§ MR. MOOREasked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether the action of the Italian Government in regard to the property of the Congregation of the Propaganda is not a distinct violation of the 1200 assurances tendered to the British Government, through their Ambassador, Sir Augustus Paget, in September 1870; and, whether Her Majesty's Government will ascertain if any action is contemplated by any other of the Great Powers, and use their good offices in conjunction with them, to safeguard the interests of Her Majesty's Roman Catholic subjects?
MR. GLADSTONEThe Government are not aware of any assurance given to them by the Italian Government which would apply to the present action of that Government. Neither do they think that that action, as reported to them, would warrant our undertaking any official steps. But Sir John Lumley will be instructed to use his good offices in the matter, in case he should see any opening for that purpose.