METTERNICH PRINCE KLEMENS VON: (1773-1859) Politician and Statesman, one of the most important diplomats of his ...

METTERNICH PRINCE KLEMENS VON: (1773-1859) Politician and Statesman, one of the most important diplomats of his era. Austrian Empire's Foreign Minister and Chancellor 1821-48. A very interesting content and excellent L.S., Metternich, three pages, folio, Vienna, 12th December 1811, to Count Otto, Ambassador of His Majesty Napoleon I, Emperor of the French and King of Italy, in French. Metternich, in his capacity as Minister of State and Foreign Affairs, states `I hereby confirm having reported to the Emperor the proposal that the French Ambassador have honoured me giving, dated 15th September, including his Court proposal to achieve a formal convention between Austria and the Kingdom of Italy about the reciprocal abolition of the Droit d´Aubaine.´ This was a rule by which all the properties of a deceased foreigner was confiscated to the use of the state, and to the exclusion of his heirs. Metternich explains that the Austrian Emperor Francis I has received with satisfaction the French Emperor proposal which helps to consolidate the good relationships, and adds `But on the other hand we cannot avoid the divergence in a crucial matter, which is the principle of the nationality.´ Metternich further explains in detail the necessity of a specific clause to add to the treaty referring to the naturalization of citizens and the rights and limits of the law. A letter of very interesting content. With water mark. Very small overall, minor age wear to the edges. Folded. VG £500-800