§ MR. DARLINGI beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether his attention has been called to the report, by Dalziel's Agency on 11th May, that a number of Irishmen on hoard the steamer Hazel Kirke, hoisted on that vessel the Republican flag of Ireland— namely, a gold harp on a green ground, and that the American and German vessels in New York Harbour saluted that flag; if so, whether Her Majesty's Government intend to take any notice of the incident?
§ SIR E. GREYNo information on the subject has reached Her Majesty's Government, either from Her Majesty's Ambassador in the United States or from the Consul General at New York.
§ MR. DARLINGHas the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs asked for any information?
§ SIR E. GREYThere has been no time for any written Report to reach us. It would not be right on our part to simulate the nervousness and apprehension of the hon. and learned Gentleman by telegraphing.
§ MR. DARLINGWill the Foreign Office, in the interests of the honour of this country, ascertain whether any such insult was or was not offered to this country?
§ SIR E. GREYIf the matter has assumed the importance which the hon. and learned Member appears to attach to it a Report is probably already on its way; and if we were to ask for a Report now, it would show want of confidence in the vigilance of our Representatives.
§ MR. DARLINGDoes not the Foreign Office continually ask for Despatches from Ambassadors abroad, and is not that done without contributing to a state of nervous excitement?
§ SIR E. GREYI have stated it is quite possible that a Report is on its way.
§ MR. A. O'CONNORWill the Foreign Office consult, the First Commissioner of Works as to the significance of the crownless harps on green ground emblazoned round this Chamber?
§ [No answer was given.]