Prince Bismarck and his Policy. 



97 



" In order to bring about a better understanding of the 

 two courts I took the initiative in the form of negotiations 

 with Count Karolyi, in which I brought the following 

 considerations under the notice of the imperial embas- 

 sador. According to my convictions our relations to 

 Austria must unavoidably change for the better or the 

 worse. It is the sincere wish of the royal government that 

 the former alternative should arise, but if we should not 

 be met by the imperial cabinet with the advances we 

 could desire, it will be necessary for us to contemplate 

 the other alternative, and prepare for it accordingly/' 



" The fact that Prussia did not seek for any advantage in 

 consequence of the difficulties of Austria in 1859, but 

 rather armed to assist Austria in need, clearly shows the 

 results of the former more intimate relations. But should 

 these last not be renewed and revivified, Prussia would, 

 under similar circumstances, be as little debarred from con- 

 tracting an alliance with an antagonist of Austria, as, un- 

 der opposite circumstances, from forming a faithful and 

 firm alliance with Austria, against common enemies. I, 

 at least, as I did not conceal from Count Karolyi, under 

 such circumstances could never advise my gracious sove- 

 reign to neutrality. Austria is free to choose, whether she 

 prefers to continue her present anti-Prussian policy, with 

 the leverage of the coalition of the central states, or seek 

 an honest union with Prussia. That the latter may be the 

 result, is my most sincere desire. This can, however, 

 only be obtained by the abandonment of Austria's inimi- 

 cal policy at the German courts," etc. 



"I indicated that the passing once the border of legiti- 

 mate competency by resolutions of the majority, would be 

 regarded by us as a breach of the federal treaties, and that 

 we should mark our sense of the fact by the withdrawal 

 of the royal embassador to the Diet, without nominating 

 any successor, and I drew attention to the practical cou- 



Trans. ix.] 13 



