or a great Power like
England, and as to the second, the Queen for one is not prepared to
decide to go to war to ensure the success of the Italian Revolution.

But is such a declaration at the present moment called for by anything
that has happened? Another despatch has accepted as satisfactory the
French explanation about the order given to the fleet before Gaeta,
and Austria has renewed her assurances that she will not interfere;
the only Power likely to continue to interfere and to produce
war--Sardinia--is held to have an exceptional right to it, as an
"Italian" Power.

The Queen thinks this important despatch should not be laid before
her again without its having received the deliberate consideration
and assent of the whole Cabinet, and in case Lord John should bring it
before them the Queen would wish him to communicate this letter also
to them, as embodying her views on the subject.

[Footnote 41: This draft despatch, prepared in order to be
sent to all the Powers, expressed approval of the Italian
Revolution. It concluded: "Her Majesty's Government deem
it right to declare that if any other Power should attempt
forcible interference, Her Majesty's Government will hold
themselves free to act in such a manner as the rights of
nations, the independence of Italy, and the interests of
Europe may seem to them to require."]

_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._

PEMBROKE LODGE, _3rd November 1860._

Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty....

With regard to the position of Great Britain, Lord John Russell
is bound to advise that it shall not suffer by the change of
circumstances.

From 1815 to 1859 Austria ruled Italy. If Italians had reason to
complain, England had nothing to fear from the use of Austrian
influence against British interests.

But if France were to sway the united Navies of Genoa and Naples, and
Great Britain to look on from fear or apathy, or excessive love of
peace, she might soon have to defend her possessions of Malta, Corfu,
and Gibraltar.

Austria would hardly attempt any new aggression on Italy, unless she
were assisted by France.

Italy as one Power would derive strength from the declaration of Great
Britain, as a disinterested friend.

A letter of Lord Cowley will show your Majesty the suspicions and
doubts which exist as to French policy in Italy.[42] All these
projects will be scattered to the winds by the word of t