LORD BROUGHAMSeeing the noble Earl the head of the Government in this House in his place, I wish to take the earliest opportunity of asking whether the blessed news is true that Her Majesty's Government have received information today that preliminaries of peace have been signed between the Emperors of France and Austria?
§ EARL GRANVILLEreplied, that his noble Friend the Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs would make a statement on the subject in a few minutes, when the House was fuller.
LORD WODEHOUSEIn answer to the Question of my noble and learned Friend, I have to communicate to the House the important information, which has been received by Her Majesty's Government, that peace has been signed between the Emperor of the French and the Emperor of Austria. It will be satisfactory to the House if I read the following telegram, which has this day been received from our Ambassador at Paris:—
Paris, Tuesday, 2 p.m.The following telegram has been received:— "'Valleggio, July 11.'The Emperor to the Empress.'PEACE is signed between the Emperor of Austria and me.'The bases of the peace are—'Italian Confederation under the honorary Presidency of the Pope.'The Emperor of Austria cedes his rights to Lombardy to the Emperor of the French, who transfers them to the King of Sardinia.'The Emperor of Austria preserves Venetia, but she will form an integral part of the Italian Confederation.'General amnesty.'
LORD BROUGHAMI am rejoiced that the cruel slaughter which has now been going on for some time in the south of Europe, and for which they who caused the war are responsible, has ceased. Whether we shall have any difficulty in considering the terms of the peace is another thing. Enough for the present that preliminaries of peace have been signed and that the slaughter has ceased.
§ LORD LYNDHURSTDid I understand the noble Lord to use the words "honorary Presidency of the Pope?"