ArFENPIX. 3 'J 5 Porte. But with, respect to this there was no difference of opinion or of action. On the 29th of July Lord Aberdeen wrote to Lord Clarendon in the following terms : — ' I take for granted that you agree with Lord John in
- not giving to Stratford any option as to the acceptance by
' Turkey of our conditions ; and that you adopt his pro- ' posed declaration. I think it quite necessary that this 1 should he clearly understood by Stratford and the Turks.' Accordingly Lord Clarendon, on the 3d of August, informed Lord Stratford that the Turks 'must' sign the Note ; and when, a fortnight later, under the apprehension that difficnlties might bo made at Constantinople, you wrote that you thought ' the positive orders given to ' Stratford must produce their effect ; if not, they must be ' repeated and enforced,' Lord Aberdeen observed (August 20) that he ' adhered to ever}' syllable ' of your letter. So far the agreement was perfect ; but when, a few days afterwards, it was known that the Turks (as it had been anticipated they would do) had suggested modifications in the Note, and it became a practical question whether the acceptance of it in the terms agreed to at Vienna should be insisted on, you expressed the utmost reluctance to adopt that course. On the 26th of August Lord Aberdeen wrote to inform you of the arrival of intelligence that the Turks desired to introduce alterations into the Note. He ex- presses a doubt Avh ether the Emperor of Russia will consent to them, and says : — ' It is just possible that he may yield, and perhaps it may ' be right to make the attempt. Should it fail, we are bound ' to make the Turks agree to the terms we have prescribed or to let them take their own course.' In this sentiment, however, you did not concur, for you reply, writing from Roseneath, on the 30lh : — ' Hitherto we have shown great forbearance to Russia. ' It now becomes us to show a similar indulgence towards
