§ EARL GREYhaving presented a petition, praying for inquiry into the war with China, begged to take the opportunity of asking the Lord President of the Council a question of which he had given him notice privately, with reference to a matter that caused the greatest anxiety to those who were engaged in trade with China. He begged he would have the goodness to 1587 state whether the advices received by Her Majesty's Government offered any prospect of the early termination of the war with China?—whether that war was still carried on for the purpose of obtaining the admission of the British into the city of Canton?—whether there was any other object contemplated?—and whether any reinforcements had been demanded by Sir John Bowring, and whether such reinforcements had been sent to him?
§ EARL GRANVILLEI am able to state, with reference to intelligence received from China, that no further operations have taken place, except those that were necessary for self-defence and the protection of our ships. The Chinese have recalled our servants from Hong Kong, and have offered rewards for the assassination of British subjects and incendiarism in Hong Kong. It is impossible to say, therefore, that we have arrived at a termination of the war. But, at the same time, there is no interruption of our commercial relations with the other four ports. Under these circumstances, it is impossible there can have been any change in our position at Canton, because I believe it absolutely necessary for the security, not only of the British, but of foreigners of other nations, that we should not appear to recede at Canton, as disastrous results would follow, not only there, but at the other ports, where our relations are satisfactory. Reinforcements have been sent to Sir John Bowring. One regiment went three weeks ago.
§ House adjourned till To-morrow.