The background of February 1917:
A conspiracy of idiots. Statement of the Chairman of the Council of Ministers a. P. Trepov on the existence of an agreement between the Allies on the division of the Ottoman Empire after the war and the transfer of Constantinople and the Straits to the "sovereign possession" of Russia: Speaking of the upcoming tasks highlighted by the war, I cannot help but touch on the subject close to the heart of every Russian person. For over a thousand years, Russia has been striving south, for free access to the open sea. The keys to the Bosphorus and the Dardanelles, Oleg's protector of the gates of Constantinople - these are the ancient cherished dreams of the Russian people at all times of their existence, and this desire is now close to fulfillment. Since the beginning of the war, we, savers of human life, together with our allies, have made every effort to prevent Turkey from participating in an insane manner in the hostilities. France, England and Russia insisted that it remain neutral for its own interests. At the same time, official assurances and guarantees were given to Turkey, that in exchange for neutrality it would be guaranteed territorial immunity and independence, as well as various advantages and benefits. But all efforts were in vain, and Turkey, blinded by the flattering promises of the Germans, by our treacherous attack, thereby signed her death sentence. The vital interests of Russia are as clear to our loyal allies as they are clear to us, and accordingly, the treaty we concluded in 1915 with Great Britain and France, to which Italy also joined, definitively establishes Russia's right to the Straits and Constantinople. (Applause and voices are heard on the right and in some places in the center and on the left: Bravo). The Russian people must know why they are shedding their blood, and according to the mutual agreement which has now taken place, our agreement with the Allies is announced today from this pulpit. (Applause and voices from the right: Bravo; Miliukov: Bravo to Sazonov; Voice from the left: Where is Sazonov?).