THE EARL OF KIMBERLEY TO SIR PATRICK GRANT

Downing Street, 7th December 1870.

Sir,

I have received your despatches Nos. 146 and 153 of the 26th of October and 8th of November, in which you enclose memorials addressed to Her Majesty by the inhabitants of Malta and Gozo, praying that Her Majesty will cause Her Government to take steps for supporting th zights of the Holy See in the Roman States, and to secure to the Sovereign Pontiff that independence and liberty which are necessary for the government of the Church of which he is the Head. These memorials have been laid before the Queen, who was pleased to receive them very graciously ; and Her Majesty observes with pleasure the loyal and affectionate tone of the memorialists towards Her Person and Government.

Her Majesty’s Governnient have not interfered in the Civil Affairs of the Roman States on the occasion of former events which have occurred during the reign of the present Pope, nor can they now so interfere, but the deep interest which is felt by many millions of Her Majesty's subjects, in common with the Maltese, in the position of the Pope, renders all that concerns his personal dignity and independence, and freedom to exercise his spiritual functions, fit subjects for the notice of Fer Govern-

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ment, and they have not failed to take such steps as are in their power to afford to the Pope the means of security in case of ueed.

Her Majesty desires me to state that this subject will continue to receive the careful attention of Her Government, and that She has seen with much satisfaction the declarations of the Italian Government that the Pope’s freedom and independence will be fully maintained and due provision made for the support of his dignity.

I have, &c., &c.,

(Signed) KINBERLEY.

Governor,