We are anxious to finish the business speedily, because we fear that there is danger of the Government of France being forced into violent measures by popular outcry.

Palmerston, on the contrary, thinks that there is no danger of war, that the French do not mean war, and that there is no feeling in France but what has been produced by the Ministry and their instruments the Press.
We are anxious that the opportunity should be seized now whilst we have the appearance of success in Syria, not being at all confident of the ultimate result.

Palmerston, on the contrary, is so confident of complete success, that he wishes to delay concluding the affair until he can have the benefit of the full advantages, which he anticipates, in the negotiation.
We should be too glad to see the matter settled, leaving Mehemet Ali in possession of Egypt.
Palmerston has both the wish and the hope of getting him out of Egypt, as well as Syria.
These great differences of view, object, and expectation render it difficult for those who hold them to pursue the same line of conduct.
There is also, as your Majesty knows, much suspicion, distrust and irritation, and all these circumstances throw great obstacles in the way of the progress of affairs, but Lord Melbourne hopes that they will all be overcome, and that we shall arrive at a safe conclusion.
[Pageheading: RELATIONS WITH FRANCE] _Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._ SOUTH STREET, _13th October 1840._ Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty.

It is absolutely necessary that we should have a Cabinet on Thursday.

There is so much natural impatience, and so deep an interest taken in what is now going on, that it cannot be avoided....
Your Majesty will naturally seize this opportunity of stating strongly to Palmerston your wishes that this opportunity should be taken advantage of, with a view to the speedy accommodation of the whole difference.