Nonintervention in European affairs In May 1820 Castlereagh circulated to high officials a major state paper that set the main British policy for the rest of the century. Temperley and Penson call it, "the most famous State Paper in British history and the one of the widest ultimate consequences."H.W.V. Temperley, and Lillian M. Penson, eds. Foundations of British Foreign Policy: 1792–1902 (1938) Quote p. 47, the paper itself pp 48–63. Castlereagh called for no British intervention in continental affairs. He argued that the purpose of the Quadruple Alliance was to contain France and put down revolutions. But the Spanish revolt did not threaten European peace nor any of the great powers. Castlereagh said that in actual practice the powers would seldom be able to agree on concerted action, and he pointed out that British public opinion would not support interventions. He admitted that individual states could indeed intervene in affairs in their recognized sphere of interest, such as Austria's intervention in Italy.
Nonintervention in European affairs In May 1820 Castlereagh circulated to high officials a major state paper that set the main British policy for the rest of the century Temperley and Penson call it "the most famous State Paper in British history and the one of the widest ultimate consequences"HWV Temperley and Lillian M Penson eds Foundations of British Foreign Policy 1792–1902 (1938) Quote p 47 the paper itself pp 48–63 Castlereagh called for no British intervention in continental affairs He argued that the purpose of the Quadruple Alliance was to contain France and put down revolutions But the Spanish revolt did not threaten European peace nor any of the great powers Castlereagh said that in actual practice the powers would seldom be able to agree on concerted action and he pointed out that British public opinion would not support interventions He admitted that individual states could indeed intervene in affairs in their recognized sphere of interest such as Austria's intervention in Italy