§ MR. ANDERSONasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether the Mixed Commission that was appointed to adjudicate on British claims against the Haytian Government has completed its work; and, if not, if Her Majesty's Government will make further representations on the subject; and, what progress has been made in the settlement of claims against the Brazilian Government?
§ VISCOUNT ENFIELDSir, there are two Commissions sitting at this time at Port-au-Prince. The first, composed of nine Haytians and three foreigners, was nominated on the 19th of March, 1870, to inquire into the debts contracted and still due by the Government of the late President Salnave. These claims amount to about £300,000. The second Commission was nominated to inquire into the losses sustained by British subjects on account of acts of war, and consists of two Haytians and two foreigners, with power to name an arbitrator. This Commission was appointed in July of last year. The Acting Consul General, Mr. Byron, writing at the end of last September, states that the two Commissions were continuing their labours, and that he would make a more detailed Report of their proceedings by a future mail. With respect to Brazilian claims, the intricate and protracted work necessitated by their investigation has been 807 at length completed, and Her Majesty's Government will be enabled in a few days, as I hope, to make a communication to the Brazilian Government on this subject.