Union of Romanian Principates in UK's interest

The UK's secret contribution to the Union of the Romanian Principates is revealed in the book “The UK and the Union of the Romanian Principates (1856-1859), Monographs, IX”. Author Diana Dumitru elucidates the position of one of the forces that took part in the accomplishment of the Union, Info-Prim Neo reports. “Unlike the positions of the other European powers like France, Russia, the Ottoman Empire and Austria-Hungary, the UK's position was unclear. When speaking about the UK, many historians said it had an oscillating position and I tried to understand what happened in fact. I found out that the UK was rather consistent, had a well thought out plan and pursued first of all its own goals,” said the author. According to Diana Dumitru, the UK had two goals – to preserve the Ottoman Empire and to dominate Russia. “The UK regarded Russia as a serious opponent on the world arena and it was important for it not to allow Russia to extend its influence to the south and west,” she stated. The UK's role is considered very important as it suggested asking the Romanian people if they wanted the Union of the Principates and ultimately supported this referendum. The book is based on the diplomatic correspondence of that time. During over five years, Diana Dumitru had studied the Romanian archives, collections of published documents, the archives of Prussia, etc. “I read all the messages of the French, English and Turkish ambassadors and saw that there was a struggle between them. The book is interesting for those who are fond of the diplomatic history,” said Diana Dumitru. Doctor of History Andrei Cushko said the work is very important from historiographical viewpoint as it fills in a visible gap given that the UK's attitude was a marginal and rather ignored topic. Eugen Certan, Doctor Habilitate of History, said this is one of the most interesting and topical themes, but it was examined by few historians. Doctor of History Diana Dumitru is a lecturer at the Faculty of History of the State Teacher Training University “Ion Creanga”.