Le Sourd to Count Bismarck, July 19, 1870
M. Le Sourd to Count Bismarck.
declaration of war by france.
The undersigned, charge d’affaires of France, in carrying out the orders which he has received from his government, has the honor to bring to the notice of his excellency the minister of foreign affairs of his Majesty the King of Prussia the following communication:
The government of his Majesty the Emperor of France cannot regard the project to elevate a Prussian prince upon the Spanish throne otherwise than as an enterprise directed against the territorial security of France, and found itself under the necessity to ask from his Majesty the King of Prussia the assurance that such an event would not transpire with his assent. His Majesty the King of Prussia having refused to give this assurance, but, on the contrary, having informed the ambassador of his Majesty the French Emperor that he intended to reserve on this occasion, as on all others, freedom to consult the circumstances, the imperial government cannot but see in this declaration of the King a mental reservation, threatening to France as well as to the general balance of power in Europe. This declaration was aggravated still more by the notification made to the cabinets, of the refusal to receive the ambassador of the Emperor and to enter upon any new explanation with him.
Consequently the government of his Imperial Majesty feels itself under the necessity immediately to see to the defense of its, honor and of its interests, and, having resolved for this purpose to take all measures necessary under the situation forced upon it, considers itself from this moment in a state of war with Prussia.
The undersigned has the honor to offer to his excellency, &c., &c., &c., the assurance of his high consideration.