MESSAGE FROM THE QUEEN—WAR WITH RUSSIA (Hansard, 27 March 1854)

§ THE EARL OF CLARENDON
My Lords, I beg to give notice that on Friday next I shall move that Her Majesty's gracious Message be taken into consideration.

§ THE EARL OF DERBY
I only rise, my Lords, for the purpose of saying that, as the noble Earl has given notice of his intention to move on Friday that the gracious Message of Her Majesty be taken into consideration, I feel quite sure your Lordships will unanimously agree with me that this is not the time to say a single word with regard to the merits of the great and important question which it involves. On Friday next, I presume that, in moving an answer to that Address, the noble Earl, or the noble Earl at the head of the Government, will take an opportunity of stating to the House filly, not only the causes which have led to the unfortunate disruption of amicable relations with Russia—for with those we are partially acquainted—but also the precise objects which we have in view in entering on this war—the objects we seek to attain by it—and if there are any conventions or obligations into which we have entered with France or the Porte—the nature of those obligations. I conclude that, if any such engagements have been entered into, they will be found among those papers which Her Majesty's gracious Message holds out the expectation will be laid before this House. I shall only express my earnest anxiety that there is no truth in the report 1339 which has been circulated during the past few days, to the effect that in a convention there are articles between us and France and the Porte of a nature to establish a protectorate over a portion of the subjects of Turkey, and involving the very same principle which has been considered so objectionable on the part of Russia. I will not say a word more at the present moment. On Friday Her Majesty's Ministers will, no doubt, be prepared to make such a statement as they think fit, in moving an Address in answer to Her Majesty's gracious Message, in regard to which it is not necessary for me to say that Her Majesty will not rely in vain on the support of all classes and all denominations of Her subjects—in the support of the honour and dignity of this country in a just and necessary war, and in taking such vigorous measures as may best tend to bring that war to a speedy and honourable conclusion.

§ EARL GREY
I will only add that I trust in the Address, which I presume will be moved in answer to the Message received from Her Majesty, care will be taken so to draw it that there may be no difficulty in its being unanimously adopted; because, whatever may be the opinions of your Lordships as to the past, we must all desire that this Address should be agreed to unanimously. I hope, therefore, the Address will be so framed—and it can easily be done—as not to express any opinion which any noble Lord may find it difficult to concur in, on the ground that the war might have been avoided either on the one hand by abstaining from all interference, or on the other hand by a display of greater vigour on the part of the Government. I hope no difficulty will be interposed in the way of those of your Lordships who do not feel altogether satisfied with the course of proceeding on either of those grounds complying with the Address which will be proposed.