HC Deb 22 March 1858 vol 149 cc462-3
MR. BOWYER

said, he would beg to ask the Secretary for the Home Department whether it is true that a Body of Delegates from all parts of Italy have been lately holding meetings in London for the formation of an Italian National League, and to bring about great political changes in Italy, and what information Her Majesty's Government have on the subject?

MR. WALPOLE

Sir, I really hardly know how to answer this question. Since the notice was given, of course I felt it my duty to inquire into the truth of the statement implied in the question of the hon. and learned Member; and all I can say is that I believe no such meetings of Italian Delegates have taken place. I believe that Italians do meet privately on matters of political interest, but without any violation of the law. With regard to those political meetings which the hon. and learned Member spoke of, he may know more of the matter than I do; but I am told that the head of these meetings and the head of these Italian Delegates is not an Italian, but an Irishman.