Year: 1866

/ w q WISH IuAE way " EAN0 q AAGSAA
| proof of the conciliatory and disinter-
ested views which have never ceased to
guide our policy.


''The Emperor's Government only
desires to receive beforehand the assu-
rance that all the Powers which are to
participate in the projected meeting
are ready, as it is itself, to forego the
terest to the detriment of the general
tranquility. In order that the work of
peace which the Cabinets have in view
may be accomplished, it appears to US
indispensable that an agreement should
be come to beforehand TO exclude from
the deliberations any combinationt that
might tend to give to one OF the States
now invited to the meeting territorial
aggrandizement or an increase of pow
er. Without that preliminary guaran-
tee, which sets aside all ambitious pre-
tensions and leaves greater space for
arrangements equitable for all concern
ed, it would seem to us impossible to
count upon fortunate issue for the
proposed deliberations


mo Power animated by really pacif-
cseutiments will hesitate to take such
an engagement rs that which have
Just indicated, and under such circum-
stances the Cabinets will be able to oc-
cupy themselves with the means of
clearing away the difficulties of the



"We believe that the French Govern
ment will not refuse to admit that our
demand is well founded. 1t will re-
coguize the sincere desire which we feel
to secure for the Conference the only
basis that can prevent illusions, dissi-
pate Misunderstanding, protect exist
ing rights, and pei NIT Europe to attach
solid hopes of peace to the opening of
the deliberations. AS soon as the three
Governments which have invited us
shall be in IA position to transmit to US
the assurance we ask for, the Emperor'S
Government will hasten to confirm, by
sending Plenipotentiary to Paris, the
adhesion which it now gives, under the
aforementioned reserve, the PROPOSE
ton transmitted to it.


'There must, however, be n clear uu-
derStanding that the position assumed
by the Emperor's Government as re-
spects that of King Victor Emmanuel
cannot be altered or prejudged by the
eventual consent of Austria to cause
herself to be represented at a meeting
which has to occupy itself with the
italian dispute.' In diplomatic Con-
ferences held before war has broken of
all ulterior engagements the admission
should be made that the public law of
Europe, and consequently for treaties,
should serve naturally for a starting


1--WE believe that this remark cannot
give rise to any objections; it suffices to
indicate the attitude which we shall
have to assume, and we think we are
giving to the Powers a pledge of the
perfect honesty of our intentions in
showing u frsInkness which ought to be
complete on both sides if any wish IS
felt that a sincere effort at conciiation
should be attempted.


ave must, lastly, express some sur
prise that the Pontitical Government
should not be also invited to take part
in deliberations concerning the Italian
dispute. The situation of Italy cannot
assuredIy be examined without taking
account of the interests of the Papacy.
Independently of the questions of right,
which we nevertheless are anxious to
preserve intact, the temporal sovereign
W of the Pope is fact recognized, in
my opinion, by all Governments. His
Holiness has, therefore, an incontesti-
BILE right to make his voice heard in n
meeting which has to occupy itself
with the affairs OF Italy.


"You will kindly communicate the
present dispatch to NJ. M.Druyn de L'huys,
and express to him the hope that he
will receive our observations in the
spirit of honorable frankness by which
we have been actuated.


1--WE think that the respective posi-
tions ought to be clearly established on
both sides, if the diplomatists have no
desire to delude themselves and Europe
with vain illusions, ut the risk of ag-
gravating danger instead of diminish


5We therefore believe that we are
rendering service to the general in
terest in thus setting clearly forth de-
mand and provoking explanations of n
nature to throw more light on the stu
alton.


"Receive, Prince, the assurance OF
my most distinguished consideration.


"MENsDoRFF."