The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1886-11-20 00:00:00

IMPORTANT SPEECH BY COUNT
KALONKY. "

November 13.

In to-day's sitting of the Foreign Affairs Com-
mittee of the Hungarian Delegation, Count Kalnoky
made his expected statement regarding Bulgaria.
The Minister commenced by declaring that in the
treatment of the Bulgarian question a di-Vnetion must
be made between the interests of the Principality and
those of Europe. Austria-Hungary's interests lay in
questions of principle, and generally in the rights
secured by existing treaties. It was immaterial how
the internal policy of Bulgaria was carried on as long
as ho essential point was affected. The main point
was that the scope of the rights accorded by the
Berlin Treaty should remain untouched. "Bulgaria,"
proceeded Count Kalnoky, "was created as an
autonomous principality, and as a vassal State of
Turkey, and this fact is guaranteed by treaties.
Although no Power has undertaken the responsi-
bility of securing the execution of this guarantee,
the arduous and important duty rests upon the
powers including Austria-Hungary to see that this
fundamental principle of Bulgaria's existence is not
infringed either in the Principality or elsewhere.
The most difficult task for the Government is, how-
ever, to avoid taking action during the present excited
state of Bulgaria." Count Kalnoky then referred to
the mission of General Kaulbars, which he charac-
terised as merely a phase of the Bulgarian question,
and one the importance of which had been greatly
over-estimated. As a matter of fact, nothing had
been accomplished by the action of the General which
could exercise a decided influence upon the political
existencs of Bulgaria. He succeeded, indeed, in
making Russian influence felt there in the most dis-
agreeable form; but he also called forth the sym-
pathetic feeling of Europe for the Bulgarian people
in a manner never before known. "It is to Austria-
Hungary's interest," continued the Minister, " tha.
no steps of an injurious character and at variance
with existing treaties should be taken, and
that the independence of the country, as
guaranteed by Europe, should remain unassailed.
General Kaulbars' mission is only of a pusing
character, and will hardly leave lasting traces behind
it. We must be prepared to overcome greater diffi-
culties, and for the prospect of a wearying and diffi-
cult task, and it is, therefore, advisable to follow with
steady attention, but at the same time with patience
and care, the course of events in the Principality."
Count Kalnoky added that the general aims of Austro-
Hungarian policy were contained in M. Tisza's
declarations before the delegations, in which they
were clearly and positively set forth. These aims
were not based solely upon the present crisis, but
rested on principles en which the whole peace of the
East was built up, and they would therefore for a
long time continue to govern Austro-Hungarian policy
in that quarter. "As long as the Berlin Treaty
exists," said Count Kalnoky, in conclusion, "the
interests of Austria-Hungary will remain perfectly
secure, and for this reason, should we find ourselves
compelled to interfete for the protection of the
treaty, the sympathy and co-operation of all those
Powers who are resolved to uphold Euronean treaties
would be assured."