The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1867-11-13
FRANCE AND ITALY.
Highly Important Circular of General
Menabrea TO the Italian Diplomatic
Agents Abroad,

Florence (NoU y ,by Telegraph to Reuters Bureau
, The September convention, in stipulatlng on
the one hand the evacuation Of the Pontidcal
territory by the French troops, imposed at the
same time upon Italy obligations which are
very heavy and very difficult of fulilment. We,
however, accepted them with the sincere and
absolute desire to every effort to secure
their being observed. Contrary to the Ia VS.,
and notwithstanding the reiterated declara-
tions of the Government, several bands have
succeeded IN penetrating into the provinces OF
the Pontidcal STATES by eludlng the surveillance
of the troops; but, in consequence of the topo-
graphical con6guration OF the territory, the
considerable extent of the line which 1t was
necessary TO guard, and taking into account the
right of every citizen to travel without him
dIance, one may conceive it was an impo ST.
btitY Tor the corps OF observation TO success
fully prevent such occurrences. The difficult
ties of the matter did not certainly escape the
penetration and perspcacity OF the high con-
tracing powers when they signed the Con-
VentiOn. 1t will be remembered that the
term fixed for the execution of this ar
raugement was precisely established at time
when reconciliation might have taken place be-
tween the Holy See and Italy, or at least a
n1Odtis UtUendi might have been arrived at be-
tween adjoining Governments which would
have rendered reciprocal relations possible.
This hope has been deceived nOtindeed because
the Government of the King omitted a1sht
which could have tended towards the attain.
ment of this aim, but because it always met
with resistance from the Holy See and even
sometimes severe censuTe for having promul-
prisng If the crisis which we regret has now
taken place. The Government of the Emperor,
in a document published in the MoRNeur, de-
clared that the French troops had no OBJECT OF
any hostile character towards Italy, and that the
Imperial Government did not intend by any
means to rene an occupation the entire gravity
of which it fully estimated.
The Kings Government, while highly appre-
Cating these declarations, cannot yet feel con-
Yinced that actual circumstances rendered an
act of this character necessary. The Imperial
Government cannot but be aware that the
September Convention was concluded especi-
ally with view TO replace the Holy See in the
usual position OF all other principalites, which
should themselves provide tor their own safety.
One may in truth assert that the spirit of the
Convention has not always been observed in
this respect; but, be this as it may, 1t is fact
| that the troops enrolled by the POnuhcal Gov
ernment have suticed for the detense OF their
flag. But although they thus fuldlled the object
assigned to them, the Imperial Government, de-
| spite our reiterated observations and protesta
| tions, judged otherwise, and decided to inter-
| vene. The formal declarations we have recently
made that we would do our utmost to prevent
| the invasion OF the armed bands-declaratious
| which we have fuldlled-haVe unhappny not
! suftiCed TO change 80 grave resolution.
| Public opinion in Italy is deeply moved, and
| If the population has not been carried away to
| acts of gravity 1t is because the majority are
| wise and because the country ls accustomed to
| have full confidence in the Government OF a
| faithful King who guards and will ever guard
their honor at the cost of any sacrifice what
| soever.
We have consulted the exigencies of our dig.
nifty and of our interest; the Government con
sequent has had to take upon itself the seri'
GUS responsibility OF ordering the troops to cross
| the frontier.
The step can by no means be considered by
| France as q hostile act. Occupying "A few
| points in the Papal territory the ROYAL troops
| are instructed to gain the goodwill and re-
assure the minds of the Inhabitants, and to re-
establish quiet among the agita'ed population
which addresses itself from all sides to The
Kings Government, invoking its protection
The troops have orders to everywhere respec
the established authority and municipalities
and 10 act in such manner as to avoid every
conflict likely TO give rise to subsequent compli
catiobs.
vention having been altered by the Intervention
of the Imperial troops, the Kings Governmen
required 10 guard its rights by placing itself IL
an identical position with that OF the other con
tracing Power, and thus be able TO open fresl
negotiations on footing OF perfect equality
Let US form earnest ows that these negotiation
may lead to a definite solution, which, Will
satisfying the legitimate national aspirations
may at the same time secure TO the chief OF tn
Church the dignity and independence neoessar
for The Accomplishment Il its divine RlsaloR'