Lord Broughamwished to put a question to his noble Friend the Secretary for Foreign Affairs, on a question of considerable interest. Some time ago a number of refugees from Russian Poland had sought shelter in the dominions of the King of Prussia. They were allowed to take up their residence in Posen, which, as their Lordships all knew, formed a part of Ancient Poland, but by the partition of 1773, was annexed to Prussia. Recently some ill-feeling was excited against those persons, and the Prussian government had thought fit to issue a proclamation commanding their immediate departure from that place. No sufficient reasons were adduced for such a proceeding, and it was exceedingly unlike the government of the illustrious prince who ruled that kingdom to take such a step, unless some great necessity seemed to demand it. It was most improbable, that such a proceeding would be lightly adopted; and one would be led to suppose, that it must arise from circumstances that had not yet come to the knowledge of the public. It was to be hoped, that extreme measures had not been adopted against the whole of these persons on account of the misconduct of some individuals. He should feel obliged to his noble Friend for any information that he could afford on the subject.
§ The Earl of Aberdeenwas obliged to his noble and learned Friend for the intimation which he had given of his intention to put a question to bins on this subject. He was not, however, in a condition to afford the information which his noble and learned Friend required. He was aware, that the Prussian Government had taken steps for the removal of the Polish refugees; but he knew not the peculiar circumstances which led to that determination. He however, agreed with his noble and learned Friend in thinking, that it was not likely—that it was very improbable, 273 that the Prussian government would do anything harsh or unfeeling, unless they had reasons which they could allege in justification.