LORD CAMPBELLI have a Bill which I propose to lay upon your Lordships' table. It is not my intention to go at any length into an explanation of the Bill, but if your Lordships will allow it to be read a first time, I will give an explanation of the Bill on the second reading. It is a Bill of great importance, and I invite your Lordships' attention to the subject. It is entitled "An Act to prevent any unauthorised negotiations or intercourse touching public affairs between the subjects of Her Majesty and any Foreign Potentate or State." The object of the Bill is to enforce the law of nations, by which it is clearly provided that all intercourse between individual nations respecting public affairs shall be conducted directly through the Government, or through foreign Ambassadors and Ministers duly authorised, and responsible for the advice they give. I shall be able clearly to show that this is the law of nations, and I shall be able to show that it has been in several instances infringed, to the prejudice of public affairs, in this country—that it is liable to be infringed to a degree alarming to the public safety—and that we 606 have an undoubted right to legislate with respect to the conduct of British subjects abroad, especially after the example of that most excellent measure of my noble Friend relative to the slave trade. We have no authority to legislate for foreigners; but wherever British subjects are, in any part of the globe, over them we have complete authority. I trust that I shall be able to show that it will be for the public advantage that this Bill should pass. I will now move that this Bill be read a first time, and, if your Lordships agree to this Motion, I will, after the holidays, name a day for the second reading.
§ Bill read 1a.