§ GENERAL FORESTERsaid, he would beg to ask the Secretary of State for the 576 Home Department, Whether his attention has been called to a paragraph in the "Daily Telegraph" of May 10, headed—
Demonstration in favour of French Republicans.—A number of persons who sympathise with M. Flourens and the French Republican party, as it is called, have resolved on holding a demonstration in Hyde Park on Sunday next, at 2.30 p.m., to express sympathy with the French Republican party, and to protest against the alleged demand by the French Ambassador for the extradition of M. Flourens;and, whether such a demonstration will be permitted to take place?
MR. BRUCESir, I have seen the paragraph alluded to by the hon. and gallant Gentleman. I believe that some such scheme has been in contemplation, on the supposition—a very mistaken supposition—that a demand has been made for the extradition of M. Flourens and some other French refugees by the French Government. I shall take this opportunity of stating most explicitly that, neither officially nor privately—neither directly nor indirectly—has Lord Clarendon received any communication from the French Government, from Lord Lyons, or from M. de Lavalette, with respect to M. Gustave Flourens or any other French refugee; nor has any mention been made to Lord Clarendon of any connection which they may have had with the conspiracy now under investigation at Paris. Under these circumstances, the reason for holding the meeting being altogether without foundation, it may be hoped that no attempt will be made to hold the meeting. If any such attempt is made, I can assure the hon. and gallant Gentleman that every care will be taken to preserve peace and order.