§ MR. SEYMOUR FITZGERALDI wish to ask the noble Viscount a Question of which I have not given notice. It refers, however, to a matter of importance at the present moment, and it is also one with which the noble Lord has so intimate 1190 an acquaintance, that he can have no difficulty in replying. If, however, he prefers that I should ask the Question on another day I will do so. I wish to know, Whether the Government have laid down any points as bases for the Conference that is proposed to take place respecting the Danish and German dispute; and, if so, whether he is at liberty to communicate them to the House?
§ VISCOUNT PALMERSTONThe only basis on which the Conference between the Powers that concluded the Treaty of 1852 can take place—especially after the declaration made by Austria and Prussia that they adhere to the Treaty of 1852, and after the declaration from France that she also considers that treaty to be binding, and is favourable to the maintenance of the integrity of the Danish Monarchy—is of course the basis of the Treaty of 1852, and for the purpose of making arrangements compatible with the maintenance of the integrity of the Danish Monarchy.
§ MR. SEYMOUR FITZGERALDI should like to ask the noble Lord, whether one point laid down as a basis is that Schleswig and Holstein should continue to be united?
§ VISCOUNT PALMERSTONWe have not got the consent of all the parties concerned to the assembling of the Conference. We have received to-day a paper from Copenhagen, intimating that owing to local considerations, the Danish Government wished to be allowed to postpone their decision as to acceding to the Conference for a certain period of time. Of course, it is not for us to lay down any detailed arrangement which shall be the subject of consideration at the Conference. It will be sufficient that the basis of negotiation will be that which I have stated—the integrity of the Danish Monarchy.