118 исторических миниатюр и 108 авторских текстов на 13 иностранных языках. Сборник
Шрифт:
– 'I was working in the interests of the Habsburg monarchy. In 1867 the Habsburg Empire has turned into the dualistic monarchy - Austria-Hungary. Both to, and after 1867 the Empire was among the largest and most influential European states. For this reason, being on service of this Empire, I was creating history.
I will add that from 1438 to 1806 the representatives of the Austrian Habsburgs held the title of Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire of the German nation (with the exception of the Emperor Charles V, representative of the Spanish Habsburgs, 1519-1556). The Holy Roman Empire was founded in 962. In the period of the Napoleonic wars, Francis II was forced in 1806 to abandon the title of Emperor of "Sacred Roman Empire", retaining adopted in 1804 the title of Emperor of Austria.
I will return to your question, Mr. Academician.
Until 1812, military operations between the troops of Napoleon and the armies of the Habsburg monarchy were ending, mainly in favor of Napoleon. The victories of Napoleon during this period have led to internal and external disorganization of the Habsburg monarchy.
But we have received a respite by the conclusion of dynastic marriage between the daughter of the Emperor Francis II, Maria Louise, and Napoleon.
The Habsburg monarchy for a while became the state, dependent on Napoleonic France. Nevertheless, Empire have kept an essential part of the territory. The territory managed to be preserved because of combination of circumstances, as a result of military and diplomatic efforts. My activities in the diplomatic sphere was very energetic.
After 1812 the position of the Habsburg monarchy as influential state of Europe began to be restored. The territory also was reinstated. The Habsburg monarchy became one of the leading European states again. In such succession of events there is also my merit.
Both in heavy, and in favorable times, I held important posts. Therefore I had the opportunity to create history. And therefore I was creating history.
In 1806 - 1809 I was the Ambassador in Paris. I often communicated with Napoleon. In 1809-1821 I am - Minister of Foreign Affairs and actually the head of the government of the Austrian Empire. In 1821 - 1848 years I am - the Chancellor of the Empire.'
Writers respectfully looked at the Prince.
– 'What was your mission, mister Metternich, at fulfillment of duties of the actual head of the government and at the chancellor's position?' - Insarov have asked the question .
– 'The mission was determined by cultural, historical and geographical conditions. The Habsburg Empire was also called the "Danube" Empire (Danube Monarchy). The Danube is a river of an enormous length.
The Empire united the different nations. Mostly - European. The Austrian Empire was the European country. Therefore one of components of my mission - cultural. Development of the European culture.
Danube was determining and defines now transport, economic interaction of the nations. It is unlikely that the government can ensure that every citizen always and everywhere been satisfied with life. But the Empire sought to provide more or less peaceful and comfortable interaction of the people, the security. Was it possible? To some extent. So, other part of my mission - peaceful interaction of the nations.
Next. As long as the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation existed, we, the leaders of the state, had the function of pan-European integration. Function of integration was linked to the European defence function: remember the Treaty of Karlowitz (1699), and remember the events that preceded this Treaty. And Treaty of Karlowitz not became the completion of affairs.
In 1806 the Holy Roman Empire ceased - albeit and nominal - existence. I became one of founders of an era of the congresses. I initiated numerous and continuous multilateral, not bilateral, negotiations! Diplomacy mostly bilateral in the past - got a new dimension. It became conference (conferencial) diplomacy (diplomacy of conferences)!
I will remind of my role on the Congress of Vienna . "The dancing congress" slightly surprised contemporaries. But it is better to dance, than to be at war! Remember the Austrian musical traditions!
I will generalize. One more part of my mission - the European integration and the all-European defense.
It is also possible to note that I am the author of the project of a standing conference of ambassadors, regular carrying out the congresses of heads of states and their Ministers of Foreign Affairs.'
– 'Mr Metternich!' - Kamensky turned to the Prince, - 'I ask You to comment on the results of the backwardness of the Habsburg monarchy in scientific-technical sphere.'
– 'The backwardness is relative. All can't be the firsts at the same time. As far as possible I promoted industrial revolution, promoted increase in education of the population, construction of the railroads.'
– 'Your opinion, Mr. Metternich, the role of hydrocarbons?' - Kamensky asked another question.
– 'Pan-European problem. A pan-European solution', - Metternich replied laconically.
– 'The opinion is expressed that absolute monarchy slows down development of the enterprise environment, and, as a result, always lags behind the most developed countries. What your position on this question, mister Metternich?' - Insarov has taken an interest.
– 'I was "a healer of revolutions". There are situations when society reaches the zenith. To go under such circumstances forward means to roll down backward.'
– 'In 1807 Fulton has constructed the first river steamship "Clermont" ("North River Steamboat") which has made the first flight down the river Hudson from New York to Albany. And in the Crimean (East) war of 1853-1856 the English and French squadrons widely used military steamships. How your opinion, mister Metternich whether this circumstance in favor of decrease in transport significance of Danube testifies? Whether confirms the union of the Ottoman Empire with the Western European countries the decrease in a role of the Habsburg monarchy as participant of the all-European security?'