§ Lord Ashburtonsaid, that the public having been left more in the dark respecting the expedition to China than had ever been the case respecting any expedition of equal importance and strength, he wished, therefore, to know under whose guidance and command it was intended to place the ships and men. The armament being a joint naval and military-one, he thought it important that the public should know who was to have the conduct of it.
§ Viscount Melbournesaid, that the general conduct of the expedition would undoubtedly be under the Governor-general of India.
§ The Earl of Riponasked whether the Governor-general would act on his own discretion, or from instructions sent out from England.
§ Viscount Melbournesaid of course in- 1209 structions would be sent, but still the Governor-general would act as circumstances might require.
§ Lord Ashburton.—Will he accompany the expedition?
§ Lord Ashburtonsaid, that the objects of this expedition being to obtain reparation, to establish courts of judicature, and to conduct negotiations, he wished to know who was to have the conduct of these negotiations.
§ Lord Ashburtonasked if the noble viscount meant Captain Elliot?