, is so confident of
complete success, that he wishes to delay concluding the affair until
he can have the benefit of the full advantages, which he anticipates,
in the negotiation.

We should be too glad to see the matter settled, leaving Mehemet Ali
in possession of Egypt.

Palmerston has both the wish and the hope of getting him out of Egypt,
as well as Syria.

These great differences of view, object, and expectation render it
difficult for those who hold them to pursue the same line of conduct.

There is also, as your Majesty knows, much suspicion, distrust and
irritation, and all these circumstances throw great obstacles in the
way of the progress of affairs, but Lord Melbourne hopes that they
will all be overcome, and that we shall arrive at a safe conclusion.

[Pageheading: RELATIONS WITH FRANCE]

_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._

SOUTH STREET, _13th October 1840._

Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty. It is
absolutely necessary that we should have a Cabinet on Thursday. There
is so much natural impatience, and so deep an interest taken in what
is now going on, that it cannot be avoided....

Your Majesty will naturally seize this opportunity of stating strongly
to Palmerston your wishes that this opportunity should be taken
advantage of, with a view to the speedy accommodation of the whole
difference. Your Majesty will see the necessity of at the same
time not appearing to take too much the part of France, which might
irritate and indispose.

Your Majesty will find John Russell perfectly right and reasonable.
He was before somewhat embarrassed by the position in which he was
placed. Having agreed to the Convention, it was difficult for him to
take steps which might appear to be in departure from its policy, and
to be occasioned by the gravity of its consequences. But this step
upon the part of France will enable all the friends of peace to act
cordially together. John Russell thinks that you have not been put
fully in possession of his sentiments. Lord Melbourne thinks this is
not the case; but it would be well if your Majesty would try to efface
this impression from his mind as much as possible.

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

_13th October 1840._

MY DEAREST UNCLE,-- ... I have three kind letters of yours unanswered
before me, of the 1st, 2nd, and 6th, for which many thanks. My time is
very short indeed to-day, but Albert has, I know, writ