"He instanced specially the precedent of the Conferences held at different periods in Paris, and cited the decisions adopted by general agreement with the view of modifying the Government of the Principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia, an alteration which received the sanction of the Sublime Porte, as well as the assent of the other Contracting Powers.
"He affirmed that these deviations from the Treaty have exercised no influence on the firm intention of the Emperor to maintain intact the general principles of the Treaty of 1856, which have defined the position of Turkey in the system of Europe.
"In fact, these stipulations, suggested at another period under the influence of conjunctures entirely different from the present situation are no longer in harmony with the relations of good neighbourhood which exist at this moment between the two Riverain Powers."
Annex.
The Plenipotentiaries of North Germany, of Austria-Hungary, of Great Britain, of Italy, of Russia, and of Turkey, assembled to-day in Conference, recognize that it is an essential principle of the law of nations that no Power can liberate itself from the engagements of a treaty, nor modify the stipulations thereof, unless with the consent Powers by means of an amicable arrangement.
In faith of which the said Plenipotentiaries have signed the present Protocol.
Done at London, the 17th January, 1871.
(Signed) Bernstorff.
Apponyi.
Granville.
Cadorna.
Brunnow.
Musurus.
Broglie.