The New York herald., 1870-12-20
Augustus LOTUS IN Berlin, and Is among the docu-
mon;s submitted TO the North German Parliament


mcn,s submitted TO the North German Parliament
FOREIGN OFFICE. Oct 20. 1870.
MY LoRD:--It is needless 10 state how deeply her
Maiesty's government have dealored the outnreaA
aud continuance OF the great war which ~
stl raging between Germany ana France:
They did their utmost to prevent ~ aho
since the declaration OF hostlhtles aud their own
proclamation Of neutrality they have used their
influence 10 prevent its extensions; for II any Oh
those nations which have remained nentral hau
taken part all Europe II IL probable, would nave
been gradually involved in the calamity, with doubt-
lul advantage TO either bcliigerent Nothing would
nave given more satisfaction to her Majesty gov
efnment than 10 contribute IN any manner TO an
honorable and permanent peace Offers OF media
ton, or OF good oriices, would not have been want
Ing II her MaJesty's government had at any
time believed that such oilers would nave
Tney could not, however, shut tneir eyes TO The
fact that such state or things had not arisen, ana
the coarse they had adopted themselves, and which
they recommended TO others, was 10 abstain from
making unacceptable proposals, or giving incifec-
tive advice, when would only weaken the chance OF
view. They indeed recommended that Count Bis
marck ana NJ. Fayre should personally cominuni
take place, but unfortunately, with no Immediate
result except TO show how divergent were their
opinions as TO possible basis OF negotiation.
After uninterrupted and extraordinary successes
on the part Of Germany what IL the present phase
OF the wary The man body OF the German army y
engaged III TIE investment OF the French capital.
and the reduction by famine ana oy bomhardlncnJ
OF the city OF Paris appears TO be among the mea-
surcs which are under discussion at the German
headquarters. Count Bernsorff has communicated
TO me some OF the circulars which have been pub
llshed by the North German government on the war
and on the llth inst. he gave me the circular IN
which 1t IS stated that the Inevitable consequence OF
the PRONUNCIATION OF the struggle before Paris VIII
be that hundred OF thousands will die OF starvation.
The communication or TINS opinion OF the learfui
results which may possibly, ana eyen not mpro-
baby, arise from long siege OF Paris makes 1t IL
positive duty on the part OF her Majestys govern
lnent to leave nothing undone TO AVOID great n
exhibl'ed, and a. ii Is prolonged most Increasingly
present features which concern not the two belliger
enls only, but Europe at large. Her MaJestys gov
ernmenJ are conudent tlat Inc explanation or their
views viii not be construed as IA unlriendly act.
1t is dictated by most sincere anxiety for the
present ana future welfare OF two nations with
whom this country has long been on most friendly
terms. ! am aware OF the strong arguments which
may be urged in lavor OF extreme measures against
Paris. am, however desirous OF Inquiring whether
there are not considerations winch appear, perhaps,
stronger to spectators than TO those who are under
the mhuence OF extraordinary military success,
accompanied by the consciousness of great Efforts
and vast SACRIFICES. 1t Is nndoubted tnat such
operation as the reduction OF Paris by famine
or bombardment, although without precedent as
TO its pagnltude Is authorized by the practice of
as stated by Count Bismarck, not only the ruin bnt
the death, with incidents of peculiar horror, OF hun
dreds OF thousands Of non-conbatants, every one
would admit 1t should not be resorted to until all
possible alternatives have been exhausted.
Presuming successful Issue 10 an attack on Paris
at no distant time. II is NOT unreasonable TO
pareS with its advantages the prospective disad-
vantages which may eilsue; and tne TACT that scme
OF these touch t,, TIE oson Ceilings o OF manSind,
courage her Majesty's government from laying
them before the King and his advisers. The
bitter recollection OF the past three months may
| be eEaced by time and by sense OF the conduct
and vaor OF the enemy IN the field. There arc de-
! grccs OF eXasperanon, end the probability OF y
| free and rreconclable war must oe greatly In
| creased IL generation OF Frenchmen behold the
spectacle OF the destruction OF capital spectacle
| associated with the details Of large numbers OF
| helpless and unalmed persons, ana the destruction
OF treasures " art, sciences and historical assoca-
tons OF ineSlnable value, ana incapable OF being
| replaced Frighuu as such n catastrophe would b0
TO France, ana dangerous as | beiieve n,
| would be 10 the cnanccs OF future peace
| to Europe, her Majesty's government believe
that to none would IL DC more painful Than to Ger
| many and ITS rulers. The French government, act
ing upon considerations which app. ar to taein con
! elusive, have, since the meeting OF Count Bismarck
and NJ. Favre declined to propose negotiations for
peace But her Maiesty's government have assumed
the responsibility of urging the Provisional Govern
mcnt to agree TO an armstice which might lead 10
| the conyocatioD Of a Constituent Assembly ANA the
re-establishment Of peace. Her Majesty's govern
mcnt have also not failed TO represent to them the
Importance OF making every concession compatible
with their honor In the present circumstances OF the
war.
Her Majestys government are not authorized to
say so; but thcy cannot believe that such reprcsen-
tatlons to the French government Will remain with
| out eject. During this war two moral causes have
| aided Immensely the great material power Of the
Germans. They have been lighting TO repe The
threat OF foreign Sasicn ana TO assert the right OF
great country 10 constitute Itself In tn. way most
conducive TO the lul development of It's resources.
The glory OF these Efforts VIII be increased IL it
be truly SAID IN history that the King OF Prussia had
exhausted every attempt for peace before the orders
Tor the attack on Paris were given, and the con-
ditions or peace were just moderate and In accord
with true policy ana the sentiments or the age.
Her Majcsty's government wish that II should be
clearly understood, what their conduct has hitherto
! plainly shown that they have no wish to oTer super
ruous or unacceptable advice 10 the belligerents.
4 The suggestions which they have now made in
most friendly spirit arise from their attention hay-
ing been formally drawn TO consequences Of for
midable q character III the Judgment OF Count
Bismarck are likely to arse from the prolonged in
yesment OF Paris. They cannot remain silent or
| leave any thing untried which may have tendency
to avert such fearful and uneSampled catastrophe
am, win great truth and respect, my lord, &c.
GRANVILLE.