§ MR. T. L. CORBETT (Down, N.)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government has received any recent despatch from the French Government relating to their policy in dealing with various religious orders in France.
§ MR. MACVEAGH (Down, S.)May I ask the noble Lord whether, before entering into further negotiations, he will recommend the appointment of a Royal Commission to ascertain the views of Orangemen on the subject?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Lord CRANBORNE,) RochesterThe communications recived from the French Government have reference to the treatment of the two English. Religious Foundations—the Benedictines at Douai and the Passionist Fathers at Paris. The most recent note received by His Majesty's Ambassador in Paris from the French Government is dated the 20th of March last, but some verbal communications have since passed. Papers on the subject are now being prepared for presentation to Parliament.
§ MR. T. L. CORBETTHas the French Government made any protest against the language used by the Under Secretary?
§ LORD CRANBORNENot that I am aware of.