Russia might conceivably fight Turkey and Great Britain; but she would not wage war against Austria as well.

Therefore, the dictates of humanity as well as those of common sense alike condemned the British policy, which from the outset had encouraged the Turks to resist European intervention, had made us in some measure responsible for the Bulgarian massacres, and, finally, had broken up the Concert of the Powers, from which alone a peaceful solution of the Eastern Question could be expected.
The union of the Powers having been dissolved by British action, it was but natural that Russia and Austria should come to a private understanding.

This came about at Reichstadt in Bohemia on July 8.

No definitive treaty was signed, but the two Emperors and their Chancellors framed an agreement defining their spheres of influence in the Balkans in case war should break out between Russia and Turkey.

Francis Joseph of Austria covenanted to observe a neutrality friendly to the Czar under certain conditions that will be noticed later on.