HC Deb 07 June 1850 vol 111 cc898-9
MR. DISRAELI

I wish to know whether the Government has received any official information of the invasion of Cuba by a bucaniering expedition from the United States of America? I also beg to ask whether, previously to the sailing of that expedition. Government received information that it was probable such an enterprise would be undertaken, from our Minister at Washington, or from any of the other agents employed by Her Majesty in the United States; and, if so, whether the Government felt it its duty to communicate the result of such information to the Court of Madrid?

VISCOUNT PALMERSTON

It is well known that a considerable time ago—I think it was about two or three months ago, or more—an expedition was understood to be preparing in the United States for the purpose of making a descent on Cuba. It is also well known that the Government of the United States issued a proclamation, forbidding the expedition, and also took measures at the time which put an end to the proposed undertaking. I received, a few days ago, a despatch from the British Minister at Washington, informing us that suddenly, and, as it appears, without the knowledge of the Government of the United States—without information obtained by them beforehand—an account reached Washington that an expedition had sailed from the southern part of the United States, for the purpose of making an attack on Cuba. First, a detachment, supposed to consist of about 2,000 men, sailed on, as far as my memory serves me, about the 6th of last month; and a further detachment of 4,000 or 5,000 followed some days after. The President of the United States immediately despatched a naval force in search of the expedition for the purpose of intercepting it, if possible, before it landed, and, if otherwise, to take such measures as were fitting under the circumstances to carry into effect the friendly intentions of the Government of the United States towards Spain. This information having reached the Government only a few days ago, of course no communication on the subject could be made to the Court of Madrid; indeed, the Spanish Minister arrived in London only a few days since. I, however, saw the Spanish Minister yesterday, and informed him of the intelligence we have received.