§ MR. CAIRNSrose to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether there were any letters or papers illustrative of the probable effect of the late convention with the Emperor of Japan on the trade of this country; and whether the Government would lay on the table copies of such letters or papers?
§ VISCOUNT PALMERSTONThe only paper we have in relation to the treaty with Japan is contained in the despatches of Admiral Stirling, in which he gives his interpretation of the effect of that treaty.
§ MR. CAIRNSAre there no letters between the Board of Trade and the Foreign Office on the subject?
§ VISCOUNT PALMERSTONI apprehend that letters between these departments containing anticipations of the effects of the treaty would only tend to mis- 833 lead the House. If those anticipations are realised it will be known by the facts; but if the treaty is not successful those inter-official communications will be judged after the event. The treaty speaks for itself, and the letter of Admiral Stirling will show his understanding of the effect of the treaty.