John Russell, 1st Earl Russell

“ How but from the universal disaffection of the people of the Two Sicilies? Neither can it be said that this testimony of the popular will was capricious or causeless. Forty years ago the Neapolitan people made an attempt regularly and temperately to reform their Government under the reigning dynasty. The Powers of Europe, assembled at Laybach, resolved, with the exception of England, to put down this attempt by force. It was put down, and a large foreign army was left in the Two Sicilies to maintain social order. ”

“ It must be admitted, undoubtedly, that the severance of ties which bind together a Sovereign and his subjects is in itself a misfortune. Notions of allegiance become confused, the succession of the throne is disputed, adverse parties threaten the peace of society, rights and pretensions are opposed to each other, and mar the harmony of the State. ”

“ Such have been the causes and the concomitant circumstances of the revolution of Italy, Her Majesty's Government can see no sufficient ground for the severe censure with which Austria, France, Prussia, and Russia have visited the acts of the King of Sardinia. Her Majesty's Government will turn their eyes rather to the gratifying prospect of a people building up the edifice of their liberties, and consolidating the work of their independence, amid the sympathies and good wishes of Europe. ”