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... a system of alliances and isolation to prevent war. The London Conference, 13 March 1871, showed the complexity of the powers self-interests versus concert principles. After Tsar Nicholas II announced his abrogation of the Black Sea Clauses, Britain wanted Bismarck to join her in protest; but the German Chancellor refused, due to Russia's neutrality in the Franco-Prussian war. France, on Bismarck's request was not allowed to participate in the conference and hence could not reaffirm the validity of international treaties. The concert of Europe could only work if the Great Powers were willing to curb their own interests, the events of March 1871, indicated their reluctance to do so. In 1872 the three Eastern Monarchs met in Berlin and pledged to uphold monarchical solidarity against the threat of the communist international; in the Schönbrunn Convention, 6 June 1873; due to the fear of communism and revolution, such as the ...