VOL. 15A Summary of Contents. Correspondence and memoranda relating mainly to Schleswig...

VOL. 15A Summary of Contents. Correspondence and memoranda relating mainly to Schleswig Holstein. (Note. It is evident from the papers in this and adjacent volumes that the Queen's intense pre-occupation with European affairs caused some harassment to her prime and foreign ministers. The correspondence in this volume is mainly between the Queen (through her secretaries, Gen. Grey and Sir C. B. Phipps), Lord Palmerston and J.R.). Foreign affairs: Schleswig Holstein, Denmark and the European powers. Threatened invasion of Schleswig by Austria and Prussia: British government's official protest (F.O. despatches, fs. 3-12). Palmerston's proposal for a London conference: he is "quite against" inviting a representative of the German diet to attend "..... the Diet is not a European power" (fs. 14-15). Question of withdrawal by Denmark of constitution as affecting Schleswig. Palmerston's and J.R's differing proposals for government of the Duchies (fs. 18-27). Fears of escalation into major European war. The Queen's interest and participation in the "Dano-German question" (fs. 62-5 and passim); her tacit support of Prussian intentions to occupy Schleswig and Palmerston's defence of his pro-Danish policy (fs. 45-50); he deplores the "infinite mischief" done by the Queen "..... by spreading over Germany the Belief that she never would consent to ..... active measures in favour of Denmark" (fs. 90-3). Invasion of Schleswig (Feb.1); J.R. is "disgusted with this German war" (fs. 143-4) and Palmerston "shares fully (J.R's) indignation" (fs. 147-50). Foreign affairs: Italy and Austria: Italian unofficial proposal for Austria to exchange Venetia for the Danube provinces, and Italy to pay Turkey for the latter; Palmerston's doubts (fs. 35-8). Foreign affairs: Mexico: Archduke Maximilian of Austria accepts "his difficult task" (of Emperor) (Gen. Grey to J.R., fs. 137-8); question of recognition by British government. Foreign affairs: Japan: "burning" (shelling) of Kagosina by British naval force: Charles Buxton's protest (fs. 111-13).

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