April 11 1856
My dear Walewski,
Can you send me the form of declaration you propose respecting neutrals and corsaires before 7 o'clock this evening in order that I may transmit it to Palmerston who is naturally anxious about the redaction. We entirely agree, but in adopting as permanent a principe which is now in England & to which all the English lawyers are opposed we must be careful about words.
I need not say that it is the furthest from my intention to say any thing disrespectful to the Pope & I am quite ready to .... any change in form which you desire and which does not alter the sense of what I said. I think the postponement of the congress till Monday will be useful. Perhaps you would not mind appointing us at 2 o'clock instead of 1h1/2 tomorrow.
Ever yours
ClarendonExtract of a dispatch from .. Palmerston to the Earl of Clarendon dated apirl 3 1856 (n.38)
“I have to instruct your lordship to express to Count Walewski the regret of her Majesty Govt that they cannot advise her Majesty to make in this case an exception to an established rule the maintenance of which they consider to be of great importance for the good of her Majesty service but which it would be impossible to maintain if it were to be waived in favor of her Majesty Secretary of State and of her Majesty ambassador .. Your lordship will however say that the sentiments which have led his Imperial Majesty to intimate his wish to confer these honors are highly appreciated by her Majesty and by her Majesty government and that this ….proof of the Emperor's friendly feelings must tend to strengthen the ties which so happily unite the two Governments and the two nations ”