would be for his
interest to break his word to the Emperor of Austria should reflect
upon the honour of the Queen's Government. She must insist upon this
being distinctly guarded against.

[Pageheading: LORD JOHN RUSSELL'S CRITICISMS]

_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._

ABERGELDIE, _7th September 1859_.

Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty; he
cannot refrain from making some remarks on your Majesty's letter of
yesterday.

Lord Palmerston appears to have answered M. de Persigny by saying
that he personally agreed with him, but that the proposition he had
sketched must come from the French Government; that it must come from
them officially, and it would then have to be maturely considered by
the Cabinet.

Lord John Russell sees nothing to object to in this language. It might
be embarrassing to Lord Palmerston if such a proposition were to
come from France, and were to be rejected by the Cabinet. But Lord
Palmerston could easily explain the matter to M. de Persigny. Lord
Palmerston does not appear to have committed your Majesty, or Lord
John Russell, or the Cabinet in any way.

On the other hand, your Majesty cannot mean that the Cabinet is to
be precluded from maturely considering any proposition which may come
officially from France.

Lord John Russell feels, on his own part, that he must offer to your
Majesty such advice as he thinks best adapted to secure the interests
and dignity of your Majesty and the country. He will be held by
Parliament responsible for that advice. It will be always in your
Majesty's power to reject it altogether.

Lord John Russell is of opinion that there never was a time when it
was less expedient to fetter this country by prospective engagements.
But it does not follow that the policy pursued last autumn and winter,
and which ended in a war in Italy, would be the best course in any
future contingency. Should another war arise it will be very difficult
for Great Britain to remain neutral. For this reason it is desirable
to prevent such a war, if possible. It was difficult last winter, and
may be still more difficult this winter. For the present there is no
better course than to keep this country free from engagements. After
the peace of Zurich is made, or not made, we shall see our way better.

Lord John Russell has never concealed his opinions from his
colleagues. He even warned them that France might make such a
proposition as M. de Persigny