HC Deb 02 February 1819 vol 39 cc210-1
Lord Castlereagh

, in reference to the Papers relating to the Congress at Aix la Chapelle (see p. 168), observed, that other papers yet remained, which he should be able to present in a few days. Those documents were of a most important nature. He alluded particularly to the correspondence which had passed on the subject of the slave-trade, and to certain documents which contained an official statement of the modifications of the instalments of the contributions to be paid on the part of France, and agreed upon between the allied powers and the French government. With respect to the convention which had been agreed upon for the evacuation of the French territory, and the other official documents concerning our foreign relations, he should not now trouble the House with any observations; but he expressed his readiness to answer any questions which any member might think proper to put. He would take that opportunity of giving a notice of some importance relative to this subject. In April 1818, a convention was concluded with the French government, in which the claims of certain private individuals on that government were recognized. For the purpose of carrying these arrangements into execution, it was his intention to propose the introduction of a bill, and he would name Thursday next for that purpose. In the mean time, the gentlemen on the other side would have an opportunity of looking into the papers he had laid upon the table, and perhaps some questions might suggest themselves, which he should have great pleasure in answering.