§ The MARQUESS of LANSDOWNEsaid, with regard to the question put to him by the noble Earl yesterday, whether he could promise to lay the papers moved for by the noble Earl on the table before Easter, he had to state that it was not in his power to say now when those papers could be laid before their Lordships, because events of a very important character were now going on, and he did not yet know how they might affect the part hitherto taken by this country. Negotiations of a very important character had already commenced. The communications received yesterday had acquired a deeper importance from the nature of the intelligence received that (Friday) afternoon (also by telegraphic despatch), which he must consider of a most satisfactory character. He had hoard that at present the new King of Sardinia had concluded an armistice with the commander of the Austrian forces; that the armistice had been concluded with a view to further negotiation; and that an agreement had been entered 58 into by which the Duchy of Savoy ceased to be occupied by the Austrian troops, whilst the important fortresses on the frontier were to be jointly garrisoned by Austrian and Piedmontese troops. The plenipotentiaries had been appointed to conduct the future negotiations, which he hoped would lead to a permanent peace, and preclude the danger of the tranquillity of Europe for the future being further threatened. This being the case, it was not expedient that these papers should be immediately laid upon the table. They were in the course of preparation, and as soon as it was clear what course the negotiations might take, not only with regard to this country, but also to the other countries of Europe, the papers would be laid before their Lordships.
§ The EARL of ABERDEENinquired whether be was to understand that in these negotiations the representatives of this country were taking part; otherwise, he conceived if it was a mere matter between Austria and Sardinia, there could be no reason why the production of the papers should be delayed. He was happy to hear the intelligence stated by the noble Marquess, of the armistice having been concluded; and he (the Earl of Aberdeen) saw in that intelligence but another proof of the magnanimous conduct of the Austrian commander, Marshal Radetzky, who, by his recent brilliant successes, had fulfilled the high anticipations which his talents and admirable character had led him to entertain. He sincerely trusted that this armistice, so promptly agreed upon, and the negotiations now reported to be going on, would terminate in the establishment of a permanent peace.
§ The MARQUESS of LANSDOWNEexplained that he had not stated that this country was a party to the negotiations now going on, because he had no information on the subject. His information depended entirely on a telegraphic despatch, and certainly contained nothing to show that the representatives of this country had been concerned in these negotiations. If the negotiations were merely between the Governments of Austria and Sardinia, and this country had not been requested to take any part in them, these circumstances would certainly not interfere to prevent the production of papers; but of this fact they ought first to be informed, before the papers were laid upon the table.
§ The EARL of MALMESBURYasked if they were to understand that Turin had 59 not been entered by the Austrian general, in consequence of these negotiations?
§ The MARQUESS of LANSDOWNEbelieved it had not been so entered; but he would not say that it was not in the power of Marshal Radetzky to enter Turin. He had only received a telegraphic despatch, and therefore was not able to speak positively as to that.
LORD BROUGHAMremarked that it was Trino, and not Torino (Turin). There had been a confusion between the two names.
§ House adjourned to Monday.