Russian policy in Bulgaria. Andrassy, as a matter of fact, did not accept this interpretation, because he did not only allow no Russian influence in Serbia, but he was of the opinion that the Treaty of Berlin excluded Russian influence in the whole of the Balkans.
There was no real difference of opinion with regard to Serbia, because everybody knew that the Treaty of Berlin did not sanction any Russian interference there.
Moreover, it cannot be assumed that Russia had traditional ties with Serbia of such a nature as would substitute the ties of mutual interest.
During the days of Napoleon, Russia sacrificed Serbia completely, which was fighting for its liberty, in order to secure Russian interests.
During the Treaty of San Stefano, Russia's attitude towards Serbia can hardly be described as friendly.
At the time when the armies of the Battenbergers threatened Belgrade, Austria, and not Russia, saved King Milan. Russia, moreover, had frequently sanctioned our annexation of Bosnia. She did so for the first time in Reichstag during the interview between Gortschakoff and Andrassy, and for the last time in Buchlau during the discussion between Iswolski and Berchtold.
When the Czar wanted to be on friendly terms with us, he admitted that Serbia came within our sphere. Even during the present crisis, Sasanow said to our Ambassador: "He has no feeling for the Slavs in the Balkans. They are a heavy burden."
For a long time Serbia endorsed the European
