LORD CAMPBELLdesired to ask the noble Earl the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, if the public interest permitted him to reply, Whether, since he answered a similar Question asked by the noble Marquess (The Marquess of Clanricarde) three or four days ago, he had received from the French Government any communication, documentary or verbal, designed, or calculated, or showing any disposition to promote a common line of action between the two Governments with a view to the termination of hostilities in America? That very day the Paris Correspondent of The Times had asserted, with the greatest emphasis and exactness, that such a document as that to which he referred was in existence; an assertion which derived support from statements made in other quarters. Under these circumstances, he thought it was desirable their Lordships should have some information from the Government on the subject.
§ EARL RUSSELLThe only answer I can give to my noble Friend is that the French Ambassador called on me about an hour ago at the Foreign Office, and stated, that having heard many rumours to the effect that he had been ordered by his Government to show a communication on this subject to the British Government, he wished to say that he had received no such order.