THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT AND THE ISSUE OF SOUTHERN BESSARABIA (APRIL-AUGUST 1878)

The Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878 was a new episode in the Oriental question. Thanks to the contribution of the army of Romania, the Ottoman Empire suffers defeat. In the february of 1878 the Treaty of San Stefano is signed, but Romania is asked to cede Southern Bessarabia to the Russian Empire, and as compensation it receives Dobrogea. The British Parliament discussed the question of Southern Bessarabia before the congress of Berlin and after the signing of the treaty. Prior to the congress, on 30 may, 1878, Russia signed a secret agreement with Great Britain, which recognized the annexation of Southern Bessarabia. Some British politicians have criticized the agreement. After the signing of the Treaty of Berlin, the British Parliament criticized the fact that Great Britain allowed the South of Bessarabia to be annexed by Russia, and Romania plundered by a territory.