Eastern Question crisis: Adrianople armistice to Cyprus Convention

Background. The Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878 concluded with the Treaty of San Stefano, signed in March 1878. Great Britain objected to the favorable position the treaty left Russia and forced new negotiations by convening the Congress of Berlin in June 1878. This diplomatic pressure led to maneuvering that included the secret Cyprus Convention between Britain and the Ottoman Empire.

Diplomatic Tensions. Following the armistice at Adrianople in January 1878, tensions escalated. The Treaty of San Stefano was signed in March, prompting British objections. The Salisbury Circular of April 1878 clearly stated British opposition to the treaty's terms. These diplomatic moves set the stage for the Congress of Berlin and the secret negotiations regarding Cyprus.

Cyprus Convention. The Cyprus Convention of 4 June 1878 was a secret agreement between Britain and the Ottoman Empire. It granted administrative control of Cyprus to Britain in exchange for British support at the Congress of Berlin. The Sultan consented to assign the island to be occupied and administered by England, marking a significant shift in British imperial strategy.