Yeaman to Hamilton Fish, July 26, 1870

Mr. Geo. H. Yeaman to Mr. Fish.

Sir: I herewith inclose the Danish and French texts of the proclamation of neutrality, published by this government yesterday. There seems to be a very general doubt felt and expressed here, as to whether this position can be maintained. The diplomatic opinion is, that decided French pressure upon this government would at once carry it into war, but that, at present, that pressure is not applied, and that, on the contrary, the influence of the cabinets of London and St. Petersburg, necessarily very considerable here, is exercised to keep Denmark neutral.

Into any estimate of the probabilities of this government remaining neutral must enter a consideration of the following counter-influences: In proportion as France may succeed in the field, the willingness and the inclination here to engage in the war would be increased; but, at the same time, the desire of Frauce for allies, in such a contingency, might be wholly extinguished, and she might, for many reasons, prefer the advantage, the credit, and the satisfaction of a single-handed success. And in proportion as Prussia may succeed in the field, and as France may, for this reason, be anxious for allies, and seek to drag them into the war, Denmark would, for the same reasons, be more cautious in committing her destiny, for it would be no less, to the doubtful issue of the war.

It was stated and extensively believed here, soon after war was declared, that Prussia, with the view of keeping Denmark quiet, had offered to restore entire the Duchy of Schleswig; and more recently it has been stated both here and at Paris that the offers embraced all of the disputed portion, or North Schleswig, excepting the Island of Als and the fortress of Dybböl.

I am able to state to you, without qualification, that these reports have no foundation whatever in fact, and that since March 1868, Prussia has not, directly or indirectly, made any proposition, suggestion, or intimation—has not said, or caused to be said, a word to Denmark upon the Schleswig question.