Lynchburg daily Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1852-1861, 1854-04-11
The Secret Correspondence between Russia
and Great Britain. relative to Division OF


The Secret Correspondence between Russia
and Great Britain relative to Division OF
Turkey.
One of tho most remarkable and interesting re-
Violations made in reference Ia the affairs OF the
En.t l. Tint contained in the secret correspdn-
dancc between the Emperor OF Russia anu the
Government of Great Britain. relative To inc NJ
fairs of the East, the position OF Turkey, ITS pro
bable dissolution, aud its partition between Rus
sia aud Great Britain. In 1871, 1t appears thht
Count Nosserode drew mp memorandum laying
down the principles which should govern Great
Britain md Ras-a in their conduct towards
tn kew. They were 10 maintain the indePen-
dence of that country. and her existing terrltorl'
nj sses.iong: and not To allow the Porte To play
off the different States of Europe against one
mother but To maintain far as possible, the
unnnifnity Of the representatives. OF the foreign
powers without assuming the character OF ex-
elusive nscendaney. For nearly ten years these
principles were observed but in January, 1853
The Clar intimated TO Sir G. II. Seymour his con
yietion that Turkey on the verge OF ruin,
and il was very important that England and Rus
sia should come to Il perfectly good understand
inV on these affairs, and that neither should TAKE
any decisive step of which the other il not ap-
prised. Turkey according to the Car, was "a
sick mana very sick man." and 1t would be
great misfortune to Europe if he were to slip off
dear friends desired. I'VE cannot says the
Car, .'resuscitate what is dead If the Turkish
Empire falls, il falls To rise ~ more. Ana put
it 10 you therefore, whether il is not better TO be
provided beforehand for contingency, than to
incur the chaos. confusion and the certainty OF
an European war, all Of which must attend tho
catastrophe if it should occur unexpectedly, and
before some Interior system has been sketched.'
The British Minister suggests that great
Discrimination might be expected IN England, to
disposing by anticipation of an old friend and al
"" The Emperor admitted this might be so,
but said frankly, that if England thinks of ever
establishing herself at Constantinople, he would
not allow it. lie was equally disposed to ent
into an engagement not to establish himself there
as "proprietor," but if everything were left 5
chance, circumstances might compel him to oc-
cupy Constantinople. lie must keep his word
ms n sovereign, and protect the Greek Church
but negotiation would probably be insufficient to
do So These facts being communicated to Lord
John Russell, the latter suggested that an agree
ment beforehand. made, with view to Turkeys
dissolution, would probably hasten it. Austria
aud France could not in fairness, be kept IN ig-
nornnce of the transaction, nor would such con
oealmcnt be consistent with the end of preventing
nm European war. A conflict would arise from
the very means taken to prevent it., for neither
England nor Franccnor probably Austria, would
be content to see tonstantinope permanently III
the hands of Russia. On the part OF Great Brl-
tain her Maiestys Government declared that
they renowned nil intention or wish to hold Con
stnntinople. lie would also give an assurance
TINT Great Britain will enter into no agreement
Ia provide for the contingency of the fall of Iur-
key, without previous communications with the
Emperor of Russia.
February 81, the Emperor again spoke to Sir
G. II. seymour about the dying man., and the
necessity of some understanding. Rather than
submit IL Constnntn pie being held by either
English. French, or any great nation, or any
attempt to ro-constructa Byzantine Empire, or
my extension of Greece as would render her
powerful State-or any breaking up OF Turkey
into little Republics, asylums for Kossuths and
Mozzinis he would 20 10 war as long rs he had
"A man and musket left To carry II on The French
Government appeared to be DESTROYS of ombroil-
ing them all in the East with n view to get Tu-
mis-. All he wanted was good understanding
with the English, he cared nothing about the
rest. The British minister said 'your majesty
has forgotten Austria" Tire Emperor said
irheH I speak Of Russia, Ispedk Of AuStrid as
reH; tchdt suits IRE one suits the other; our in
forests as regards IUrkeyare perfectly 'denti-
cal" 1t was at this interview that the Emperor
proposed the division of Turkey between Russia
aud Great Britain. In the event of the dissolu
ton of the Ottoman Empire, he thought it might
be less difficult to arrive at II satisfactory terri
torial arrangement than was commonly believed
Tho Principalitos are,' he said, "in fact an in
dependent State, under my protection this might
so continue. Servia might receive the same form
of government. SO again with Bulgaria. There
seems to be reason why this province should
not form an independent state. As to Egypt,
quite understand the Importance to England of
that territory, can til N only say, that if in the
event of n distribution of the Ottoman success
ion upon the fall of the Empire; you should take
posse ision of Egypt, shall have no objections
to offer | would say the same thing of Gambia,
that island might suit you. and do not know
why it should not become English possess
ion"
These disclosures were replied to by Lord Cla-
rendon, who said that the British Government
would adhere TO the principles in Lord John Rus
sells despatch, that England wanted no tcrritori-
nj ACKNOWLEDGEMENT, and could not be party to a
previous arrangement from which she was to de-
rive no benefit. No secret understanding could
be had which could be kept secret This would
be the signal for preparation for intigues of every
description, and for rcyolts among the Christian
subjects of the Porte. Each power and each par
~ would endcavor to secure its future interests,
and the dissolution of the Turkish empire would
be preceded by state of anarchy which must ag-
gravate every difficulty lift did not render II
peaceful solution of the question impossible. The
Emperor, subsequently to the reception of this
despatch, said that he felt the two Courts clearly
understood each other, and that there was moth
ing he relied so confidently upon the word of
n gentleman He was disposed to act upon this
system with the clear understanding however
that the same rule of conduct shall be observed
without distinction, and unanimously, by each of
the great Powers, and that none of them shall take
advantage of the weakness of the Porte to obtain
from it concessions which might turn to the pre-
judice of the others. AT the very moment he as