The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 43, July 1939 - April, 1940 Page: 346
576 p. : ill., maps ; 23 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
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Southwestern Historical Quarterly
limits to which France would go in opposing annexation. This
statement was made by Guizot in a conversation with Lord Cowley,
British minister in Paris, on December 1 or 2. Cowley's account
of the conversation is as follows:
Generally speaking (M. Guizot continued) England having
large possessions in America, has a greater interest than
France in the question of Texian independence.
I said that, this question being one of interest to both
Govts, since both had recognized the Independence of Texas,
he would no doubt act in concert with us in any negotiation
with the Mexican Govt. for the purpose of obtaining from
them the acknowledgment of that Independence. 'Undoubt-
edly,' he answered, 'we will both use our best efforts for that
purpose, and will even refuse to recognize the annexation of
Texas to the United States; but, as a Question of Peace or
War, I am not prepared to say that its junction with the
American States is of sufficient importance to us to justify
our having recourse to arms in order to prevent it.'12
Later in December, Guizot angered by the publication of dis-
patches from the American minister to France, vigorously reiter-
ated the determination of his country to cooperate with Great
Britain. He would not, however, go beyond the limits set in
his earlier conversation with Cowley."
Under these conditions the only policy the European powers
could pursue was to endeavor to dissuade the Texans from annex-
ation. Instructions sent to the agents of France in Texas and
Mexico reveal the desire to see Texas remain independent but also
an unwillingness to assume any responsibility that might create
difficulties with the United States. The proposed projects were
not effective because of the strong public sentiment in Texas
favorable to annexation.1"
France pursued a consistent policy throughout the annexation
12Cowley to Aberdeen, December 2, 1844, in Smith, Annexation of
Texas, 404, and in Adams, British Interests and Activities in Texas,
190-191.
1aSmith to Jones, December 24, 1844, in Jones, Memoranda and Official
Correspondence, 411-412; George W. Terrell to Smith, January 21, 1845,
in Garrison (ed.), Diplomatic Correspondence of the Republic of Texas,
II, 1170-1173.
14Guizot to Sainte-Aulaire, January 17, February 11, 1845, in Chase,
Ndgoeiations de la Rdpublique du Texas en Europe, 217-219; Guizot to
Alphonso de Saligny, April 27, 1845, and Guizot to Pageot, No. 19,
April 27, 1845, in A. E. Etats Unis, CI.346
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Texas State Historical Association. The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 43, July 1939 - April, 1940, periodical, 1940; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth101111/m1/370/: accessed April 28, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.