HC Deb 07 March 1871 vol 204 cc1501-2
MR. DISRAELI

I beg to inquire of the Prime Minister, Whether Her Majesty's Government are aware that a Treaty was negotiated last year, between the Courts of Russia and Prussia, referring to the war between Prussia and France; and, if so, whether they were in possession of this information when they instructed Mr. Odo Russell to repair to Versailles and consult Count Bismarck?

MR. GLADSTONE

In answer, Sir, to the Question of the right hon. Gentleman, I have to state, very briefly, that Her Majesty's Government has not been informed of the existence of any such Treaty; and, that being so, I need not say that we were not in possession of such information when Mr. Odo Russell went to Versailles.