Palmerston was not stupid. He did not place all his hopes on Russell, because he had guessed Russell's thoughts to some extent and knew that this guy could not be reliable.
So he went directly to find former Prime Minister Robert Peel, and now the only person he trusted was the chief architect of the Victorian era.
"My friend, according to what you said, I think your current situation is precarious!"
After listening to Palmerston's description, Peel directly gave his advice: "I'm afraid Russell is not well-intentioned. I know him and his habits. He is now ready to let you go!"
Palmerston was immediately taken aback and asked in disbelief: "How is it possible? Why?"
Pierre smiled slightly and said: "Because you are in the way now. You are really out of tune with him on diplomatic issues. You have opposed him on the French issue, the Russian issue, and the Balkan issue, especially the coup in Wallachia.
I have completely offended him!"
"Before, it was because he had not yet fully gained a foothold and still needed your strength. But now you are completely redundant. Even without you, the cabinet would not have collapsed. And it just so happens that Cohun has a huge leverage against him.
In his hand, if he doesn't use the topic to beat you at this time, then he really is not John Russell!"
Palmerston was stunned and thought for a long time. He had to admit that Peel's words made sense. Russell did need his support when he first came to power as prime minister, but in the past year or so, Russell has basically secured his position as prime minister.
throne, and with the outbreak of revolutions in various European countries, Britain's external pressure suddenly decreased. No matter France, Austria or Russia, they had no intention of singing against the British or taking the blame, so Russell was naturally more relaxed.
In this case, even if he is removed as foreign secretary, it will not lead to the collapse of the cabinet. At most, it will be a minor disturbance. Moreover, Palmerston himself knows that Russell actually does not like him at all. Now he has a real
As an excuse, it is natural to mess with him.
Thinking of this, Palmerston became worried, because judging from the situation, he was probably in trouble and there was no possibility of a comeback. He considered whether he could only contact a few good ministers in the cabinet to form an offensive and defensive team.
The alliance used this to protect itself.
But Pierre was not optimistic about his behavior: "It's useless, my friend."
Pierre sighed slightly and said: "This is a pointless struggle for you. With Russell's cleverness, I'm afraid he has already stepped ahead of you and promised you the position of Foreign Minister. Even if you go to activities at this time, what will you get?"
How about impressing others? Are you planning to drive Russell out of office?"
This question is really a bloodbath, because Peel is right. Unless Palmerston is determined to confront Russell, it is completely useless to engage in tandem. The chips in his hand are too few and there is no way to impress him.
people.
Moreover, once he chose to go to war with Russell, it would mean a complete rupture of the Whig Party, and an internal strife would be inevitable. The movement would be too great, and the consequences would be something Palmerston would never want to see.
After a long while, Palmerston sighed: "So, I have no choice but to get out of here in despair..."
"I didn't say that!" Pierre said firmly, "My friend, you still have a way to go!"
Palmerston suddenly became energetic and looked at Pierre eagerly, with an expression that said: "Tell me quickly! I can't wait!"
Pierre did not speak, but took a sip of black tea slowly, as if he had completely forgotten what he had just said.
Palmerston was stunned for a moment, then reacted and immediately said: "I was the one who was abrupt. I wonder how you have been lately?"
Pierre glanced at him, nodded with satisfaction, and said: "Not bad, but I heard that some of the East India Company's goods were seized in India..."
Palmerston immediately said: "If there is such a thing, I will check it immediately and correct it immediately!"
Pierre then put down his tea cup and said, "The best thing you can do now is to retreat in order to advance!"
"Retreat to advance?" Palmerston asked puzzledly, "How to retreat to advance?"
"Neither His Majesty nor Russell like you, let alone your foreign policy. You are just humiliating yourself by remaining in the position of Foreign Secretary. If you resign immediately, I am afraid that you will be gone. Why don't you tell Russell that you can consider it?"
Give up the position of Foreign Minister, but you cannot withdraw from the cabinet, and all your previous policies in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must continue to be implemented..."
Palmerston thought for a while and said: "It seems that I am still at a loss by doing this..."
Pierre smiled and said: "I'm not asking you to go talk to Russell right away. Wait for a while, calm down, and wait for Pierre. He won't be able to fire you... You should quickly do all the things you want to do that are not convenient."
Arrange it well, especially you can arrange the people you like in the positions you like, and you can also drive away the people you don't like. Once you've done that, go to the showdown with Russell!"
Palmerston understood immediately. He was giving Peel a thumbs up from the bottom of his heart. As expected of an old prime minister, he really didn’t suffer any losses. Obviously, according to Peel’s strategy, even if he leaves office
The new Foreign Secretary cannot change his appointment immediately. He cannot change his position every now and then!
However, these confidants of his hold key positions in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and within a year and a half, foreign policy will still be his. After that, it is difficult to say whether Russell's cabinet can last that long, not to mention that he only promised to give up diplomacy.
The minister's position does not allow him to resign naked. He still has a position in the cabinet and can still exert influence!
After Peel's advice, Palmerston had a plan in his mind. After returning home, he took the medicine according to the prescription and performed the operation as fiercely as a tiger. Russell soon found out about his troubles. Of course, Russell was unhappy, but it didn't matter if he wasn't happy.
The solution is that he is the Foreign Secretary, and he can do whatever he wants in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, especially since Palmerston is now barefoot and not afraid of wearing shoes. He is not afraid of you Russell at all. What can you do?
A few days later, after Palmerston had arranged everything properly, he calmly and calmly approached Russell to negotiate terms:
"Your Excellency, Prime Minister, given that the current turbulent slander by public opinion is very detrimental to the cabinet. In order to maintain the authority and unity of the cabinet, I am willing to resign as Minister of Foreign Affairs!"
Of course Russell liked to hear this, but he also knew that Palmerston was not that easy to deal with. There must be conditions for his voluntary resignation, so he had to listen to this guy's demands first...