HC Deb 06 February 1845 vol 77 cc169-70
Mr. Ewart

said, he would feel obliged for an answer to the question he was about to put, if it were convenient to the Government to answer it; if not, he would put the question on some other occasion. He alluded to the trade of the river La Plata, which had been so much obstructed of late, and it would give him great pleasure to hear that there was even an approximation to an arrangement of the subject. The British merchants entertained great apprehensions regarding the trade with these parts, as the Government of Buenos Ayres had interfered with the navigation of the river Plata. He had hoped, from the aspect which things presented last Session, that some combined operations on the part of the Governments of France, England and Brazil, would be attempted.

Sir R. Peel

I can assure the House the prolongation of the lamentable hostilities between these two small Powers, which interfered with the commerce of other countries, has occupied the serious attention of the Government. We have already had communications on the subject with the Governments of France and the Brazils, and I cannot give a better proof to those in both countries who are interested in the cause of humanity and civilisation, of our present relations with France, than the assurance that the view taken by the French Government with respect to the continuance of these hostilities, is entirely in unison with our own. We trust also to have the concurrence of the Brazilian Government, in the measures which it was the intention of the English and French Governments to adopt. It is the intention of England and France to act in concert, and to make such a joint representation to these two Powers as we trust will induce them to terminate their hostilities. When the hon. Gentleman talks of combined operations, I hope he will not call for any explanations as to any future contingency. But I trust the good sense of these parties will induce them not to reject the joint offer of mediation by two such countries as France and England, with, as we trust, the concurrence of Brazil; and we do hope that our renewed efforts in the cause of peace, which is so much the interest of all parties, will be successful.