MR. NORTHCOTEasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, If it is true that the Peruvian Government have solicited the mediation of the Cabinets of London, Paris, and Rome with the view of arranging terms of peace between Peru and Chili.
§ SIR CHARLES W. DILKEThe Peruvian Government have, through their Representative in Paris, solicited the mediation of England and France with the object referred to. Both Go- 1857 vernments have expressed their readiness to instruct their Representatives accordingly, provided Chili consents also, and on the further understanding that the intervention should be limited to good offices, with a view to bring about reasonable terms of peace. Her Majesty's Government have no knowledge of a similar request on the part of Peru to any other Power; but they have joined the French Government in inviting both Italy and Germany to cooperate in such good offices. Italy has assented, but Germany has declined. The French Government have suggested, in a note received on the 26th inst. from Lord Lyons, that the necessary instructions should be sent to Peru and Chili by telegraph, to which Her Majesty's Government are ready to assent as soon as identic instructions are settled.