Under what circumstances would the conflict between Austria and the Kingdom of Sardinia disappear?
That depended on the circumstances. In any case, Palmerston was not naive enough to believe that Austria had mobilized such a massive force against the Kingdom of Sardinia only to let it off lightly for the so-called peace of the world.
Then one side had to fall. One hand could not clap alone; once the enemy fell, the conflict would naturally cease to exist.
Without question, the side falling now would be the Kingdom of Sardinia. Palmerston did not believe the Sardinians could turn the tables.
Even if every remaining Sardinian soldier transformed into a Spartan warrior, they still could not change the outcome of defeat.
After giving it some thought, Palmerston said, "Mr. Metternich, for the peace and stability of the world, the British government recommends that your country end the Austro-Sardinian War as soon as possible and restore the prewar status quo."
The relationship between the British and Austria was highly complicated. They opposed Austrian expansion in Italy, yet because of their European strategy, they did not want to fall out with Austria. That was why Palmerston had come to Vienna: they hoped to resolve the dispute between Austria and Sardinia through diplomatic means.
After the wars against France, Europe had entered an age dominated by the two great powers, the United Kingdom and Russia. Though Austria-led Vienna System had isolated the British Empire from the European Continent, it had also contained Russian expansion.
For the British, isolation was tolerable. So long as the European Continent maintained its balance, their hegemonic position would remain secure. The Vienna System had likewise protected their core interests.
Now that the Vienna System had collapsed, the situation on the European Continent was about to undergo earth-shaking changes. Containing