ur
Majesty's Speech which should imply a doubt of the continuance of
strict impartiality, would, undoubtedly, provoke a hostile Amendment,
which might very possibly be carried in the Sardinian sense, and
which, if so carried, would place your Majesty in the painful position
of having to select an Administration, pledged against the interests
of Austria and of Germany. Lord Derby says nothing of the personal
results to your Majesty's present servants, because, in such cases,
personal considerations ought not to be allowed to prevail; and it is
in the interest of the country only, and even of the very cause which
your Majesty desires to uphold, that he earnestly trusts that your
Majesty will not require any alteration in this part of the Speech.
There is, at this moment, in the country, a great jealousy and
suspicion of France, and of her ulterior designs--as indicated by
the demand of means of defence, the formation of Volunteer Corps,
etc.--but it is neutralised, partly by sympathy for Italy, partly by
suspicions, industriously circulated, of the pro-Austrian tendencies
of the present Government. It is very important that the language of
the Speech should be so decided as to negative this impression, and
Lord Derby cannot but feel that if neutrality be spoken of not as a
thing decided upon, but which, it is hoped, may be maintained, such
language will be taken to intimate the expectation of the Government
that it may, at no distant time, be departed from. In Lord Derby's
humble opinion Peace should be spoken of as subject to doubt, because,
out of the present struggle, complications may arise which may
necessarily involve us in war; but neutrality, as between the present
belligerents, should be a matter open to no doubt or question. If
there be no attempt made to run counter to public opinion, and Austria
should sustain serious reverses, the jealousy of France will increase,
and the feeling of the country will support your Majesty in a war,
should such arise, against her aggression; but if the slightest
pretext be afforded for doubting the _bona fide_ character of British
neutrality, or the firm determination to maintain it, an anti-German
feeling will be excited, which will be fatal to the Administration,
and seriously embarrassing to your Majesty.

The same observations apply, with hardly less force, to part of the
Amendment suggested by your Majesty to the paragraph regarding the
Navy. With submission to your Majest