HC Deb 20 May 1864 vol 175 c522
MR. WHITESIDE

Sir, seeing the noble Viscount in his place, I beg to repeat a Question which I put to the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs yesterday. I wish to know, Whether the Government have received communications to the effect that exactions and contributions have been levied by the Prussian army pending the armistice; and whether it is in accordance with the terms of the armistice, as defined by the Conference, that these contributions or exactions should be levied?

VISCOUNT PALMERSTON

Sir, the conditions of the armistice were quite clear as to this—that no fresh contributions should be levied. There is some ambiguity as to the understanding between the parties, whether contributions which were ordered before the armistice were to continue to be levied. But my noble Friend at the head of the Foreign Office is in communication with the Prussian Government on the subject.

SIR MINTO FARQUHAR

Was it not understood that provisions were to be paid for during the armistice?

VISCOUNT PALMERSTON

said, Yes, clearly.