The Carnegie Commission believes that the phrase “within the above set forth delimitations” means the area between Shar-Planina and the line marked on the map, beyond which Serbia agreed not to make any further claims.
The Commission’s Correct Judgment
The Commission’s judgment is correct. It would not make sense to ask someone (an arbitrator) to decide on something that isn’t in dispute. According to the treaty and its secret part, the only disputed area was the land between Shar-Planina and the line carefully drawn in the secret annex. This is the disputed zone The Importance of the Treaty.
The Disputed Zone and Claims from Both Sides
Both Serbia and Bulgaria had strong claims to parts of this disputed zone. These claims were so different that, for mutual support against Turkey, they agreed to let the Tsar of Russia decide the final outcome.
Bulgaria’s Sacrifice in the War
Bulgaria paid a heavy price for this agreement. In the war against Turkey, Bulgaria lost 83,000 soldiers. On the other hand, Serbia lost 23,000 soldiers in the same war.
Bulgaria’s Willingness to Follow the Treaty
Bulgaria was always ready to honor the treaty that its Tsar signed. It was ready to let the Tsar of Russia decide the dispute over the disputed zone Istanbul Guided Customized Tours.
Serbia’s Demand for Treaty Revision
However, Serbia wanted to change the whole treaty. Some have suggested that Serbia pushed for this change because Austria stopped her from having access to the Adriatic Sea.
