THE DECLARATION OF PILLNITZ (1791)
[The flight of the king, his arrest at Varennes, and the agitation which accompanied and
followed the affair led the queen's brother, the Emperor Leopold, to issue, in concert
with the king of Prussia, the Declaration of Pillnitz. This was regarded by the French as
an expression of sympathy for the Emigres and as a promise, to form a European
alliance for the purpose of undoing the Revolution in France. To those who signed the
declaration it was, however, scarcely more than an empty threat, which they had little
idea of carrying out.]
His Majesty the Emperor and his Majesty the king of Prussia, having given attention to
the wishes and representations of Monsieur [the brother of the king of France], and of
Monsieur le Comte d'Artois, jointly declare that they regard the present situation of his
Majesty the king of France as a matter of common interest to all the sovereigns of
Europe.
They trust that this interest will not fail to be recognized by the powers, whose aid is
solicited; and that in consequence they will not refuse to employ, in conjunction with
their said majesties, the most efficient means, in proportion to their resources, to place
the king of France in a position to establish, with the most absolute freedom, the
foundations of a monarchical form of government, which shall at once be in harmony
with the rights of sovereigns and promote the welfare of the French nation.
In that case their said majesties the emperor and the king of Prussia are resolved to act
promptly and in common accord with the forces necessary to obtain the desired common
end.
In the meantime they will give such orders to their troops as are necessary in order that
these may be ready to be called into active service.
LEOPOLD.
FREDERICK WILLIAM.
PILLNITZ, August 27, 1791