CollectionVictorian Papers, Main Series
ReferenceVIC/MAIN/C/9/27
Record TypeCorrespondence
TitleLetter from Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell
Date19 June 1850
WriterVictoria, Queen
AddresseeRussell, John, Lord
DescriptionQueen Victoria is not satisfied with the draft to Howden (John Hobart Caradoc, 2nd Baron Howden, Minister Plenipotentiary in the British Embassy at Madrid). Instead of defining the policy of this country, it speaks of two candidates for the Crown, and indicates that England is at liberty to espouse the cause of one, and singles out Count Montemolin [Carlos Louis de Bourbon, Carlist claimant to the Spanish throne as Carlos VI]as most suited to our interests. Is this a policy for England to adopt? We are parties of the Quadruple Treaty, and we have encouuraged Civil War on the ground of the rights of the daughters of Ferdinand VII to the Spanish throne. We have lately interfered against Dom Miguel [Miguelist candidate to the Portuguese throne] because of our obligations under the Quadruple Treaty. The Duchess of Montpensier [Infanta Maria Louisa Fernanda] excluded from the succession [to Spain] on account of her marriage. Then let us stand by the consequences. There can be no question of Candidates for us. The Draft seems intended to free the Foreign Office from old obligations, to encourage the Carlists, and renew Civil War. The Queen does not wish this as the consquence of renewal of Diplomatic relations with the Queen of Spain. Lord John Russell must bring the matter of this letter before the Cabinet.
LanguageEnglish
Extent1 document
Access ConditionsAvailable for research
LevelItem
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