The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-06-28
NAPoLEoN's LETTER.
the Failure Of the European Conference
amd tho Attitude OF France.


We give below the full text of Napoleon's let
ter to NJ. Drouyn de Lhuys, part of which was
read in the French Legislature, a few days ago,
by M. Rouher;-
"PALACF OF THE TUmERIEs, June IL, 1885,
Monsieur le Ministerial a moment When all
fhe hopes of peace which we we're induced TO
entertain from the meeting of the Conference
seem TO have vanished, il is essential to explain
bv circular 10 our diplomatic agents ABROAD
the ideas which my Government proposed TO
submit to the councils of Europe, and the con-
duct which IL proposes TO adopt in presence OF
the events in preparation. This communication
viii show our policy in its true light. II the
Conference had taken place, your language as
you know, was to have been explicit; you were
to have declared in my name that repuda'ed
any idea OF territorial aggrandlZement, so long
as the European equilibrium should not be
broken. In fact we could only think of an
extension OF our frontiers in case Of the map OF
Europe being modified Tor the exclusive benefit
of a great power, and also in the case OF the
frontier provinces asking by their votes freely
expressed, to be annexed to France. Excluding
such circumstances I think it more worthy OF
our country to prefer to acquisitions ot territory
the precious advantage OF living on good terms
with our neighbory, while respecting their inde-
pendence and their nationality.
"Animated by these sentiments, and having
only in view the mantenanc of peace, | mlde
au appeal to Russia and England to address
words of conCiliation to the parties interested.
The accord established between the neutral
powers will yet remain in itself a pledge tor
the security OF Europe. They proved their high
impartiality in taking the resolution to confne
the discussion in the conference to pending
questions. In order to solve these questions, 1
believe they must be frankly met, stripped of
the diplomatic veil which covered them, and
taking INTO serious consideration the legitimate
desires of sovereigns and peoples.
1.-THE present conflict has three cause.-the
geographical situation OF Prussia being i'll de-
fined; the wishes of Germany demanding poll
tcal reconstruction more contormable to its
general necessities; the necessity for Italy to
assume its national independence. The neutral
powers could not desire to mix themselves up in
the internal affairs OF other countries. Never
theless, the courts which participated in the
constituent acts of the Germanic Confederation
had the right to examine whether the changes
called Tor were not OF nature to compromise
the established order of Europe. As far as con-
Germs ourselves, we should have desired for the
secondary States OF the Confederation a more
intimate unon more powerful organization,
a more importanG part to play; for Prussia, more
homogeneity and strength in the north for
Austria, the maintenance of her great position
in Germany. We should moreover have been
glad to see Austria cede Venice to Italy for an
equitable compensation; for since, in concert
with Prussia, and making no account of the
treaty OF 1852 she made war upon Denmark in
the name Of German nationality, it appeared to
me Just that she should recognize the same prin-
ciple in Italy by completing the independence
OF the peninsula.
"such are the ideas which in the interest of
the repose OF Europe we should have endea-
Vored 10 advance. To-day it is to be feared that
the late of arms can alone decide the questions.
In the face OF these eventualities whatis the at
titude of France? Should we manifest our dis
pleasure because Germany finds the treaties of
1916 ,mpotent to satisfy her national tendencies
and maintain her tranquility? In the war
which is on the point Of breaking out we have
but two interests, the maintenance of the work
TO which we have contributed IN Italy.
"But is not the moral force of France snfi-
cient for the protection OF these two interests?
Will she be Obliged TO draw the sword to make
nnf fNUifb tom
ing our efforts, the hopes of peace be not rea-
lized, we have at least the assurance, from the
declarations made by the Courts engaged in the
conflict that, whatever be the results of the
war, none OF the questions in which we are in
terested will be settled without the concurrence
OF France. Let us maintain, then, a watchful
neutrality, and, strong in our disinterestedness,
animated by the sincere desire to see the nations
of Europe forget their quarres and unite for
the advancement of civilization, liberty and
progress, let us wait, confident in our right and
calm in our strength
"Hereupon, Monsieur lie Ministre, pray God
to have you in His holy keeping"