The principal Secretary of State of Her Britannic Majesty has expressed to you the regret he would experience if this discussion would alter the good understanding which the Government of Her Majesty the Queen has striven to maintain between the two countries. Will you inform his Excellency how much the Imperial Cabinet would share in this regret.
We think the good understanding of the two Governments essentially useful to the two countries, as well as to the peace of the world. It is with a lively satisfaction that we have seen it become during the last few years more and more intimate and cordial.
The parity of the circumstances in which we are placed seem of a kind to render this more desirable than ever.
Receive, c., Gortschakoff.
Earl Granville to Sir A. Buchanan.
Sir, — The Russian Ambassador has read and given to me a copy of a despatch of Prince Gortschakoff of the date of 8th (20th) November.
It is not necessary for Her Majesty's Government to recur to the important questions of international law raised by the circular of Prince Gortschakoff, as they have nothing to add to the declaration on the subject which they have already made.
His Excellency has been good enough to appeal to my knowledge of facts which His Excellency states prevented that consultation and agreement with other parties to this Treaty which Russia would have preferred.
I am aware that suggestions for Congresses to settle other European questions have been made and not adopted.
It has been also stated to me that intimations have been given to some of my predecessors, that in the case of certain contingencies, which however have never occurred, such as the possession of the Principalities by Austria, Russia would feel bound to call into question some of the provisions of the Treaty of 1856. But I am ignorant of any occasion on which Russia, the party most interested, has proposed in any way to this country that a relaxation of the Treaty should be taken into consideration.
I cannot therefore admit that the Imperial Government can justify this proceeding by the failure of efforts which have never been made.
The courteous language in which Prince Gortschakoff's despatch is written, his assurance of the manner in which he would have preferred to open this question, and his declaration of the strong desire for a confirmation of good relations between the two nations, particularly important at this time, encourage Her Majesty's Government in the belief that the obstacle to such relations will be removed.
They observe that His Excellency describes the declaration which has been made by Russia as an abrogation of a theoretical principle without immediate application. If these words are to be construed into an announcement that Russia has formed and stated her own opinion of her rights, but has no intention of acting in conformity with it without due concert with the other Powers, they go far to close the controversy in which the two Governments have been engaged.
Her Majesty's Government have no objection to accept the invitation which has been made by Prussia to a Conference, upon the understanding that it is assembled without any foregone conclusions as to its results. In such case Her Majesty's Government will be glad to consider with perfect fairness, and the respect due to a great and friendly Power, any proposals which Russia may have to make.
You will read and give a copy of this despatch to Prince Gortschakoff.
I am, c., (Signed) Granville.
THE RESULT OF THE DENUNCIATION OF THE TREATY OF PARIS BY RUSSIA WAS THAT A CONFERENCE, SUGGESTED BY PRINCE BISMARCK, WAS ARRANGED TO MEET AT LONDON.
Protocol No. 1. At the Sitting of January 17.
Earl Granville expressed himself as follows: —
Earl Granville —
"The Conference has been accepted by all the co-signatory Powers of the Treaty of 1856, for the purpose of examining, without any foregone conclusion, and of discussing with perfect freedom, the proposals which Russia desires to make to us with regard to the revision which she asks of the stipulations of the said Treaty relative to the neutralization of the Black Sea.
"This unanimity furnishes a striking proof that the Powers recognize that it is an essential principle of the law of nations that none of them can liberate itself from the engagements of a treaty, nor modify the stipulations thereof, unless with the consent of the contracting parties by means of an amicable understanding."
The Plenipotentiary of Russia requested the permission of the Conference to read a summary which he wished to be inserted in the Protocol: —