[Extract]

You have already received instructions to express the King's intentions concerning the preservation of the peace and the good intelligence with England and I have repeated them on many occasions. I confirmed them again recently to M. de Pol.2 There have been rumors that we were about to arm a large Squadron. This Minister deemed necessary to speak to me about it without, however, giving the impression that he was questioning me. I answered him quite frankly that these rumors were unfounded and that even if they were, I would say so with the same frankness because we do not conceal from ourselves that it would alarm the Court of London and it would be against the King's principles or intentions to give them such cause for worry. I took this opportunity to renew our assurances given on so many occasions and I assured him that we trusted fully those received from the King of Great Britain. I added that we realized that the ministry was not the master of the nation, or even controlled the behavior of individuals, and that there might happen at the least expected moment against the express wish of both Courts an action which would not be within the powers of the British Ministry to stop or repress suitably. The memory of years past is reason enough to make precautions with respect to the future and one must not look for more complicated reasons behind the activity which may be noticed in our ports. Indeed, there is no other reason, and this is what you will explain to the Ministers, Sir, if they place you in a.position to do it. You may even assure them that, as far as we are concerned, the preservation of peace is in their hands, and that their conduct will determine ours. We are just and honest, but we expect the same attitude from others.