§ The Earl of Buckinghamshirerose, not for the purpose of bringing forward the motion of which he had given notice for this day, but to express a wish that he might be permitted to withdraw it for the present. He had received information from different quarters, which he feared was but too correct, that the French had re-entered and re-occupied Portugal. It was for his majesty's ministers to say whether such was the case or not, for they no doubt must have received advices of such an event. It was of the utmost importance in his mind that Portugal should be restored to its legitimate government, for should the enemy get permanent possession of the posts of Portugal, and of the fortresses of that country, it would be 325 no easy matter to calculate the dangers that must arise from such possession, both lo the interests of Spain, and to the security of these kingdoms. He should not now press the discussion of these points, but wait till the real state of Portugal should be accurately ascertained.
The Earl of Liverpoolrose, not to detain the house for any time on the topics alluded lo, by the noble lord; that indeed would be irregular, as there was no motion before the house; but merely to state in answer to the noble lord's question, that his majesty's ministers had received no account of the French having re-entered and re-occupied Portugal. He was as deeply impressed as the noble earl could be, with the importance of Portugal, in the hands of an ally to this country, and with the dangers that might arise from its falling into the hands of an hostile power. He should only say, that on all occasions, he should be ready to furnish any information in his power on that interesting subject, as were his majesty's government, to enter into the fullest discussion and investigation of every point, connected with matters of such importance.