[Footnote 26: Referring to an understanding reported to have
been arrived at between France and Russia, the suspicion
of which created great indignation in England. Prince
Gortschakoff and the French Emperor, in answer to enquiries,
gave conflicting explanations.]

_The Earl of Derby to Queen Victoria._

ROEHAMPTON, _27th April 1859_.

... Lord Derby has thought it necessary, in consequence of the
attitude assumed by Russia, notwithstanding her assurances that there
is nothing hostile to England in her secret treaty with France, to
call upon Sir J. Pakington to say what addition could be made to
the Channel Fleet within a period of two or three months, without
weakening that in the Mediterranean. He has the honour of enclosing
the answer, which he has just received by messenger. Lord Derby
proposes to go up to Town to confer with Sir J. Pakington on this
important subject to-morrow, and Lord Malmesbury has summoned a
Cabinet for Friday to consider the general state of affairs.

France having absolutely refused the proffered mediation of England,
and Austria having only accepted it under the condition of the
disarmament of Sardinia, every effort to preserve the peace has been
exhausted; and it only remains for this country to watch the course
of events, to protect her own interests, and to look out for any
opportunity which may offer to mediate between the contending parties.
This policy, announced by Lord Derby in the City on Monday,[27] was
received with unanimous approval. It will require a great deal to
induce the country to be drawn into a war under any circumstances, and
Lord Derby's anxious efforts will not be wanting to avoid it as long
as possible.

[Footnote 27: He had there described Austria's action as
hasty, precipitate, and (because involving warfare) criminal,
but the Government would still (he added) strive to avert war,
by urging Austria, under the Treaty of Paris, to invoke the
mediation of the Powers. The Derby Government, however, were
supposed to be giving encouragement to Austria. See Lord
Derby's letter of the 2nd of June, _post_.]

[Pageheading: LORD DERBY'S POLICY]

_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Derby._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _29th April 1859_.

The Queen has read the last telegrams with much pain, as they show
that there is no chance left of stopping war. Indeed she thinks,
considering the progress of revolution in the Duchies