HC Deb 02 February 1832 vol 9 cc1192-3
Viscount Palmerston

having laid on the Table a copy of the Treaty relating to the Netherlands, with the ratification of Great Britain, France, and Belgium, of the 31st of January,

Mr. O'Connell

took that opportunity to put a question to the noble Lord with regard to a transaction that had recently taken place in France, involving, as it appeared to him, an infraction of the rights of British subjects. He alluded to the forcible transportation from the French territory of about fifty British subjects, on the suppression of a religious establishment there, called La Meilleraye, the members of which had devoted themselves to agricultural and religious pursuits. They had been subject to no trial, but they had been carried to Brest like felons, and thence sent out of the country, in violation of their rights as British subjects. He wished to know whether his Majesty's Ministers had received any information on the matter, and whether it was their intention to take any steps to vindicate the rights of British subjects in this instance?

Viscount Palmerston

said, that he had heard of the suppression of the religious establishment in question merely from general rumour; but he had received no official information on the subject from the individuals to whom the learned Gentleman had alluded. Undoubtedly, if any per- sons, British subjects, could show grounds tending to prove that they had been treated in a manner not justified by the treaty between this country and France, his Majesty's Government would take steps to inquire into the matter.

Mr. O'Connell

would take care, that the transaction should be brought, in the regular way, under the official notice of Government.