§ Mr. Charles Bullerwished to ask a question of the noble Lord, concerning an occurrence which had excited great interest in the country—the alleged seizure of a British vessel, by order of the Russian Government. He wished to know on what plea that seizure had been made—whether owing to the infringement of the blockade on the coast of Circassia, or of the quarantine regulations established by Russia. He also wished to know if any steps had been taken respecting the levy of tolls by Russia at the mouth of the Danube.
§ Viscount Palmerstonwould only say with respect to the capture referred to by the hon. Gentleman, that the circumstances attending it were now under the consideration of the King's Advocate, and until the report of that Officer should be received as to the bearings of international law upon this question, his Majesty's Government would be unable to form a decision on the case. With respect to levying tolls at the mouth of the Danube, several communications had passed between his Majesty's Government and that of Russia, who disclaimed any intention of interfering with the commerce of England by the exaction of those duties. By the treaty of Adrianople, which ceded the Delta of the Danube, and thereby the embouchure of that river to Russia, a power to enforce the observance of a quarantine was given; but it had been expressly stipulated that those rights should not interfere with the navigation of vessels proceeding to the upper parts of the Danube.
§ Mr. Macleanwished to know whether the noble Lord would object to lay on the table any correspondence which might have passed between his Majesty's Government and that of Russia on this subject.
§ Viscount Palmerstonsaid, there had been no correspondence at present on the subject.