| Collection | Victorian Papers, Main Series |
| Description | The Queen returns Lord John's draft, the meaning of which she generally approves, although she wishes to make a few observations on two passages. Regarding the Grand Duke of Tuscany, the Duke of Modena and the Duchess of Parma, it is stated that the British Government observes that these Sovereigns have lost their rights of sovereignty by their own actions and by the votes of assemblies representing their former subjects: but the Queen thinks this position is dangerous. She understands and cites the precedent of what it is based upon, but notes that the position is rather that the Tuscan people have acquired a right at variance with that of the Grand Duke, than that he has lost his, and that the Congress is intended to solve the issue of these conflicting rights in a manner which is fair to all. As the Pope committed no act by which, according to the theory of the draft, he lost his rights, his forcible re-entry in to the Romagna would be deemed legal, while the quiet re-entry of the Duchess of Parma would be held as illegal. This would lead to great political inconsistency. The Queen therefore suggests it would be better to emphasise the rights of the people in these countries to choose their own Government, than focus on the loss of rights of their former Sovereigns. She also feels that the last sentence appears to be very abrupt. The re-establishment of peace and legality, leading to the prosperity of Italy, should be named as England's object in Congress, rather than the 'Independence of Italy', which is little more than the rallying cry of one of Italy's political parties. Italy is not recognised as a political state by Europe, so its independence is mere theory. The Queen would like a copy of the despatch when it is amended. |