LORD J. RUSSELLwished to put a question to the right hon. Gentleman, relative to the transactions which had recently occurred at the River Plate. He wished to know whether the right hon. Baronet was prepared to lay on the Table such documents as would elucidate the transactions to which he alluded?
§ SIR R. PEELsaid, he had not the slightest objection to lay upon the Table of the House those documents which would explain the grounds upon which Her Majesty's Government had acted in concert with France — namely, the instructions which had been given to Mr. Ouseley. He had rather not, at present, produce the proposition made by General Rosas, which, although not accepted, might lay the foundation for an adjustment of the matters in difference. So long as there was any chance of such adjustment, he thought it would be better not to lay on the Table any proof of the atrocities which had been committed during the lamentable struggle which had taken place. But he had no objection to lay before the House the Convention with France, and the instructions given to Mr. Ouseley, detailing the grounds on which this country, after a long delay, most reluctantly interfered.
LORD J. RUSSELLhad no wish to ask for the Papers showing the atrocities which had been committed, but he thought it would be necessary, for the information of the House, to produce, not only the instructions given, which were the result of previous negociations, but what were the demands which led to hostilities.
§ SIR R. PEELsaid, the nature of the demands would be fully understood from the instructions, which would show the proposals made by the Government on the part of this country and France.