§ MR. WYLDsaid, he wished to put to the noble Lord at the head of the Government a question of which he had given notice. He believed it was well known that an expedition was being fitted out in the ports of the United States the destination of which was said to be the coasts of central America and the territory of 210 New Granada. The question he had to ask was, whether Her Majesty's Government intended to station a naval force in that quarter for the protection of British interests?
§ VISCOUNT PALMERSTONSir, in reply to the question of my hon. Friend, I have to state that the Government have stationed, or are about to station, on the coasts of Central America, on both sides, naval forces which they think sufficient for the protection of British interests; but, considering the interest—I may say the anxiety—which has been excited in the public mind by the rumours to which my hon. Friend has referred, it would be more agreeable probably to the House that I should give a short explanation of this question, and of its present position. My hon. Friend and the House are aware that some months ago there occurred a very deplorable scene of violence and outrage at the Isthmus of Panama; that a quarrel began—nobody well knew how—some people say that it was a simple dispute between a passenger and a native about a water-melon; but, at all events, it acted like a spark thrown upon a smouldering fire, which burst out into a flame, and the reciprocal dislike which had been long growing up led to acts of great violence and scenes of bloodshed which everybody must deeply deplore. The United States' Government applied for redress for the past and security for the future, but I am sorry to say that the Government of New Granada, which is not particularly celebrated for accurate recollections of duties or performance of obligations, refused compliance with those demands. Thence arose negotiations and communications between the United States and New Granada Governments, which have not yet led to any satisfactory termination. It is quite clear, I think, that that which is true in regard to private property is true also in regard to sovereignty—that there is attached to it duties as well as rights; and that the Government of New Granada is bound to provide for the security of persons and property passing along the railway through its dominions. The excuse which it gave for refusing compensation to those who suffered by these excesses was, I think, to a certain degree, its own condemnation, because it alleged that the high-handed proceedings of the passengers for a long time before had created great exasperation, and it, therefore, was not wonderful that a 211 slight cause should produce very considerable results. Now, I must say that if they knew that this great exasperation existed, it was their duty to take measures to prevent the commission of outrages, either by foreigners upon their own subjects, or by their own subjects upon foreigners. We have been in communication with the United States Government upon this matter—a matter which evidently concerns not merely the interests of the citizens of the United States, but also those of the citizens of all other nations whose people are in the habit of traversing this isthmus. I am happy to say that the United States' Government profess the most just and honourable intentions. They disclaim any desire to occupy or take possession of any portion of the territory of New Granada, or of occupying the railway. That which they say they are naturally entitled to expect is security for their citizens in passing and repassing the isthmus by railway; and they naturally also require some redress for the injuries which were sustained upon the occasion to which I have referred. I am happy to say that their requirements are such as would be made by any Government in a similar position, and that they entirely disclaim any intention of taking advantage of this quarrel for the purpose of putting forward any unjust or aggressive demands against the Government of the State of New Granada.