Colonel Evanssaid, he had no intention to trespass on the House, but in common with every friend to humanity he had witnessed with strong feelings the course of the disastrous contest which had lately devastated the unhappy country of Poland. He admired the spirit, bravery and patriotism which had been invariably displayed by the people. He would at present, however, content himself with moving, "That an humble Address be presented to his Majesty, that he will be graciously pleased to give directions that there be laid before this House, copies or extracts of such information as may have been conveyed to his Majesty by the Cabinet of Russia, and by the accredited agents of the late de facto government of Poland, concerning the cause of the war which has been waged in the latter country; also shewing how far neutrality appears to have been preserved by the States bordering on Poland, especially Prussia; also, of such mediation between the belligerents as may have been adopted, contemplated, or proposed, by his Majesty's ally the king of the French, in conjunction or otherwise; and of the assurances (if any), which may have been conveyed to his Majesty by the emperor, 697 of Russia, whether before or since the capture of Warsaw, in respect to the just observance in future of the constitutional rights, nationality and independence of the kingdom of Poland, as guaranteed by the Treaty of Congress of Vienna, and other diplomatic acts of that period."
§ Lord Althorpsaid, that considering the great variety of papers for which the gallant Officer had moved—of which some related to circumstances now under dispute, and others affected negotiations still in progress—he felt it impossible to accede to this Motion. Moreover, the granting of it would produce the greatest inconvenience, as it would affect the state of the negotiations now depending between Russia and Poland on the one hand, and between Russia and all the other countries of Europe on the other. Indeed, the production of these papers would put a stop to all the present diplomatic arrangements.
Colonel Evanswould, under these circumstances, postpone this Motion till the next Session of Parliament. He hoped, however, that the House would not in the interim be indifferent to the armed occupation of Poland.
§ Motion withdrawn.