The Kingdom of Spain would like to note the severe hypocrisy of the above statement, made by Napoleon the III, Despot of France. We can only conclude that France's long term intentions in regards to Catalonia and Basque country are vassalization and annexation, since Catalan and Basque territories are being controlled by France, who has shown absolutely no intention to set them free. We would also remind France that their nation also had regions who were different nations, who were subjugated and integrated into France.
Furthermore, the Basque and Catalonian population only support the French having been given hopes that the French forces who are currently planning to invade Iberia again, would spare their cities in exchange for their allegiance. This is base terrorism, equal to what you tried to apply in Epinal. To all the Spanish people, I ask of you complete commitment in stopping the French, as only united can they be stopped, and stopped they must be, if Spain is to avoid being sacked by the French again. The eldest among you may still remember the times of French occupation, the executions, the stealing, the raping. Go ask them whether we should bow down to such vandals, rather than stay true to our Spanish blood, and take the fight to them?
We are in a mighty coalition of powers. The United Kingdom, whose forces helped free Spain from French depredations. Prussia, whose armies are the best fighting force in the world. Italy, a recently rebuilt country, but with a lineage back to the Romans who conquered Gaul under Julius Caesar. Mexico, our brothers, with whom we may have quarreled in the past, but without ever forsaking our ties. We all have united to put an end to France's bid for domination of Europe. I ask to all the people of Spain, are you with us, fighting for a free Spain, who respects the cultural differences of our people, or are you with France, fighting to become their vassals?