38 RECOLLECTIONS OF FORTY YEARS. 



they said that the Assembly had given them no powers 

 beyond those of hearing what I had to say and re- 

 ferring back to it, I did not deem it fitting to open up 

 any conferences with them at head-quarters. They 

 were merely charged with the duty of submitting to 

 the Assembly the three following proposals : 



" Clause I. The Eoman States request the fraternal 

 protection of the French Eepublic. 



" Clause II. The Eoman populations have full right 

 to decide for themselves upon the form of government. 



" Clause III.< Eome will welcome the French 

 army as a friendly force. The French troops will 

 assist in maintaining order in the city. The Eoman 

 authorities will act in accordance with their legal 

 functions." 



I had made my mind up quite clearly in changing 

 the third clause of this draft of agreement. I had 

 sought to reduce it to its most simple expression, and 

 to avoid the difficulties already referred to.* The 

 first draft made no reference to the occupation of 

 Eome by the French army ; the second made special 

 mention of it, in deference to the views expressed by 

 General Oudinot and M. d'Harcourt. Although my 

 own opinion was contrary to the military occupation 

 of Eome by the French army, for reasons which I will 

 give presently, I did not like to refuse to demand it, 

 in spite of my fear that it would not be granted, not 

 wishing to begin by separating my views from those 

 * Note of the Translator. See p. 14. 



