HC Deb 06 June 1861 vol 163 c632
LORD STANLEY

said, he wished to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether it is true, as stated in the latest telegrams from America, that a regiment of Canadian Volunteers has offered its services to the President of the United States to assist in coercing the Southern States, and that this offer has been accepted; and what stops will be taken by Her Majesty's Government to prevent this violation of neutrality?

LORD JOHN RUSSELL

said, that on seeing the notice of the noble Lord, he had inquired at the Colonial Office whether any account had been received of such an offer, and was informed that no such report had been received. We have not heard from any diplomatic agent, either Lord Lyons or from any of the Consular Agents, of any such proceedings. Under such circumstances it was not necessary to give any answer to the latter portion of the question of the noble Lord.