ch 1859_.

The Queen trusts that Lord Malmesbury will act with the utmost
circumspection in answering the many telegrams crossing each other
from all directions respecting the proposed Congress. An understanding
with Austria on every point ought, if possible, to precede our giving
our opinion to France or Russia. If they can _once_ get the Powers
to agree upon a point upon which Austria disagrees, they have won the
game, and the Emperor can proceed to his war, having a declaration of
Europe against Austria as his basis.

_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Malmesbury._

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _12th April 1859_.

The Queen has marked a passage in this draft, which she thinks it
would be advisable to modify--so as not to _put_ upon _record_ (should
the Austrians refuse to give way on this point) that we consider their
conduct as "_reckless_." Should they persist, they would certainly not
meet with as much sympathy as they would do if they yielded, and
such a course on their part would be very much to be regretted, as
we consider every sacrifice small, in comparison to the blessings
of preserving peace; but still Austria would have a perfect right to
stand out--and we originally supported her in this demand.

If something which _expressed_ the _above_ sentiments and opinions
could therefore be substituted for the present passage, the Queen
thinks it would be very desirable _for the future_, both as regards
Austria and England.

[Pageheading: ENGLAND AND AUSTRIA]

_The Earl of Derby to Queen Victoria._

DOWNING STREET, _21st April 1859_.

Lord Derby, with his humble duty, submits to your Majesty that it
has appeared to him, in consultation with his colleagues, with the
exception of Lord Hardwicke and Sir John Pakington, who are out of
Town, that the only step which can properly be taken at present is to
protest strongly against the course which Austria is now taking, and
to warn her that whatever may be the results to herself, she deprives
herself of all claim to the support or countenance of England.[25]
Your Majesty will see by another telegram, received a few minutes ago
from Lord Cowley, that Huebner!! advises that England should threaten
to come to the aid of Sardinia, if the contemplated invasion should
take place! Your Majesty's servants are not, however, prepared to take
so strong a step, which would commit them to measures to which they
might be unable at the moment to give due effect; and which, if