HL Deb 18 March 1881 vol 259 cc1350-1

Note from the Russian Ambassador to the Earl Granville forwarding a telegram from the Russian Minister for Foreign Affairs in acknowledgment of the resolutions passed by both Houses of Parliament on the occasion of the assassination of His Imperial Majesty Alexander II.: Presented (by command) and ordered to lie on the Table.

EARL GRANVILLE

I have to state, my Lords, that I have received from the Russian Ambassador the following communication, which I will now read, and afterwards lay on the Table of your Lordships' House—

"London, March 18, 1881.

"Monsieur le Conte,—I lost no time in bringing to the knowledge of the Imperial Government, by telegraph, the Resolutions passed by the House of Lords and the House of Commons expressing their sorrow for the misfortune which has just befallen the Imperial Family and the whole Russian Nation.

"H.M. the Emperor has been deeply touched by the manifestations of sympathy, and has caused the enclosed telegram to be addressed to me by M. de Giers, which I make it my duty to communicate to Your Excellency, in the hope that you will be so good as to make it known to the House of Lords and the House of Commons.

"I have, &c.

"(Signed) LOBANOW."

The telegram referred to is in the following terms:—

"St. Petersburg,

"March 5/17, 1881.

"The Emperor has been deeply touched by the manifestation of sympathy for him and of respect for the memory of his Father which has emanated from the House of Lords and the House of Commons. His Majesty charges you to convoy his warmest thanks."