| Collection | Victorian Papers, Main Series |
| Description | The Queen explains that her objection to Sir James Hudson is her lack of confidence in him, from having watched his conduct in his post at Turin. The Queen's representative at the Paris Congress ought to be someone in whom she can have complete confidence that English interests alone will direct him. Lord John's letter suggested that many of his Cabinet colleagues had similar objections to this appointment. The Queen repeats her wish for her letter of yesterday to be communicated to the Cabinet. She returns Lord Cowley's letter, which does not lessen her alarm at the direction in which England is being driven - war, to support the Emperor Napoleon, who almost claims this support as his right. He has already shifted ground, and asks for this support in case Austria opposes Sardinia's armed interference in central Italian affairs: but Sardinia has no more right to such interference as Austria. The Emperor says he is determined to renew the war in case Austria resists. Under these circumstances the advice of the English Prime Minister to the Emperor, to withdraw the only impediment which restrains the action of Sardinia, becomes a very grave matter. The Queen is determined to hold to her neutrality in Italy's affairs. As Lord John says, it becomes a power like Great Britain to throw its weight behind justice: but where justice lies depends on opinion. A party placed in power by revolution or foreign invasion is not necessarily the exponent of the real wishes of the people. Lord Cowley reports Mr Layard's arrival from Italy, confirming the opinion he has always held, that the annexation of Tuscany to Sardinia is not practicable. However, Lord Palmerston urges this; and if it is agreed to by the Emperor and attempted by Sardinia, Lord John would probably wish England to fight for it, as the cause of justice. Has Lord John considered the probability of Austria not being abandoned again by Germany when attacked by France? The Emperor will have calculated upon this, and 'has not laid his game badly' if he can get the support of England for his attack on the Rhine, which would inevitably follow. The Queen thinks this is a great desire of France, and success would be certain if England became France's dupes; she cannot bear to think of the consequences. She also wishes this letter to be shown to the Cabinet. |