HC Deb 02 April 1860 vol 157 cc1719-20
LORD JOHN RUSSELL

Mr. Speaker, in laying these papers—further Correspondence relating to the Affairs of Italy—upon the table, I wish to state shortly and generally their contents, and also to say a few words on the present state of affairs, as far as I can do so consistently with my public duty. We have thought it right to lay before Parliament the correspondence with M. Thouvenel, and in answer to a despatch which had already appeared in the public papers. That closes with a despatch from M. Thouvenel. We have replied on our part that we intend to keep the question of the neutralized parts of Savoy separate from the general question of the annexation of that province. There are likewise among this correspondence papers from Switzerland, containing an appeal to the Great Powers who signed the Treaty of Vienna on behalf of the neutrality of Switzerland, and a request that those Powers will meet in conference upon the subject. We have expressed no objection to going into conference, if that should be thought the best mode of dealing with the question. The papers also include a copy of the Treaty of Turin, which has been communicated both by Earl Cowley and Sir James Hudson. In the second article of that Treaty it is stated that it will be for the Emperor of the French to come to an understanding with the other Powers with respect to the neutralized portions of Savoy. We conclude, therefore, that there will be a serious examination of this important question, that it will be discussed with reason on all sides; and we hope that such propositions may be made as will be satisfactory to Switzerland, and will meet the views of the Powers of Europe generally.