§ MR. MAGUIREsaid, he would beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury, in what condition were our relations, diplomatic and otherwise, with the Republic of Paraguay, more especially in reference to the 1723 recent dispute respecting the imprisonment and subsequent liberation of an alleged British subject, named Canstatt, by the Paraguayan Government; also whether, in consequence of the re-admission of the State of Buenos Ayres into the Argentine Confederation, Her Majesty's Envoy will again reside in the City of Buenos Ayres, the commercial capital of the Confederation, instead of in the City of Parana, as at Present?
§ VISCOUNT PALMERSTONSir, it is quite true that our diplomatic relations with the Government of Paraguay were suspended in consequence of the arrest and imprisonment—as we contend, the unjust arrest and cruel imprisonment of Mr. Canstatt, a British subject. That unfortunate gentleman was detained a very considerable time in prison, but he was at last released. I believe his release was in part owing to a sort of intention manifested by one of the British cruisers in the river Plate to seize and detain a Paraguayan vessel at Buenos Ayres. That attempt did not succeed, and the Paraguayan vessel got safe back into Buenos Ayrean waters, but I am inclined to believe that attempt materially influenced the Paraguayan Government in ordering the release of Mr. Canstatt. Her Majesty's Government have since demanded satisfaction and compensation for the losses which that gentleman has sustained. That demand has not yet been complied with, and therefore our relations with Paraguay have not yet been renewed. I trust, however, that the Paraguayan Government will feel, upon further reflection, that it is due to their own character and the honour of their country to make the compensation we ask for. As to the other question it is well known that the Province of Buenos Ayres has separated from the Argentine Confederation, and our Mission was established at Parana. Lately communications have passed between the Government of the Province of Buenos Ayres and that of the Argentine Confederation, which may lead to the reunion of the Province with the Confederation. Until that is finally settled the British Mission will remain at Parana. Where it will be afterwards I cannot now say, as it depends upon the arrangements between the Province and the Confederation.