Alexander Pogodin

“ It was only natural that in the minds of these oppressed peoples should grow the conviction that the Tsar of Moscow was their defender, and that their interests are closely interrelated with the interests of Russia. The idea of Pan-Slavism, which never had either a practical significance, or even a proper formulation, was, undoubtedly, something artificial and untrue to life, but this spirit of unity between the Balkan peoples and Russia has been a direct and natural outcome of the existing social and historical conditions. ”

“ Russia is not interested primarily in converting the Balkans into her market, as Germany and Austria have so often asserted. Russia's own, home market is so enormous and so undeveloped as to require the whole attention of her industrial and commercial classes for many years to come. Thus, what Russia wants is neither the territory nor the money of the Balkan countries. She wants these countries to be free and strong and civilized and friendly among themselves, for upon their strength and their mutual friendship rests Russia's influence in the East. ”

“ The Dardanelles are for Russia the gateway to the West, to the highly cultured and civilized nations of Western Europe, with whom Russia is seeking more close and intimate relations. In this respect Russia's policies in her interest in Constantinople are exactly the reverse of the German policy, which is so well expressed by the phrase Drang Nach Osten. The face of Germany is turned towards the East; she aims to reach Asia Minor, to threaten Britain's age-long interests in India, Egypt, and the Levant. ”