Page:The European Concert in the Eastern Question.djvu/323

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THE TREATY OF BERLIN.
307

Ecclesiastics, pilgrims, and monks of all nationalities travelling in Turkey in Europe, or in Turkey in Asia, shall enjoy the same rights, advantages, and privileges.

The right of official protection by the Diplomatic and Consular Agents of the Powers in Turkey is recognized both as regards the above-mentioned persons and their religious, charitable, and other establishments in the Holy Places and elsewhere.

The rights possessed by France are expressly reserved, and it is well understood that no alterations can be made in the status quo in the Holy Places.

The monks of Mount Athos, of whatever country they may be natives, shall be maintained in their former possessions and advantages, and shall enjoy, without any exception, complete equality of rights and prerogatives.

Confirmation of Treaties, and Ratification.

Former Treaties.Art. LXIII. The Treaty of Paris of March 30, 1856, as well as the Treaty of London of March 13, 1871, are maintained in all such of their provisions as are not abrogated or modified by the preceding stipulations[1].

Ratifications.Art. LXIV. The present Treaty shall be ratified, and the ratifications exchanged at Berlin within three weeks, or sooner if possible[2].

In faith whereof the respective Plenipotentiaries have signed it, and affixed to it the seal of their arms.

Done at Berlin, the thirteenth day of the month of July, one thousand eight hundred and seventy-eight.

BEACONSFIELD. SAINT-VALLIER.
SALISBURY. H. DESPREZ.
ODO RUSSELL. L. CORTI.
v. BISMARCK. LAUNAY.
BULOW. GORTCHAKOW.
HOHENLOHE. SCHOUVALOFF.
ANDRÁSSY. P. D'OUBRIL.
KÁROLYI. AL. CARATHEODORY.
HAYMERLE. MEHEMED ALL
WADDINGTON. SADOULLAH.
  1. Cf. the recitals of the Treaty, supra, p. 272.
  2. Ratifications were exchanged on 3rd August, 1878, except that the formal ratification by Turkey arrived somewhat later.