site.bta1913 Treaty of London Brings the First Balkan War to an End

The Treaty was signed in London, United Kingdom, on May 17, 1913, and formally concluded the Balkan War that had begun on September 26, 1912.

Representing Bulgaria were Stoian Danev, Chair of the National Assembly, and envoy to London Mikhail Madzharov. The Balkan League – Bulgaria, Serbia, Greece and Montenegro – and the Ottoman Empire signed the accord, which required the Ottomans to cede all territory west of the Midia–Enos line as well as Crete. Albania was recognised as an independent state under the protection of the Great Powers.

A BTA bulletin from 1913 reported:

London, May 16, 1913. The Westminster Gazette welcomes Sir Edward Grey’s firm conduct of the Balkan peace talks, calling it the best way to address the present situation. The newspaper argues that there has never been a genuine Balkan confederation, only a powerful military alliance. For the first time the question is being posed of whether a true confederation can be created in peacetime – a union of states working together peacefully. The paper expresses hope for such an outcome but warns against impatience should obstacles arise.

The Gazette views the conduct of Serbia and Greece as understandable, given the unexpected victories won by those armies, victories that now allow the two states to press for changes to certain pre-war agreements. It insists, however, that all parties should first sign the preliminary peace before turning to detailed negotiations, noting that the alliance’s greatest gain is the moral strength earned through the shared struggle.

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London, May 18, 1913. Stoian Danev delivered the following address at the signing ceremony:

"Minister,
Gentlemen,

Through constant and dedicated efforts we have reached the final stage of our challenging mission. Today will be a significant day for the peoples of the Balkans. By ending the state of war, we are restoring the conditions needed for our countries to renew long-standing good-neighbourly relations. The hardships of war will give way to many questions about our future; in this new era of peaceful co-operation, former adversaries will find new connections and solidarity, which will gradually heal the wounds of the past. In the end, our actions in this moment will be how the world remembers us.

From the very beginning you, Mr Minister, have been a strong and persistent supporter of peace. No one has done more to clear the way and secure this success. The positive result we celebrate today is above all due to Your Excellency’s persistence. Expressing our gratitude now is simply a necessary obligation.

We will also always remember the warm reception extended by this country, famed for its hospitality. On this special occasion I kindly ask, Mr Minister, that you convey to His Majesty, your Sovereign, our sincere appreciation for graciously allowing us to associate the name of this historic palace with the peace we have just signed."

The London treaty never entered into force. On June 16, 1913 Bulgaria attacked its former allies, triggering the Second Balkan War against Serbia, Greece and Montenegro; Romania and the Ottoman Empire later joined the fighting. The conflict stemmed from escalating disputes after the First Balkan War (1912–1913). Serbia and Greece demanded revisions to the Balkan League treaties and, on May 19, 1913, concluded a secret pact against Bulgaria, which Montenegro subsequently endorsed. Romania pressed claims to Southern Dobruja, while the Ottoman Empire sought to revise the London terms and recover Eastern Thrace, BTA's Reference Department records.