Power shall have the right of stationing themselves in them, nor of passing through them, except those which the Swiss Confederation shall think proper to place there."

It is, therefore, very evident that the position of the Savoyard Provinces will be essentially modified with regard to Switzerland, if these Provinces are to be made part of the Italian Confederation. For it is not to be doubted that that Confederation will have for its object not only political and commercial interests, but that it will also principally embrace the military interests of Italy. In this case will the troops of the Confederation be able to penetrate into the neutralized Provinces, or to station themselves there? Will these troops claim, equally with the Piedmontese, the right of retiring through the Valais? Will the Confederation claim military privileges in the neutralized Provinces, as, for instance, the power of establishing fortifications there, and what concessions will be made to it on this territory?

These questions are of great importance for us, more especially as States of the first rank will also take part in the Italian alliance, and as, as far as Savoy is concerned, their troops would be entitled to the benefit of the above-mentioned conditions. As regards Switzerland, whose military relations with Savoy have been determined by Treaties, she would find herself in future not only confronted with the ancient Kingdom of Sardinia, but with the whole of the Italian Confederation, that is to say, equally, with a Power of the first rank.

The Federal Council is certainly not ignorant that the conventional relations between Switzerland and neutralized Savoy could not rightly be changed without the consent of the former, and is firmly convinced that the Powers will never refuse to recognise such a principle.

But it is evident, also, that the fact of the annexation of the neutralised provinces to the Italian Alliance could not fail sensibly to modify the relations of the States in question; and it is to be feared, moreover, that in the questions that might arise upon the position and rights of the Italian Confederation towards the neutralized provinces, as well as towards Switzerland, and reciprocally, divergent and conflicting interpretations would inevitably arise. It can even be said that an express reservation of the rights of Switzerland would not prevent such differences; whence it results that if the neutralised Provinces of Savoy were to be really comprised in the Italian Confederation, it would be necessary that the relations between Switzerland and this Confederation should be exactly determined beforehand, and regulated by means of a Convention. The Federal Council considers it, then, its duty, in the name of the country which it represents, to address to the Powers the legitimate demand, that in case of the formation of the Italian Confederation being agitated in the approaching Congress, and of its being contemplated to comprise in that Confederation the parts of Savoy incorporated in the neutrality of Helvetia, Switzerland should be admitted to the deliberations of the Congress, as far as they may have for their object the relations with the neutralised territory of Savoy.

There might also arise, on the same occasion, a question on another point which relates to the neutrality of Savoy, with the view of determining it more precisely; we refer to the railway lately constructed from Culoz to Chambery, with regard to which it may be asked whether it ought to continue to form part of the neutralized territory. A precise definition would have the effect of preventing for the future divergent interpretations, and would save Switzerland from the accusations and reproaches from which she was not always exempt last spring, when she would not admit her obligation to prevent the passage of French troops by the aforesaid railway.

The Federal Council beg the Minister Plenipotentiary of Her Britannic Majesty to be so good as to communicate to his Government the preceding observations, and inclose, at the same time, three copies of the Memoir, drawn up at their instance, respecting the relations existing between Switzerland and neutralized Savoy.

Availing, &c.

Inclosure 2 in No. 9.

Pamphlet entitled "Mémoire sur les Rapports entre la Suisse et la Savoie

Neutralisée."

My Lord,

No. 10.

Earl Cowley to Lord J. Russell.-(Received December 10.)

Paris, December 9, 1859.

DR. KERN, the Swiss Envoy, called upon me this morning, and asked whether I could give him any information respecting the opinion formed by Her Majesty's Government on the contents of a note addressed by the Federal Government, in the course of last month, to the Great Powers of Europe invited to meet in Congress, and having for its object to reserve the right of Switzerland to be consulted, should the deliberations of the Congress lead to any alteration of the position of the Duchy of Savoy towards Switzerland, which, in the opinion of the Federal Government, would arise, should Savoy become a component part of the projected Italian Confederation, or should it be transferred to some other Power.

I replied that I had not heard anything from your Lordship upon the subject.

Dr. Kern took this opportunity of placing in my hands a Mémoire giving a history of the relations which have existed, or which now exist, between Switzerland and Savoy. In case your Lordship has not a copy of this document I do myself the honour of inclosing one, as it may prove useful for reference.

Pamphlet entitled "Mémoire sur les Rapports entre la Suisse et la Savoie

Neutralisée."

[See Inclosure 2 in No. 9.]

My Lord,

No. 11.

Captain Harris to Lord J. Russell.—(Received December 25.)

Berne, December 22, 1859.

THE President of the Confederation informed me this morning that the Federal Council had received from the Austrian Government an answer to the despatch and Memorial respecting the neutral territory of Savoy similar to those which I had the honour to transmit to your Lordship in my despatch dated the 21st of November.

The Austrian Government promises that in the event of this question being mooted in the Congress, they will use their utmost endeavours to maintain the arrangements which protect the independence and neutrality of Switzerland.

The Federal Council have also received an answer from Sweden to the same effect, but couched in more general terms. I have, &c.

Sir,

No. 12.

Lord J. Russell to Captain Harris,

Foreign Office, January 9, 1860. WITH reference to your despatch of the 21st of November last, inclosing a despatch from the President of the High Federal Council, and a Memorial, expressing doubts as to how far the neutrality of Savoy, and consequently Swiss interests, would be affected by the formation of an Italian Confederation, and expressing an opinion that it would be the duty of an European Congress to guard against the possibility of this neutrality being in any way infringed; I have to instruct you to assure the President that Her Majesty's Government entirely concur with him as to the propriety of providing, if circumstances should render it necessary to do so, against the neutrality of Savoy being infringed by any of the new arrangements resulting from the late war; and that they are anxious, as they ever have been, to do all in their power to maintain the security and independence of Switzerland.

I am, &c.

My Lord,

Mr. Grey to Lord J. Russell.-(Received January 10.)

Paris, January 9, 1860. DR. KERN, the Swiss Minister at this Court, has informed me confidentially that in consequence of the rumour of the approaching cession of Savoy by Sardinia to France having lately been renewed to such an extent, and having reached him from so many quarters, he had thought it advisable to seek an interview with M. Baroche, and to question his Excellency on the subject, which he felt himself justified in doing, as it had repeatedly been mentioned in the public prints. M. Baroche received him this afternoon, and in reply to Dr. Kern's inquiry whether there was any truth in the above rumour, said, "Cette question n'a aucun intérêt, ni actuel ni prochain;" but that should any change occur hereafter, he thought it only just that it should only be made after a complete understanding between France and Switzerland, and with due regard to those provisions of the Treaties of 1815 which stipulated that in case of the cession of Savoy to France, a portion of it sufficient to insure a good line of defence should be at the same time ceded to Switzerland.

Dr. Kern said that Switzerland would of course prefer the status quo, but that he was glad to hear what his Excellency said with regard to the Treaties of 1815; and he left M. Baroche apparently satisfied with the assurances he had received, although M. Baroche's expression," should any change occur hereafter," was open to another interpretation. He appears, however, subsequently to have been alarmed by one of his colleagues, who repeated to him that he was sure the cession of Savoy to France was already determined upon by Sardinia, in return for which France was to sanction the annexation of the Duchies and Romagna to Sardinia, and that M. Baroche, in giving him the assurances quoted above, had spoken in ignorance of the real state of affairs.

Dr. Kern on this came to me, and requested me to state the above to your Lordship, more especially as Switzerland only had a Consular Agent in London. He added that he thought it probable the Swiss Government would address a note to Captain Harris upon this subject, containing a full statement of the rights of Switzerland in Savoy, and that Captain Harris would be requested to forward it to your Lordship.

The question, Dr. Kern repeated again and again, was so serious and so materially affected, not only the independence, but the very existence of Switzerland, that he hoped Her Majesty's Government would give it their earnest consideration in that spirit of friendship which Great Britain had so often shown towards his country.

Dr. Kern further promised me that should he learn anything new or ' certain upon this subject, he would not fail to let me know.

No. 14.

I have, &c. (Signed)

W. G. GREY.

My Lord,

Captain Harris to Lord J. Russell.-(Received January 20.)

Berne, January 17, 1860.

I HAVE the honour to inclose the copy of a despatch which I addressed to the President and Federal Council, in obedience to the instructions contained in your Lordship's despatch dated January 9, relative to the neutral territory of Savoy; also the answer to my despatch dated the 13th instant, which I received last evening.

I shall have occasion to write to your Lordship more in detail on this 'subject, by the surer conveyance of the messenger.

I have, &c.

Excellency,

Berne, January 12, 1860. I HAVE the honour to inform your Excellency and the High Federal Council, that with reference to the note and Memorial relative to the neutral territory of Savoy, addressed to me by your Excellency's predecessor, and copies of which I transmitted to Her Majesty's Government on the 21st of last November, I have been instructed by Her Majesty's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to assure your Excellency and the High Federal Council that Her Majesty's Government entirely concur as to the propriety of providing, if circumstances should render it necessary to do so, against the neutrality of Savoy being infringed by any of the new arrangements resulting from the late war, and that they are anxious, as they ever have been, to do all in their power to maintain the security and independence of Switzerland.

I avail, &c.

(Signed)

E. A. J. HARRIS.

Inclosure 2 in No. 14.

MM. Frey-Herosée and Schiess to Captain Harris.

Berne, le 13 Janvier, 1860.

LE Conseil Fédéral a eu l'honneur de recevoir la note du 12 courant de M. l'Envoyé Extraordinaire et Ministre Plénipotentiaire de la Grande Bretagne, par laquelle son Excellence lui annonce que le Gouvernement de Sa Majesté Britannique reconnaît entièrement l'opportunité de mesures à prendre contre une violation de la neutralité de la Savoie, qui pourrait résulter d'un nouvel arrangement en suite de la dernière guerre, et que, comme il a fait jusqu'ici, le Gouvernement Royal contribuera de toutes ses forces à maintenir la sécurité et l'indépendance de la Suisse.

Le Conseil Fédéral s'empresse de remercier son Excellence de cette communication, qui lui a été très agréable, et il renouvelle, &c. Au nom du Conseil Fédéral,

Le Président,

(Signé) FREY-HEROSEE. Le Chancelier,

SCHIESS.

(Translation.)

Berne, January 13, 1860.

THE Federal Council has had the honour to receive the note of the 12th instant, from the Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Great Britain, by which his Excellency announces to it that Her Britannic Majesty's Government entirely recognizes the propriety of taking measures against a violation of the neutrality of Savoy, which might be the consequence of a new arrangement resulting from the late war, and that, as it has hitherto done, the Royal Government will do all in its power to maintain the security and independence of Switzerland.

The Federal Council hastens to thank his Excellency for this communication, which has been very agreeable to it, and renews, &c.,

In the name of the Federal Council,

(Extract.)

Captain Harris to Lord J. Russell.-(Received January 25.)

Berne, January 19, 1860.

IN my despatch dated the 17th instant I had the honour to inform your Lordship that I should take advantage of the departure of Mr. Burnley, on leave of absence, to transmit certain details relative to the neutral territory of Savoy.

Your Lordship's despatch dated the 9th instant caused great satisfaction to the Swiss Government, for a few hours previous to its receipt M. Frey-Herosée, the recently elected President of the Confederation, called upon me, and entered on the subject with the same warmth and anxiety as his predecessor.

He stated that rumours respecting the cession of Savoy to France were gaining ground; that a considerable agitation prevailed on the subject in the Cantons of Vaud and Geneva; that the Press was teeming with newspaper articles and pamphlets respecting it, discussing it in every possible point of view; that during the last week a report had gained consistency to the effect that as the Congress was not likely to meet, England and France were about to come to an agreement, according to which, in return for still further acquisitions in Italy, the King of Sardinia was to cede Nice and Savoy to France.

I here interrupted him by saying, that the straightforward course pursued by Her Majesty's Government ought to have prevented any impression being made by these absurd rumours. I reminded him of the assurances which I had

repeatedly given to the Federal Council of the interest which England takes in the independence and security of Switzerland; of the steps taken by your Lordship's predecessor (as appeared in the published correspondence) to ascertain, through Lord Cowley in Paris, whether there was any truth in the report of the proposed cession of Savoy to France; and, more recently, of your Lordship's declaration in the House of Commons, that France entertained no project of annexing Savoy.

The President admitted that this gave himself and his colleagues full confidence as far as England was concerned; and then he reverted to the prevailing agitation in the public mind of Switzerland on the subject, and respecting the urgent necessity of this country having a strong military frontier facile of occupation, with a moderate number of troops, in order to enforce her rights of neutrality if required. With this view he referred to the map, a copy of which I transmitted to your Lordship in my despatch dated the 1st July, 1859, in which a frontier line is drawn from the Rhone to the range of Mont Blanc. He said that he trusted that if any transfer of territory were to take place, the Great Powers would thus practically carry out their friendly intentions for securing the independence of Switzerland. He referred, also, to the vulnerable point in the frontier rampart of the Jura, owing to the possession by France