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Quote#Wisdom

Prince Metternich thinks he is a conservative, in clinging…

Quote byHenry Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston · 1784–1865

Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: Remarks to Count Dietrichstein recorded in Dietrichstein to Metternich (13 March 1848), quoted in A. J. P. Taylor, The Italian Problem in European Diplomacy, 1847–1849 (1934), p. 32.

English (original)

Prince Metternich thinks he is a conservative, in clinging obstinately to the status quo in Europe; we think ourselves conservative in preaching and advising everywhere concessions, reforms and improvements, where public opinion demands them; you on the contrary refuse them.

— Henry Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston

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