| Collection | Victorian Papers, Main Series |
| Description | Queen Victoria feels the country is suffering with regard to Spain, under 'the evil consequence' of that system of diplomacy which makes the taking up of party politics in foreign countries its chief object. This system is condemned by the Queen, Lord John, the Cabinet and the country and, the Queen believes, by public opinion in and out of Parliament. Lord Palmerston's objection to caution the British Minister at Lisbon against falling into this fault makes an issue whether 'that erroneous policy' is to be maintained, to the detriment of the country's real interests, or a wiser course to be followed in future. The Queen asks if Lord John considers this so light a matter as to be surrendered simply because Lord Palmerston is not to add to such a caution a gratuitous attack on the Portuguese Queen and Government. She thinks it of the utmost importance that in such perilous times this question with regard to the basis of Britain's foreign policy should be settled, and has no objection to her letter being shown to Lord Palmerston. |