The reconstruction of South-Eastern Europe

THE RECONSTRUCTION OF

State to acquire prerogatives detrimental to our fundamental principle of Balkan independence.”

In quoting the above words The Times of June 20th added that ‘* Count Tisza’s declarations constitute an official Austro-Hungarian rejoinder to the Tsar’s telegram to King Peter and King Ferdinand.”

Here we think that it would not be without interest to compare the conduct of Russian diplomacy with the action of the AustroHungarian Government. Many writers of Sofia and Vienna have tried to attribute the obstinacy of Serbia’s demands to the wiles of Russian diplomacy. More especially the late M. Hartwig, Russian minister in Belgrade, was accused of being the hidden wire-puller and prompter of the Serbian Government. The writer of these lines was at the time a frequent visitor at M. Hartwig’s. His name and memory need now neither flattery nor defence, but the writer received a personal insight into his dealings and character, and can say that he was the most outspoken diplomat, always playing with open cards. Whatever the activity of the Russian diplomacy a generation ago, M. Hartwig used all his gifts and personal influence in favour of unity and friendly cooperation of all Balkan States as well as in the interests of European peace. He earnestly warned the Serbian Government—although there was no danger to be feared from so experienced

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