ay before.

September 23rd, 1840 {p.310}

[Page Head: DIFFERENCES IN THE CABINET.]

I called on Guizot yesterday morning, found him apprised of the
meeting of the Cabinet on Monday next, when I told him that I
could not help thinking he might materially contribute to the
adoption of some resolution conducive to peace, that I had no
doubt there would be very lively discussions at this Cabinet, and
it was of great importance he should, if he could, afford an
_appui_ to the peace party. He said he would willingly do
anything he could. I said, 'for example, could he say on the part
of his Government, that, in the event of the new terms proposed
by Mehemet Ali being accepted, France would guarantee their due
performance on the part of the Pasha, and that she would join in
coercive measures against him if he attempted to infringe them,
or commit any act of aggression against the Porte?' He said,
'that he was not _authorised_ to make such a declaration, but he
had no doubt he could engage so far, and that France would not
hesitate to pledge herself to join the other Allies and act
against Mehemet Ali in such a case as I had supposed.' I asked
him if he would write to his Government forthwith, as there was
still time to get an answer before the Cabinet met, and he
promised he would; but, he added, that with every desire to say
what might furnish an argument for those in the Cabinet who are
disposed to accept the proffered arrangement, he did not know how
to hold any communications--for with Palmerston he could not, and
Melbourne and John Russell were out of town. I told him, however,
that Lord John would be in town on Thursday, and he promised he
would call on him on Friday and talk to him; adding that he
thought the last time he saw him he was well disposed. I told him
that Lord John was not a man who said much, and that I could not
answer for his opinions, but that I was quite convinced
Palmerston would find some of his colleagues seriously alarmed,
and no longer disposed to submit quietly to whatever he might be
pleased to settle and to dictate. He asked me who were the
Ministers with the greatest influence, and whose opinions would
sway the Cabinet; and I told him Melbourne and John Russell,
without a doubt, and whatever they resolved upon, the rest would
agree to. But it is most extraordinary that while all reflecting
people are amazed at the Government being scattered all abroad at
such a momentous crisis, and ins