§ MR. M. MILNESrose to put a question to the noble Secretary for Foreign Affairs of which he had given notice. The House would recollect that a few days ago there was laid on the Table, by command of Her Majesty, copies of certain despatches sent by Austria, Russia, and Prussia, to the President and Executive Council of Berne, apparently of a menacing character; to which the President and Council replied in a very energetic and independent manner. It was very generally reported, that the English and French Governments thought it their duty in some way to take notice of those despatches. It was not the habit of the Foreign Office to lay on the Table despatches for the amusement, or even for the information, of Members, unless it were intended to proceed somewhat farther in the business. He (Mr. M. Milnes) therefore, took the liberty of asking the noble Lord, whether he had thought it his duty to take notice of those despatches; and he also bogged to be informed, if perfectly convenient, what notice had been taken of them?
§ VISCOUNT PALMERSTONreplied, that the British Government had not felt itself called upon to make any communication to the Swiss Confederation, or to any other Government on the subject of the despatches to which the hon. Member had referred.