§ MR. HENNESSYsaid, he wished to ask a question of the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. Three Despatches had been received from Mr. Odo Russell on a matter involving the relations of this Country with France, and also involving questions of personal honour. The first of those Despatches was to the effect that certain brigands had crossed the Papal frontier in French uniforms. The second Despatch from Mr. Russell stated that he had been mistaken—that no such event had taken place, and withdrawing the statement. The third Despatch, of which they only heard the other evening, was, it seemed, to the effect that the second Despatch was incorrect. It reiterated the first statement, and informed Her Majesty's Government that what he (Mr. Russell) had first stated was correct. The question he (Mr. Hennessy) therefore desired to put was, Whether that third Despatch, of so serious a nature, had been communicated to the French Government?
§ MR. LAYARDThe hon. Gentleman has given me no notice of his Question. Perhaps he will repeat it to-morrow.