HC Deb 24 March 1859 vol 153 cc689-90
MR. KINGLAKE

said, he wished to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any negotiation is pending between Her Majesty's Government and the Government of France with respect to a French vessel called the Phœnix, of Nantz, alleged to have been prevented from taking slaves from the West Coast of Africa by Her Majesty's Steam Sloop Alecto, and also whether there will be any objection to lay the Papers relating to this matter upon the Table of the House?

MR. SEYMOUR FITZGERALD

said, that it was not correct to say that negotiations were pending between Her Majesty's Government and the Government of France in reference to the Phœnix. But representations had been made by the French Government in reference to the conduct of the Commander of the Alecto in boarding the Phœnix, a vessel which was engaged in procuring labourers for the French Colonies, a question which had of late been the subject of so much discussion. Her Majesty's Government had directed the whole case to be inquired into, and the hon. Gentleman must be aware that until the inquiry was completed it would be impossible to lay the Papers before the House.