270 THE CECILS
his great powers in being disagreeable to his former friends."
A few days later (April ist), the appointment of Lord Salisbury as Foreign Secretary was announced, and next day there appeared in the Press the famous " Salisbury Circular," a note addressed to the British representatives abroad, which summed up in masterly fashion the objec- tions to the Treaty of San Stefano, chief among which was the proposed creation of a " big Bulgaria," and at the same time set forth, in courteous but clear and resolute language, the aims of British policy. The effect of this memorable document the " Happy Despatch " as it was called was to prove to Europe in general, and Russia in particular, that England was prepared to take the necessary steps to defend her interests. She was seen to be in earnest, and her declaration of policy was welcomed both at home and abroad. Negotiations were conse- quently resumed on a sounder basis, and on June 3rd the Government were able to announce that the Congress would meet in Berlin in ten days' time, and that all the provisions of the Treaty would come under discussion. Great Britain was to be represented by the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary.
Meanwhile, meetings had taken place between Lord Salisbury and Count Shuvalov, the Russian Ambassador, and as a result a private agreement had been arrived at as to the basis of the proposed compromise. An outline of this agreement was
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