§ MR. HUNTsaid, he wished to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether the Portuguese Government has tendered its good offices to bring about a renewal of diplomatic relations between this country and Brazil; and whether Her Majesty's Government has accepted those good offices; and whether any Papers upon the subject will be laid upon the table?
§ MR. LAYARDsaid, in reply, that the offer of mediation, which was made by the Portuguese Government to that of Her Majesty last year, was accepted by his noble Friend at the head of the Foreign Office. He could not inform his hon. Friend whether it had been accepted by Brazil; 717 the Government were still waiting to hear what course that Power would pursue. At present, there was no correspondence on the subject which could be laid upon the table of the House.
§ MR. HUNTsaid, he wished to know, Whether the hon. Gentleman had seen the address of the Emperor of Brazil to his Chambers, in which he stated that he could not accept the good offices of the Portuguese Government, because he was not aware whether or not the British Government would accept them?
§ MR. LAYARDsaid, he had seen the statement, and certainly with very great surprise. All he could say was, that he was assured by the Portuguese Minister that the acceptance of Her Majesty had been sent to Brazil. He really could not account for the statement made in the Emperor's speech.