| Collection | Victorian Papers, Main Series |
| Description | Queen Victoria acknowledges Lord John Russell's letter reporting the result of the Cabinet's deliberations, which much relieved her. Although Lord John does not say whether her letter was read to the Cabinet, she assumes it was, and is most anxious that there should be no misapprehension on the Cabinet's part as to her views. England's position must be consistent and clearly defined. To obtain a peace described as being in the interests of all belligerents is too vague a term: is M. de Persigny's opinion or that of the Emperor Napoleon to be the guide, as they have just proposed to England? Austria will be the exponent of its own interests. Prussia has explained Germany's interests in maintaining the line of fortresses , and been told its apprehensions were exaggerated. It will require great caution by England not to lose its neutral position or be made an advocate for one side. Is it possible to truly ascertain the wishes of the Lombards and Tuscans, etc., while their countries are occupied by French and Sardinian armies? The Queen encloses an extract fom a letter from Emperor Napoleon I to his son, Prince Eugène, illustrating how the expression of a wish for annexation has already been used as a means for conquest. |