| Collection | Victorian Papers, Main Series |
| Description | The Queen is highly indignant at Lord Palmerston's behaviour. With respect to Lord Normanby's appointment, Lord Palmerston knew that Normanby could not accept the post of Minister, and wrote to the Queen previously that the offer could not be made; but he has now made it, knowing that by wasting time and creating an entanglement in Paris, he would carry his point. If the French are so anxious to keep Normanby as to make any sacrifice, it ought to make England cautious, as it can only be on account of the ease with which they can make him serve their purposes. They like an "entente cordiale" with England at the expense of Austria, and as a means of propping up their Republic; but this should be no consideration for England, though the Queen fears Lord Palmerson would be glad were it merely to gratify a personal feeling against King Louis Philip, M. Guizot and Lord Aberdeen. Vindictiveness is one of the main features of Palmerston's character, and the Queen feels certain that he considers King Charles Albert's defeat almost as a personal one from which he must try to recover. He knows it is impossible to threaten the Austrians with war, or make war on them if they should not be inclined to surrender their provinces at his bidding; so the "entente" with the French Republic is of the greatest value to Palmerston, enabling him to threaten the Austrians with a French intervention which he can have at command if he agrees to it. The Queen has read the leading articles in 'The Times' on this subject with great satisfaction; indeed, the whole of the Press seems to be unanimous in this. She fears she will have no peace of mind, and that there will be no end of trouble while Palmerston is at the head of the Foreign office. |