New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1870-08-01
THE SECRET TREATY.
THE HISTORY OF THE SECRET NEGoTIATIoNs-
WHAT THE PROPOSITIONS WERE.

THE HISTORY OF THE SECRET NEGOTIATIONS
WHAT THE PROPOSITIONS WERE.
BERLIN, July 81, 1870.
The Ansetge publishes circular addressed by
Count Bismarck on the 29th inst to the representa-
tves of Prussia at the Courts of neutral powers The
document gives the following expose of secret nego-
tiations between France and Prussia
Before the Danish war, says Count Bismarck, the
French Legation at Berlin urged an alliance be-
tween France and Prussia for purposes of mutual
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT. France. anticipating war with
Austria as consequence of the Danish war, made
overtures relative to the restoration of the Luxem
bourg frontier of 1914 the acquisition of Saarburg
and Landau while broader settlement of the boun-
dairy question on the basis of language was MOTTO be
excluded These instances, i'll May 1866, took the
form of propositions for alliance offensive and
defensive. the manuscript original of which is in
the Foreign Office here These propositions are as
follows
First: Should the Congress of the powers assemble,
Italy to have Veneta and Prussia the Duchies.
Second: Should the Congress disagree, alliance
offensive and defensive will be made between France
and Prussia.
Third Prussia to open hostilities against Austria
within 10 DAYS after the dissolution of 1.-THE Congress
Fourth Should no Congress meet, Prussia to
attack Au stra within 80 days after the signature OF
the present treaty.
Fifth Napoleon to begin hosilities against Austria
as soon as Prussia begins, dispatching 100000 men
during the first month across the Rhine
Sirth: No separate treaty shall be made by either
power with Austria. When joint treaty is made
the following are to be the conditions: l. Venetia
10 90 to Italy g Prussia to select German territory
at will for annexation, the number of inhabitants
not to exceed 100000 of souls the territory thus
acquired 10 become a part of the Kingdom OF
Prussia without federal rights. 3. France TO nave
liberal share of the Rhine provinces.
Sereah: military and maritime allegiance to be
made between France and Prussia. TO winch ltaly
may be party should she so desire
This programme, the circular states, was rejected
in June 1866 in spite of the threatening urgency OF
France. The proposals were necessarily renewed
with notifications sacrificing Belgium and South
Germany, but they were never seriously entertained
by~Prussia For the sake Of peace, however 1t was
thought best TO leave Napoleon to his decisions NO
word implying approval was returned; time was
counted on to revoutiOnize France, and ex-
tinRuish the scheme; hence the long delay ana
silence The attempt against Luxembourg 1allng'
France repeated her former propositions making the
specifcations clear in regard to the acquisition OF
Belgium by France and South-Germany by Prussia
These last propositions were formulated by Count
Benedict himself and it is improbable that he wrote
them without the authority of the Emperor. as they
are the same which were made four years ago under
threat of war as the alternative of their refusal Any
one acquainted with these antecedents must nave
known that had Prussia acquiesced In the seizure OF
Belpinm France would soon have found another Del
GUM in Prussian territory.
THE SECRET TREATY-ACTIVlTf AT HE wan
oFFICE-RUSSIA AND BELGIUM
LONDON, Saturday, July O-5p m.
Tn view of the public sentiment just now prevail
ing in England on the subject of the war between
France and Prussia and having due regard to the
manner in which that sentiment has found express
sion in the public press and Parliament the BRUSH
Cabinet will address an official note both 10 rance
and Prussia declaring their explanations relative 70
the secret treaty affair unsatisfactory.
Judging from orders which have been issued py
the War Office here and from the active STIR whch
il observed at the Horse Guards it is believed by INC
neople that the Gladstone Cabinet intends 10 ASK
Russia to Join England in placing an "army OF pro
lection in Belgium.
FRENCH REPORTS.