The annulment of the validation of the Greek-Bulgarian protocol of 1924 did not suffice to re-establish Greek-Yugoslavian relations. The upgrading of the Slav country on the international scene and strong alliances gave it a vantage point from which it could exert pressure on a diplomatically isolated Greece. During the dictatorship of Theodoros Pangalos (1925-26), a number of Belgrade's existing requirements were agreed concerning access to the Aegean. Others included the broadening of the zone around the harbour of Thessaloniki and the characterization of Slav-speaking populations as a Yugoslav minority.
Following the downfall of Pangalos, Greece's repeal of such commitments in an effort to defend their sovereign rights rekindled friction. Belgrade replied to Greece's appeals for the resumption of dialogue with delaying tactics. However, the dialogue became constructive in the period when the governing of the country was assigned to Eleftherios Venizelos (1928-32). Ongoing Greek-Yugoslav differences were smoothed out following the establishment of new Greek relations with the Great Powers. After France's intervention, a convergence of the two sides was achieved that led to the final success of the negotiations, sealed with the protocol of 11 October 1928.