In response to your correspondents letter it should be remembered that it was during Palmerston's spell at the Foreign office ( 1846 -51) that he developed the high- handed blustering diplomacy , filled with patriotic prejudice, with which his name is generally associated.

With regard to his backing the Confederates in the American Civil War.

It should be noted that the Confederacy comprised five and a half million whites and three and a half million slaves.

The Confederate States framed a constitution based on the US Constitution but stressing the independent character of each state and making specific reference to the institution of slavery.

How could Palmerston possibly defend his backing of the Confederacy?

Black lives matter and I find it inconceivable that anyone should condone his appalling blunders and prejudice.

Jeremy Travell

Romsey