§ Sir G. Greysaid, that since the question which had been put on a former evening to the Government, with reference to the condition of Tahiti, there had appeared a statement in the French and English newspapers, that that Island had been taken possession of by the French Admiral in those seas, and that the native Queen had been compelled to take refuge on board a British ship. He wished to know whether Government had received any information on the subject, and, if so, whether they would lay it before the House.
Sir Peelsaid, that when the question referred to was put the other evening, he had stated with the utmost truth, that he had no information on the subject. The account of the transaction, however, appeared the next day in the public papers, and since, by a vessel arrived from Tahiti, probably the same which brought the published account, Government had received despatches from the British authorities at the Island. The information he had received went to show that the accounts referred to by the right hon. Gentleman were correct. He believed it to be the case, that the French Admiral in those seas had taken possession of Tahiti. All he could at present say on the subject was, that he deeply regretted what had taken place. At the same time, he had no reason to believe that the course pursued had had the previous sanction of, or was in consequence of any instructions from the French Government. He had had no opportunity as yet of communicating with the French Government on the subject, and under these circumstances, he was sure the right hon. Gentleman and the House would think he was exercising the soundest discretion in abstaining from making any further reference to the matter at present, and he would at the same time venture to deprecate discussion on the subject on the part of other Members. At a future time, when they had fuller information, they would have ample opportunity for taking the affair into consideration.