§ MR. G. SANDARSwished to ask the noble Viscount the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, for some information on the following subject: "As the armistice between the Danish and Russian Governments on the affairs of Schleswig-Holstein is to cease on the 26th instant, and as there exists great desire on the part of the merchants trading to the Elbe and the ports on the Baltic to know the present state of the question, how the question stands; and whether, after the 26th instant, he anticipates a renewal of hostilities, and a blockading of the ports under the Germanic Confederation, and, if so, whether the property of British merchants, in either British or foreign ships, will be held free from capture and forfeiture?"
§ VISCOUNT PALMERSTONThe question which the hon. Gentleman has put to me is certainly a very important one, and the commerce of all Europe is deeply interested, that the negotiations now going on, with respect to those duchies, should be brought to a successful termination. It is true, as the hon. Member, in his question, states, that the Danish Government have given notice, as they are entitled to do, by the conditions of the convention of Malmoe, of the termination of the armistice on the 26th of the present month. But, in giving that notice to the parties concerned, they have, at the same time, declared in writing, officially, that it is not their intention to recommence hostilities; and that their object in denouncing the armistice is rather a wish that some sepa- 637 rate arrangement should be come to with regard to the Provisional Government of the duchies of Schleswig-Holstein. With regard to the state in which the matter now stands, all I can say is, that Her Majesty's Government are assiduously endeavouring to bring the two parties to an understanding, not merely on the points at issue with regard to the suspension of hostilities, but with regard to the basis upon which a permanent arrangement may be concluded. And I assure the hon. Gentleman and the House that no effort shall be wanting on the part of the Government to bring the parties to a mutual good understanding. And when I consider the vast magnitude of the interests at stake, and the serious, and extensive, and disastrous consequences, I may say, that would arise from a renewed rupture between the contending parties, I cannot but believe that the spirit of conciliation which I am persuaded animates both parties, will induce them to come to a reasonable understanding with the view to a final arrangement for permanent peace.