§ Lord Hawkesbury delivered the following message from his majesty:
§ "George R.—His majesty thinks proper to acquaint the house of lords, that the communications which have taken place, and are still depending, between his majesty and some of the powers on the continent, have not yet been brought to such a point as to enable his majesty to lay the result of them before the house, or to enter into any further explanation with the French government, consistently with the sentiments expressed by his majesty at the opening of the present session. But his majesty conceives that it may be of essential importance that he should have it in his power to avail himself of any favourable conjuncture for giving effect to such a concert with other powers, as may afford the best means of resisting the inor- 448 dinate ambition of France or may be most likely to lead to a termination of the present contest, on grounds consistent with the permanent safety and interests of his Majesty's dominions, and the security and independence of Europe. His majesty therefore recommends it to the house of lord to consider of making provision for enabling his majesty to take such measures and enter into such engagements as the exigencies of affairs may require. G. R."
§ Lord Hawkesbury then moved, that his majesty's message be taken into consideration to-morrow. Agreed to.—Adjourned.