This did not suit Russia at all. It became known that Germany had
arranged to supply Turkey with a perfectly equipped navy--guns,
equipment, and all complete--for one-quarter of the money coming from
Greece.
Turkey has been bankrupt for many years, and owes money to most of the
nations of Europe, so when Russia learned of this dangerous activity on
her part, she took advantage of the old debts to prevent it.
She sent word that if Turkey was in a position to buy a navy, she must
be also in a position to pay her debts, and therefore Russia would like
to have the old account of 1878 settled.
This is a war debt which Turkey owes Russia because of the last war
between them.
This debt is an extremely heavy one, and the Porte, becoming frightened
lest Russia should insist on its payment, hastened to inform the Czar
that nothing definite had been arranged about the navy.
Russia replied that the moment Turkey shall attempt to build up her navy
or increase her war supplies, she will insist on the payment of this
debt.
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