He had, therefore, not wished to offend France.

Moreover his relations to Russia were not quite satisfactory.

The Czar took a very serious view of the annexations in North Germany: "I do not like it," he said; "I do not like this dethronement of dynasties." It was necessary to send General Manteuffel on a special mission to St.Petersburg; the Czar did not alter his opinion, but Bismarck found it possible at least to quiet him.

We do not know all that passed, but he seems to have used a threat and a promise.

If the Czar attempted to interfere in Germany, Bismarck hinted, as he had already done, that he might have to put himself at the head of the Revolution, and proclaim the Constitution of 1849; then what would happen to the monarchical principles?
He even suggested that a Revolution which began in Germany might spread to Poland.