

Hearing the tough tone of the Osman Foreign Minister, Ambassador Midnovich replied. “Regarding Bulgaria’s complete independence, this is also a manifestation of the will of the Bulgarian people. We can’t stop the opinion of the people. Regarding the failure to negotiate with the Ottoman Empire, this is indeed because they did not do well. I will tell Bulgaria the foreign minister’s dissatisfaction and believe that they will send People apologize."

In the face of the Russians' naked and partial Bulgarian posture, Foreign Minister Mohamed Rifat Pasha had no good way. After leaving the Russians away, I found the British ambassador for help.

When the British ambassador Hilk was invited to attend the dinner of Foreign Minister Mohammed Rifat Pasha that day, after dinner, the foreign minister informed the British ambassador of Turkey’s plight, hoping to get help.

British ambassador Hilke said slowly to the foreign minister who was sitting on the sofa Your Excellency the foreign minister is indeed worried about the current situation, and Bulgaria is indeed doing something wrong. I will send the news back to China, and I believe the British government will lend a helping hand to the Ottoman Empire. "

After the news came back to Downing Street, Prime Minister Asquis told Foreign Secretary Edward Gray after seeing Osman’s request. "Let the ambassador to Ottoman negotiate with the Russians and ask them to give Ottoman some compensation. The current situation in the Balkans is really annoying.

Foreign Secretary Edward Gray nodded in approval of the Prime Minister's words. "These Ottomans are accustomed to being bullied by the Russians. Whenever something involves Russia, they will make a fuss. Now it is Germany that is really worrying." "Do they have any new ships?"

London’s reply made Ambassador Silk find the Russians, after some friendly exchanges. In the end, Russia agreed to exempt the Turkish indemnity of the 1878 war. In exchange, Ottoman Turkey also waived its demand for Bulgaria indemnity and recognized Bulgaria’s independence.

Looking at this condition, Foreign Minister Mohammed Rifat Pasha was silent, while the two ambassadors of Britain and Russia sat opposite the foreign ministers and waited for a reply. "Is there no room for modification?" the Foreign Minister asked unwillingly. "I believe this is the greatest effort of the British Empire." British ambassador Hilke said, after speaking, he glanced at Russian ambassador Midnovich. "This is also Russia's biggest concession."

Ottoman Turkey finally agreed to this condition. Negotiations with Austria-Hungary also came to fruition, surrendering the nominal suzerainty of Bosnia and Herzegovina at a price of 2.5 million pounds. So far, Ottoman Turkey's response to Austria-Hungary and Bulgaria's violation of the "Berlin Treaty" has been completely dominated by European powers.

This made the Balkan countries see the weakness of Turkey, and it was almost impossible to suppress his European ambitions.