CHAPTER XII

THE EASTERN QUESTION

1876-1878

The Powers and Turkey: England and the Andrassy Note--Gambetta on French Politics--Simplicity of Marshal MacMahon--Political consequences of French military re-organisation--Struggle between the Marshal and Parliament--The Constantinople Conference: Determination of Lord Derby to do nothing--Intrigues of the Duc Décazes--Constitutional crisis in France--Defeat of Marshal MacMahon: new Radical Ministry formed under Dufaure with Waddington as Foreign Minister--Treaty of San Stefano; nervousness of French Government--Determination of H.M. Government to secure a Conference--Invitation to Lord Lyons to be the British representative at Berlin--Resignation of Lord Derby: appointment of Lord Salisbury--Lord Salisbury's circular of April 1st, 1878--Inquiry of Lord Salisbury respecting French desire for Tunis--The Anglo-Turkish Convention--The Congress of Berlin--Reception in France of the Anglo-Turkish Convention--Waddington and Tunis--Sir H. Layard on the Treaty of Berlin 95