§ MR. W. E. FORSTERsaid, he wished to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether any communication has been received by the Foreign Office from the French Government relating to the recognition of the Southern Confederacy? He would also beg to ask, in consequence of certain remarks which have appeared of late in the public journals, Whether any recent communication has passed between this country and the French Government with regard to an offer of mediation or a proposal for an armistice between the contending parties in America?
§ MR. LAYARDSir, it is very important that I should give a clear and definite answer to my hon. Friend. No communication whatever, either as regards an offer of mediation or a proposal for an armistice, has been received by Her Majesty's Government from France up to this moment.
§ MR. W. E. FORSTEROr recognition?
§ MR. LAYARDNeither recognition, nor armistice, nor mediation, nor any subject of that nature.