That your Ministers should take a line unfavourable to this country may be explained by their political position, but why should they press so much on the French Government?
I really see no cause for it.

England is in an _excellent_ position for a _mediator_, and for all parties it is highly desirable that that position should be maintained.[38] I will not plague with a longer letter.

You know from experience that I _never ask anything of you._ I prefer remaining in the position of having rendered services without wanting any return for it but your affection; but, as I said before, if we are not careful we may see serious consequences which may affect more or less everybody, and _this_ ought to be the object of our most anxious attention.

I remain, my dear Victoria, your affectionate Uncle, LEOPOLD R.
[Footnote 37: Jules van Praet, author of a History of Flanders, was Secretary of the Belgian Legation in London in 1831, and took a leading part in the negotiations which placed King Leopold on the throne.] [Footnote 38: King Leopold considered that the interests of Belgium were being neglected by the four Powers, and in his speech at the opening of his Parliament, on 13th November, stated amid loud acclamations that those interests would be defended with perseverance and courage.

The Deputies, in reply, said that Belgium had consented to painful sacrifices only under a formal guarantee by the Powers, which they now shrank from carrying out.] [Pageheading: BELGIUM AND HOLLAND] _Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._ _2nd December 1838._ Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and returns this letter with the enclosures.