The Marquis of Londonderryrose to put a question to the noble Earl opposite, relative to the withdrawing of the French Troops from Belgium. In consequence of rumours that were abroad, and statements in the Journals of the day, that Ministers had received some intelligence relative to the withdrawing of the French troops from Belgium, he wished to ask the noble Earl whether any orders had been given by the French government for the recal of the troops; and whether the noble Earl was in a situation to confirm the assurances that he had given, that Belgium would be evacuated by the French troops, as soon as the Dutch troops should have retired within their own frontiers? He understood from rumours that were in circulation, and from statements in the Journals, that the noble Earl had got some intelligence on this subject, and he asked him, whether any information had reached him as to any order given by the French government for the evacuation of the Belgic territory by the French troops? If the noble Earl should refuse to answer his question satisfactorily, then he would give notice of a motion to be made on Monday, for the production of some further papers connected with the late proceedings in regard to the affairs of Belgium.
§ Earl Greysaid, although it was very unusual in parliamentary proceedings to answer such questions when put in the manner which the noble Marquis had for some time past adopted, yet he was prepared to state, that he had grounds for believing that General Gerard had received orders from the French government to retire with the French troops from Belgium in conformity with the terms agreed upon between the French government and the 588 other Powers; and from the honourable manner in which that government had hitherto acted, he had no doubt but that all its engagements would be honourably and fairly performed.
The Marquis of Londonderrycongratulated the noble Earl on the circumstance that he was enabled to make this statement, which must be so very satisfactory to their Lordships and the country. He, himself, was most happy to hear the statement, and hoped that it would be confirmed to the fullest extent.
Lord HollandAnd I am most happy to hear that the noble Marquis is so very happy on the present occasion.