The more I think on the matter, the more I am confirmed in this view.
It might have been right—although we did not think so—to interfere in the war waged by Russia in Hungary. But it cannot be right that any member of the Administration should give an implied sanction to an agitation, commenced by a foreign refugee, against Sovereigns in alliance with her Majesty.
I must therefore positively request that you will not receive Kossuth, and that, if you have appointed him to come to you, you will inform him that any communication must be in writing, and that you must decline to see him.
Yours faithfully,
J. Russell.
B. Lord Palmerston’s Reply.
Panshanger, October 30, 1851.
My dear John Russell,—I have just received your letter of to-day, and am told your messenger waits for an answer. My reply, then, is immediate, and is, that there are limits to all things; that I do not choose to be dictated to as to who I may or may not receive in my own house; and that I shall use my own discretion on this matter. You will, of course, use yours as to the composition of your Government. I have not detained your messenger five minutes.
Yours sincerely,
Palmerston.
[Note.—In the end Lord Palmerston deferred to the wish of the Cabinet, and did not receive Kossuth.]