It will be clear that we concur with them, that the war should cease.

Palmerston gave to Russell's proposal a feeble and half-hearted support[821]." The reply to France was in fact immediately made public both in France and in England.

It was complimentary to the Emperor's "benevolent views and humane intentions," agreed that "if the steps proposed were to be taken, the concurrence of Russia would be extremely desirable" but remarked that as yet Great Britain had not been informed that Russia wished to co-operate, and concluded that since there was no ground to hope the North was ready for the proposal it seemed best to postpone any overture until there was a "greater prospect than now exists of its being accepted by the two contending parties[822]." The argument of Russell in the Cabinet had been for acceptance without Russia though earlier he had stipulated her assistance as essential.

This was due to the knowledge already at hand through a telegram from Napier at St.
Petersburg, November 8, that Russia would refuse[823].

But in the answer to France it is the attitude of Russia that becomes an important reason for British refusal as, indeed, it was the basis for harmonious decision within the British Cabinet.