Lord Ellenboroughsaid, that he had presented a petition the other evening from the merchants of Bombay, on the subject of our relations with China. He understood that it had been intimated in another place that her Majesty's Ministers had come to the determination not to ratify any treaty with the Emperor of China based on the preliminary articles agreed to by Captain Elliot. He wished to know of her Majesty's Government, whether that were the decision of the Governor-general of India, or the Government at home? He wished to know, whether it was the noble Viscount's intention to recommend her Majesty not to ratify that treaty?
§ Viscount Melbournesaid, that it was certainly true, that it was impossible for the Government to know what might have been the ultimate and definitive treaty based on the preliminary articles to which the noble Earl had alluded; but unquestionably there had been sent out instructions to the effect, that if a definitive treaty had been concluded, grounded on these preliminary articles, it would not be satisfactory to the Government, and that it was not his intention to advise her Majesty to ratify it. The decision was come to by the Government at home, and not by the Governor-general of India.
§ The Duke of Wellingtonwished to know, whether the island of Hong Kong had been taken possession of under the treaty?
§ Viscount Melbournebelieved it had.
§ Viscount MelbourneHe did not know.
§ Subject at an end.