The sun., 1908-12-26
IsVOLSKY TALKsFpR PEACE
BUT WANTS TO TINKER BERLIN
TREATY IF AUSTRIA CAN.
speech In the Dunia FavOrs Mere Chance
for the slaVs. but Tells Of Precaus
lions to Keep Balkan states quiet
Resolutions OF Endorsement Passed.
Special Cable Despatch to The Sun.


Resolutions OF Enforcement Passed.
Special Gable Despatch 10 TIE SUI.
ST. PETERSBURG. Dec. 25.--A abatement
made in the Duma to-day by Foreign
Minister Isvolsky added nothing OF serious
Importance to what is already known re-
garding the Balkan question 1t was q
powerful and interesting speech, however.
Probably attention will be chiefly
centred on the announcement that, Russia
Is working TO promote some form Of
Turoo- Balkan alliance
The Minister said among other things
that IL was perhaps the first time In his
tory when Russia could rely. In Q matter
in which Turkey was concerned, upon the
unanimous approval OF the Powers. which
had formerly dlstrusted or opposed her.
The inperious voices which had heen
raised in Russia demanding that a pro-
test be made against the annexatiom Of
Bosnia and Herzegovina based their de-
mand not on concrete facts but upon
false statements and almost fabulous
stories. ..,,...r.
Russia. the Minister said, could not act
In such q matter regardless Of certain
political results or OF previous engage
ments, and she must avoid provoking
dangerous consequences for. herself. to
which such q protest might lead. But II
Russia had not the judicial right to pro-.
test solidarity she had right end even .
duty TO appeal to the treaty Of Berlin.
which regulates the status of Bosnia and
Herzegovina. .. .,. ,..
Although that treaty annihilated half
the results which Russia had obtained for
the Slav peoples she had not failed to
respect it for thirty years. but. now that
another Power claimed the right 10 modify
the part Of it disadvantageous to itself
Russia IL she could not prevent this had at
least the moral right TO point out the other
clauses which were disadvantageous and
embarrassing not only to Russia but
above all to the Balkan States and Tur-
key. The question thus raised led natu-
rally TO the idea OF conference. origins-
ting with Turkey. which had suffered
direct injury. A conference was also a
necessity for all those for whom right
was living entity. 4
After reading the recent note to the
Powers NJ. Isvolsky declared that .Tur-
hcy VVuio ioiS oh tsuooid eyhpothy.
Russia had shown her sympathy for
and Servia by initiating
the insertion in the conference programme
of clause in their favor. while. although
Bulgaria's declaration OF independence
had made a painful impression and was
directly contrary to Russia's urgent ad-
vice. Russia could not help sympathizing
with her in her attainment of her ap-
pointed goal.
Russia was therefore trying to pro-
mote an equitable Turoo- Bulgarian agree
ment and had advised Bulgaria that
continued favor would depend
upon Bulgaria's future acts and the de-
gree in which she maintains the solidar-
ity of the other Balkan States II was
Russia's object to bring about a close
between the Balkan States
and Turkey. .,'
She hoped that Montenegro and Servia
would recognize the necessity for keep
ing calm and cool, Upon their doing
this depended the support they would
get from Russia. which was not pursu-
ing a personal ambition but was seeking
q legal and peaceful solution OF troubled
questions.
debate followed and the Duma by
a large majority passed a resolution
the Governments policy. ex-
pressing sympathy with the Slav States
and urging the Government ito make
pacific efforts in their interest.