The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-07-29
AUS RIA.


The Frnnco-Belsian Disputc-Lefter from
Baron Won Beust.
The following is copy of a despatch from Baron
Beust to Count Wimpnen, at Berlin, dated from
Vienna on May /, 1867
have taken eogniZance with interest OF your re-
port OF April q, No. 49, by which you render to me
an account OF the views W hch have been expressed
to you by Baron Notnomb on the subject OF the
Franco Belgian difference Although this question
has not failed to attract the serious attention Of the
royal and imperial government we have hitherto
carefully abstained from all interference. Our
sympathles for Belgium and the perfect accord
Paris engaged us to avoid any step which
might be interpreted as support given to
Connected with the long congo Which have granted
to the envoy OF the Emperor in Belgium. I have
not been sorry to see him absent himself from his
post at time when his line OF conduct might have
become the subject of comment. However we do
not wish to dissmulate our opinion, and since re-
preventative OF Belgium of such consideration as NJ
Nothomb appears to attach some value 10 the know
ledge or our views, weiseize this occason-the first,
source-to express ourselves on this subject with
entire frankness.
To speak the truth, we believe that Belgian
patriotism has conceived alarms Of q somewhat
exaggerated nature with regard to the Intentions
OF the French government. 1t seems to me diff
cult to admit that the independence Of Belgium
can be menaced, because the working or even the
ownership Of q part OF her network Of railways
might pass into the hands Of French company.
will even 60 further and Will add that more intl-
mate union OF Belgium and France In all that con-
Germs the economical and material interests or the
two countries would not appear to me TO be al all
threatening to the maintenance OF Belgian iDdepen
dence. In support Of what have advanced can
exed 1854 to s When this Custom House.
union was concluded many voices announced that
all was over with the political independence Of the
German states. Experience has proved, on
the contrary, that since that time these
States have shown themselves much more
jealous OF their political autonomy and less
inclined to accept foreign tutelage. The
fusion Of material interests has in no way pre-
vented IN inc ,ntercommuni0n Oh states, tne exist
which has ended by the outbreak of war. A bring
ing together OF Belgium and France on the ground
to entrain a consequence the dependence Of Bel
GUM in political point OF view
AS far as regards the maintenance OF Belgian neu-
No one has more respect than we have for the
principle OF this neutrality, and we much desire
At all times it may be foreseen that to pro-
claim this principle will not always suffice to
tain as precauuon an army considerable
enough, although, strictly speaking, q neutral
on this order OF ideas would seem to me useful to
assure oneself In all OF the good feeling of the
neghboring State, which by Its power, as by Its geo.
graphical position, can become either the most dan
gerous enemy or the most faithful support OF the
Belgian nation ana OF Its neutrality. So many bonds
already exist between France and Belgium as re-
CARDS their customs, language industry and com.
merce that Ii would be quite natural to see the last
OF these two countries seek a support In the first
without thereby advocating its political existence,
which is perfectly distinct and Independent. From
these considerations it results that Belgium,
In taking an attitude which might wound
the sentiments OF France would expose
herself to grave inconvenience while she
can without danger enter on the path leading
to fusion OF material and economical interests.
We think then, that the Belgian nation and Gov
eminent would act wisely IN not setting themselves
up against the views oil the French government and
in not showing mistrust OF nature to embitter
the relations between the two countries. We recon-
mend in any case q prompt solution OF the questions
in dispute in order that the fermentation which the
existing dispute causes on both sides may cease.
Finally we would wish that the solution may be
such as not to leave any rancOr existing, and to
permit OF the establishment, on O basis as large as
solid OF relations OF friendship and good neghbor-
hood which ought to unite the TWO peoples for their
reciprocal advantage.
BE good enough to express yourself In this sense
towards Baron Nothomb, and even authorize your
exceency TO allow him to read the present despatch
coniidentaly. BEUST