§ MR. ROEBUCKSir, it is understood that the Plenipotentiaries at Paris have appointed certain Commissioners to inquire into questions relating to the Principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia. I wish to ask the noble Lord at the head of the Government whether any instructions have been framed by the Plenipotentiaries for the guidance of those Commissioners, and, if so, whether there is any objection to lay a copy of them upon the table of the House.
§ VISCOUNT PALMERSTONSir, no instructions were framed by the Congress. It was determined by the Congress that Commissioners should be appointed by the Turkish Government and by the English, French, and the Austrian Governments to proceed to Moldavia and Wallachia, and to place themselves in communication with certain assemblies called "Divans," to be convoked by the Porte in those provinces with a view to come to some understanding as to a form of government for the Principalities which should be recommended to the representatives of the allied Powers at Paris. It rested with each Government to give its Commissioner such instructions as it might deem fit and proper. I may say, however, that those Commissioners will not proceed to transact any business in the Principalities until the assemblies are convoked, and it is the opinion of Her 852 Majesty's Government and also of the French Government, that no preliminary steps, such as elections with a view to the constitution of these assemblies, should take place until the Principalities shall have been evacuated by all foreign troops. That has yet not taken place—the Austrian troops are still there, and the Russians at present occupy that portion of Bessarabia which is to be included in Moldavia, and which they cannot evacuate until the line of frontier has been traced and agreed upon by the Commissioners appointed for that purpose. Therefore, some little delay may occur before the Divans and the Commissioners enter upon business.
§ MR. ROEBUCKWould there be any difficulty or impropriety in placing before Parliament a copy of the instructions framed by the Government for the guidance of the British Commissioners?
§ VISCOUNT PALMERSTONIt is not usual to do so. The House usually wants to know what is done in consequence of instructions, but it is obvious that circumstances may occur in the course of the transactions which may render particular portions of the instructions previously given inapplicable.
§ Upon the Motion for going into Committee of Supply—