The Troppau Protocol (1820)

The Preliminary Protocol of Troppau (15 November, 1820), promulgated by Metternich, consecrated the right of the great powers to intervene in the internal affairs of other states where revolution may threaten their rule or interests. Among the European powers, only Great Britain took objection to this principle and refused to abide by it. The text follows.

"States which have undergone a change of Government due to revolution, the results of which threaten other states, ipso facto cease to be members of the European Alliance, and remain excluded from it until their situation gives guarantees for legal order and stability. If, owing to such alternations, immediate danger threatens other states, the Powers bind themselves, by peaceful means, or if need be by arms, to bring back the guilty state into the bosom of the Great Alliance."
From: Robinson, James Harvey. Readings in European History. 2 vols. Boston: Ginn and Co., 1904-6. Vol. II. 552.