Wilhem Wied and the Movement of Northern Epirus: The Protocol of Corfu

Abstract

After the independence of Albania, the six Great Powers decided that the throne of Albania would be given to a Western Prince, Wilhem von Wied, who would lead the country in a difficult moment and politically destabilized, and considering the territorial claims of the neighbor countries such as Serbia, Montenegro and Greece. Prince accepted the throne, and of course with the promise of help from the Great Powers. Obviously running a country, which besides, was unknown to the Prince, would present difficulties. A fundamental problem was the one that relates to a movement created by Athens, called "the movement for autonomy of Northern Epirus". A movement which was contrary to the decisions of the Great Powers, and of course was very problematic for the new Monarch. However, this event became even more complicated after the suggestion of The International Commission of Control, on some concessions to the "Vorio Epirotans". This led to the signing of an agreement with "Vorio-Epirus'', in Corfu which is known as the" Protocol of Corfu ". Issues about "The Movement of Northern Epirus", the relations of Wied and his government with it will be considered more extensively in this study. The "Protocol of Corfu" issues. Why The Protocol of Corfu agreement was rejected by the government of Turhan Pasha and the reasons for its ratification by the same government will be considered as well.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n10p715