| Collection | Victorian Papers, Main Series |
| Description | Queen Victoria has made a pencil mark on one passage in the enclosed draft [not on file], regarding Austria not receding from its claim of interference. From former correspondence in the Foreign Office, it seems that Austria had promised Lord Cowley to submit its separate treaties, constituting its claim to interference, to negotiation, with a view to their abrogation. Lord John's argument for dissuading Prussia from joining in the war because of the possibility of rousing public feeling in France is strong: but the Queen would be sorry if stress was laid on Emperor Napoleon's declaration that he did not mean to attack Germany - while making war in Italy - in which Germany places little security, or that it should be argued by Britain that a Power had no interest in maintaining the territorial arrangements of Europe based on treaties, and no right to interfere unless threatened in its own country. London was not in danger when Emperor Nicholas took Constantinople, yet Britain considered itself justified in declaring war on the Emperor on a mere supposition of his intention. Germany's case has a further peculiarity, in that Austria is an integral member of its body politic: and Austria being weakened, even on account of possessions outside the Confederation, must weaken the Confederation. If Austria's army, finances or position in Europe were ruined, this would be a great loss to the power, prosperity and security of Germany. The Queen agrees with the conclusion Lord John reaches in his Despatch. |