Immediately afterwards came the news that the surrender of Venetia to France had been published in the _Moniteur_.
If this meant anything, it meant that Napoleon intended to stop the further progress of the Prussian army, to rescue Austria, and to dictate the terms of peace; it could not be doubted that he would be prepared to support his mediation by arms, and in a few days they might expect to hear that the French corps were being stationed on the frontier.

What was to be done?
Bismarck neither doubted nor hesitated; it was impossible to refuse French mediation.

West Germany was almost undefended, the whole of the southern States were still unconquered; however imperfect the French military preparations might be, it was impossible to run such a risk.

At his advice the King at once sent a courteous answer accepting the French proposal.

He was more disposed to this because in doing so he really bound himself to nothing.