STATE PAPERS. 
is attached, and whose virtues he 
well knows, and most sincerely re- 
spects. 
It is no longer possible to be si- 
lent, or to maintain peace by a for- 
midable concert. The French have 
already declared war. The general 
system of the King is the most per- 
fect and impartial neutrality; but 
he cannot entirely reconcile him- 
self with one of the belligerent 
parties in opposition to the other, 
by a re-wnion which has only taken 
place since the war has in reality 
commenced. Denmark has acknow- 
ledged, as well as the deceased Em- 
peror and the King of Prussia, the 
constitution of France, since Louis 
XVIth has solemnly avowed it. 
There is not yet any direct and 
public proceeding. The sovereigns 
who have not particular reasons, 
are not yet called to support or 
avenge the cause of*him who be- 
lieves himself free, and entirely sa- 
tisfied with the limitation of royal 
authority, adopted without com- 
piaint. 
There is a wide difference be- 
tween neutral and distant powers, 
who have not been provcked, and 
those that have been offended, who 
ought to defend themselves, who, 
by their engagements, their vicinity, 
their forces, their position in general, 
are under the necessity of taking a 
part, and besides are able to per- 
form a principal part without in- 
convenience. Their first object, 
and what is most worthy of them, 
_is without doubt to ‘preserve their 
“subjects from the dreadful infection 
awhich spreads itself as the most 
active and dangerous poison; his 
Majesty has prevented its progress 
means adapted to the genius of 
his nation; and he will not deviate 
from his system. 
‘ 
317 
Denmark is besides a maritime 
and commercial power. It has then 
particular measures to pursue, espe- 
cially with respect toa pation with 
which it is connected by a treaty of 
commerce, and which requires the 
most careful management. Its pros- 
perity does not solely depend upon 
peace, but likewise on the opinion 
that it shail not be interrupted, and 
that there exists nothing which can 
have this effect; and the King can- 
not permit himself to destroy this 
opinion. 
His Majesty was unwilling to 
delay his answer under a pretext of 
consulting with others, or waiting 
till he might be assured of the con- 
cert or universal concurrence of so- 
vereigns, so difficult to be foreseen 
or imagined. He has wished to 
prove how much he was impressed 
by the truths expressed with sa 
much force and dignity in the me- 
morials which have been communi- 
cated to him. He confesses and 
acknowledges also his obligation to 
concur, as a member of the empire, 
in all the common measures which 
shall be employed in its defence, 
and in the support of its tights. 
His Majesty will be always equally 
ready to confess and to fulfil his 
duty. 
From the department of foreign 
affairs, at Copenhagen, the Ist 
of June, 1792. 
(Signed) Bernstrorry. 
The Republic of Geneva, in conse- 
quence of Treaties which stipulate, 
thatwhen Warexists between France 
and Savoy, it may call in a Garri- 
son from the Cantons of Berne and 
Zurich, hacing resolved to station 
1600 Swiss Troops within its Do- 
minions, 
