The Sun.
London, England, 1866-07-07 00:00:00

THE CESSION OF VENETIA.

According to the announcement of the Moniteur,
the Emperor of Austria cedes Venetia to France
ou the basis of " the idea expressed in the Emperor
Napoleon's letter of the 11th June." Subjoined is
the communication referred to :
" Palace of the Tuileries, June 11.
" M. le Ministre—At the moment when the hopes
of peace which the meeting of the Conference made
us conceive seem to be vanishing, it is essential to
explain in a circular to the diplomatic agents abroad
the ideas which my Government contemplated pre-
senting in the Councils of Europe, and the conduct
it means to follow in the presence of the events
which are preparing. This communication will place
our policy in its true light.
" Had the Conference taken place, your lan-
guage, as you are aware, would have been explicit.
You were to declare in my name that I repudiated
all idea of territorial aggrandisement, so long as
the equilibrium of Europe was not disturbed. In
effect, we could not think of an extension of our
frontiers except in case of the map of Europe
being remodelled for the exclusive benefit of a
great Power, and of the conterminous provinces
demanding by votes freely expressed their annexa-
tion to France.

" Outside these circumstances, I think it more
worthy of our country to prefer to the acquisition
of territory the precious advantage of living on
good terms with our neighbours by respecting
their independence and their nationality.
" Animated by these sentiments, and having
only in view the preservation of peace, I appealed
to England and to Russia to address at the same
time words of conciliation to the parties interested.
" The accord established between the neutral
Powers will of itself be a pledge of security for
Europe. They showed their impartiality in re-
solving to limit the discusssion of the Conference
to the pending questions. In order to resolve them,
I think it was necessary to address ourselves to
them frankly, to disengage them from the diplo-
matic veil which covered them, and to take into se-
rious consideration the legitimate wishes of sove-
reigns and of nations.

" The conflict which has arisen has three causes :
The geographical situation of Prussia imperfectly
limited ; the wish of Germany demanding a politi-
cal reconstitution more conformable to its general
wants; and the necessity of Italy to secure her
national independence.

" The neutral Powers could not interpose in the
internal affairs of foreign countries. Nevertheless,
the Courts that participated in the constitutional
acts of the Germanic Confederation had the right to
examine whether the changes demanded were not
of a kind to endanger the order established in
Europe. We should have desired, in what con-
cerns ourselves, for the secondary States of the
Confederation a closer union, a stronger organisa-
tion, a more important position ; for Prussia, more
homogeneousness, in the north ; for Austria, the
maintenance of her position in Germany.
" We should have desired, morever, that, for an
equitable compensation, Austria should cede Venetia
to Italy, for if, in concert with Prussia, and with-
out regard to the treaty of 1852, she made war in
Denmark on behalf of German nationality, it seemed
to me just that she should recognise the same prin-
ciple for Italy by completing the independence of
the Peninsula.

" Such are the ideas which, for the repose of
Europe, we should have tried to carry out. To-day
there is reason to fear that they can be decided
only by arms. In such an emergency what is the
attitude it becomes France to assume?

" Ought we to manifest our displeasure because
Germany finds the treaties of 1815 insufficient to
satisfy her national tendencies, and preserve her
tranquillity ? In the war which is about to break
out we have but two interests—the maintenance of
the European equilibrium, and the maintenance of
that which we have contributed to constitute in
Italy.

" But to save these two interests does not the
moral force of France suffice? In order that her
voice shall be listened to, will she be obliged to
draw the sword ? Ido not think so.

" If, in spite of our efforts, the hopes of peace are
not realised, we arc nevertheless reassured by the
declarations of the Courts engaged in the conflict
that, whatever be the results of the war, none of the
questions which touch us shall be resolved without
the assent of France.

" Let us then continue in a vigilant neutrality ;
and strong in our disinterestedness, animated by a
sincere desire to see the nations of Europe forget
their quarrels, and unite in the cause of civilisation,
liberty, and progress, let us still remain confident
in the right and calm in our force. Whereupon, M.
le Ministre, I pray God to keep you in His holy
guard.
" NAPOLEON."