DIPLOMAT N.N. SHEBEKO ON RUSSIA’S RELATIONS WITH AUSTRIA-HUNGARY AND GERMANY IN THE LATE 19th AND EARLY 20th CENTURIES

This article examines the memoirs of N.N. Shebeko, former Russian ambassador to Austria-Hungary, which have scarcely been introduced into scholarly circulation. Historians have made only occasional use of the French translation of these memoirs, and then primarily for the characterization of Russo-Romanian relations in 1912-1913, when Shebeko served as ambassador in Bucharest. For the first time, the authors base their study on the Russian text of Shebeko’s memoirs, preserved in the Bakhmeteff Archive at Columbia University in New York. Their attention is focused above all on those portions of the diplomat’s recollections that concern the relations of the Russian Empire with Austria-Hungary and Germany. The aim of the study is to identify in this source both factual material on Russia’s relations with the leading states of the Triple Alliance and neighbouring Romania, and the assessments offered by the diplomat of the Foreign Ministry’s policy in these matters. The article also presents information on the origins and history of the Shebeko family, drawing on documents from the Russian State Historical Archive, and analyzes the political views of the Russian diplomat. The research reveals Shebeko’s connection with the foreign minister A.B. Lobanov-Rostovsky, who secured his transfer from military to diplomatic service. The evidence adduced in the article makes it possible to reconsider the activity of foreign ministers A.P. Izvol’sky and S.D. Sazonov. Shebeko’s memoirs show him as energetic diplomat who was often able to influence the position of the Russian Foreign Ministry. He helped to ease Russo-German relations in 1910-1911 and worked actively to move Romania out of Austria-Hungary’s wake and toward rapprochement with Russia. His successful service in Berlin and Bucharest culminated in his appointment as ambassador in Vienna, where, in accordance with Nicholas II’s instructions, he sought to improve relations between the two powers. The authors also bring to light important details concerning the circumstances of the July Crisis of 1914.