| Collection | Victorian Papers, Main Series |
| Description | Queen Victoria has read and returns the draft reply to the Prussian proposals [for negotiation regarding Italy]. She agrees in the propriety of declining, under present circumstances, entering into any negotiations, as this is premature; and while she does not agree in the arguments and speculations regarding Italy which are put forward in the draft, she does not withhold her consent from their being communicated confidentially to Prussia as the Government's opinion, if the Cabinet as a whole supports these opinions. The Queen does, however, wish to express her doubt as to the usefulness of expressing such opinions during the present state of the war, as they must compromise and fetter Britain to some extent, which will impede the country's free action later, when it might assist in bringing peace as a neutral power. She suggests Lord John might inform the Cabinet of the substance of this letter when he brings the Despatch to their notice. If Austria is driven out of Italy, it will be by France and for French intentions; and if France is successful, it will settle the future of Italy in accordance with these intentions, and probably pay little heed to Britain's reasons for having sympathized in French successes. |