HC Deb 04 April 1814 vol 27 cc411-2
The Chancellor of the Exchequer

—I am authorised by his royal highness the Prince Regent, to inform the House, that the negociations lately opened at Chatillon have terminated in a rupture, and that a further communication on that subject will speedily be made to parliament. I am happy to be able to state, that the mode and spirit in which these discussions have been conducted and carried on to the point of their termination, have met with the entire concurrence and approbation of all our Allies; and that they are about to submit a Declaration to Europe, and to the world, in which they will explain the principles by which they have been guided, and justify themselves of all blame in the failure of this pacific attempt. As soon as this Declaration is issued, and shall reach this country, it is his Royal Highness's intention, that it be laid, together with all papers and documents relative to the late conferences, before this House.—I cannot, with propriety, say any thing more upon the subject at present, and shall therefore move the order of the day.

Mr. Ponsonby

wished to ask, in the first place, whether all the papers which were necessary to enable the House to form a correct judgment on the negociation would be laid before them? and, secondly, at what time the communication would be made?

The Chancellor of the Exchequer

said, that no communication would be made of any thing, the disclosure of which would be detrimental to the country; but that every disposition existed on the part of his Majesty's government to afford the fullest information to the House. It was impossible to ascertain exactly at what time the Declaration would arrive in this country; but, if possible, it would be laid before parliament, with the other papers, shortly after the recess. Full time would then be given to the House for the consideration of the papers; as there was no disposition on the part of his Majesty's government to press prematurely for a determination on the subject.

Mr. Ponsonby

declared himself perfectly satisfied with the explanation.

Forward to