Content Description | Comments that he is annoyed at developments in England which jeopardise [commercial] treaty with France; believes Bentinck, Horsman and the Times are 'masters of the situation at home' in respect of armaments and fortifications; refers to change in French tariffs; comments on speeches by Palmerston and Herbert; states that he is attempting to urge Emperor Napoléon into free trade scheme; refers to fortification scheme and war preparations in England and Queen's 'warlike' attitude; states that duty levels not yet settled; discusses trade with other countries; believes stories of French naval expansion to be unfounded; encloses pamphlet by Emperor contrasting English and French military preparations [not in collection]; comments on French navy and British ships; believes English are consistently spending more money on navy; expresses view that British people believe France will attack and invade; refers to American neutrality; advises against current governmental hostility.
Letter marked 'Confidential' on f 1r. |