Vezina wrote:This is a terrible declaration both in its short-sightedness and its apathy towards blatant imperialism within the European continent. The Austrian declaration was not just that Wallachia was to be a protectorate of Austria-Hungary, but that they would not accept Ottoman rule in Christian areas. Even if we agreed with their declaration regarding Wallachia - which we do not - it amounts to a fundamental dismantling of a large part of the Ottoman Empire. What's next: Serbia? Bulgaria? Which European people would Austria-Hungary like to add to their empire next?
If the Austrians feel that the Rumanians are too much of a bother, then perhaps they should dismiss them to join with their brethren in Wallachia instead of claiming more territory. Surely more Rumanians within Austrian borders would not make the situation more peaceful, after all.
This can not be dismissed as an internal matter, either. Wallachia does not fly a black and gold flag over its administrative buildings yet, which makes this a concern of all of Europe.
We certainly have no desire to quarrel with France over this matter, but as with the British, we ask the question: if you denounce what may be Austrian or Russian imperialism in this case, are you denouncing it for your own government as well?
Are you declaring a fundamental French opposition to any imperialism including your own? Or at least to European expansion by France, thus are you now denouncing any potential French claims to provinces such as Nice and Savoy?
If not, then where is your interest in this case?
Twice you've mentioned opposition to expansion within Europe. Yet, there are no treaties binding in this matter. Why should Russia or Austria not have as much right to expand within Europe as France, Germany and Great Britain do within Africa and Asia? Are you also opposing the Prussian governments current efforts to form the North German Confederation?
You make the claim that Austria will go further, but as of now that's only conjecture. Beyond that, even if they do go further, isn't that a matter to be dealt with at the time it occurs, rather than anticipating events?
Yet again, if they do go further, this is an area of the world where France, Britain and Prussia have little to no interest. Why should we take it upon ourselves to interfere in matters that are none of our concern?
If the aim is to defend the Ottoman Empire and you have ties to them, well and good. You have every right to defend them when they're actually threatened.
Ultimately we once again express our support for Austria and Russia in their declarations regarding Moldova and Wallachia. We hope that any concerns your nation and Britain have can be addressed privately between your nations and the nations of Russia and Austria.