The Diplomatic Significance of Ionian Neutrality, 1821-31

Although it was often a negligible issue in Continental diplomacy, Ionian neutrality was a significant factor in British diplomacy concerning the Eastern Question during the era of the Greek Revolution.

The British authorities in both Corfu and London feared that the native populace's support for the Hellenic cause might embroil the Ionian Islands in the Greek Revolution, and they proclaimed the neutrality of the Ionian government as a means of isolating these islands from the political turmoil in Greece.

In such lesser islands as Zante and Cephalonia, these officials could not strictly enforce this neutrality against the armed forces of either Greece, or Turkey, and harsh measures were implemented to restore public order locally.

The Ottoman government also disliked Ionian neutrality, and used it as an excuse to continue its campaign in Greece - until faced with defeat by the Russian army.