In this connection, and as exposing the general policy of the government,
I enclose a translation of a circular despatch which the minister of
foreign affairs
[Page 103]
recently
addressed to the Portuguese minister in Europe, and which has just now
been published in the official journal. The most material suggestion is
that of a more intimate alliance with Spain than has heretofore existed.
This idea is natural in itself, and, indeed, may be said to be enforced
by the necessities of both countries. Local jealousies and suspicions
have hitherto prevented any cordial sympathy or strong ties between
them, but the experiments made in other directions have satisfied both
that little confidence is to be placed in the professions of those
nations which have sought their intimacy from interested motives only,
and never failed to abandon them at the time of most critical need.
Hence, they now sensibly seek to profit by the circumstances of a
favored position, and to combine their strength for a common
defence.
Hon. William H. Seward,
Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
[Circular.—Translation.]
Department of State for Foreign
Affairs,
May 29, 1866.
Most Excellent Sir: By a decree, under date
of 29th ultimo, his Majesty the King was pleased to confide to my
care the department of foreign affairs, as has already been
communicated to your excellency on the 11th instant. In the
fulfilment of the duties of this office I have had on several
occasions the honor of laying before the representatives of the
nation the principles adopted by the cabinet regarding international
relations and foreign policy in the present state of affairs. These
principles, which your excellency will find fully developed in my
speeches published in the Diario de Lisboa, Nos. 107, 111, 113, and
115, may be résuméd as follows:
1. To extend and develop the commercial relations between our own
country and the other nations of the civilized world, and to
strengthen and consolidate by more intimate community the bonds of
mutual friendship and good will which happily exist between us and
those nations.
2. In the great dissension which seems imminent over Europe, to
maintain complete impartiality and a sincere and absolute
neutrality, since neither the dignity of Portugal, its rights, nor
its interests seem to be threatened thereby, in the actual state of
events.
3. To draw closer, and in a special manner, the bonds of friendship
and confidence which unite us to the neighboring kingdom; bonds
which, in the interest of both the peninsular peoples, should become
more intimate and cordial, thus securing to the fraternity of
Portugal and Spain the only possible solid foundation, the only one
compatible with the glorious traditions of the two countries—that of
a mutual and full respect for each other’s independence, which is
the only proper way of increasing their mutual happiness.
This policy, in the present situation of Europe, is the only one
which the cabinet desires and expects to maintain. Should future
events arise, which God avert, and which, happily, do not appear
probable, whereby the national independence be endangered, the
sacredness of its territory, the dignity of its flag, or the rights
of the Crown and the nation in the lawful defence of these
principles now confided to the cabinet by the confidence of the
King, be threatened, the government would then find support in the
noble and unanimous sentiments of the Portuguese people. This policy
has met the approval of both chambers, and I am confident it will
merit likewise the approbation of the whole country. Nor can it be
otherwise with a people who, in contemplating its past history,
behold with just pride the patriotic traditions of seven centuries,
and the noble examples which that history holds up to them, and who,
in regarding its present condition, may glory as having within a few
years consolidated the union of the legitimate throne with all the
enlarged liberties and immunities which modern institutions
guarantee.
I therefore expect that your excellency, not only in the official
relations with the members of the government of the country to which
you are accredited, but likewise in your private conversations with
the members of the diplomatic corps, and with prominent persons of
that court, will avail yourself of every opportunity to make known
and maintain the same policy, as being the only one in accordance
with the principles of the rights of nations, as applied to the
peculiar position of our country. In this, as in everything, I count
upon the loyal co-operation, the zeal, and the prudence of your
excellency.
God preserve your excellency.
JOZÉ MARIA DE CAZAL RIBEIRO.
His Excellency Count de Lavradio
and the Chiefs of his Most Faithful Majesty’s
Missions.
