§ MR. HOPWOODsaid, he would beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether Her Majesty's Government and the Government of France intend to offer to mediate between the Federals and Confederates; and, if their friendly offices are not accepted, whether they would be prepared to recognise the Southern Confederacy?
§ VISCOUNT PALMERSTONSir, Her Majesty's Government have received no communication from the Government of France upon the subject of mediation; and we have at present no intention of offer 544 ing mediation between the two contending: parties.