§ THE EARL OF MALMESBURYMy Lords, I wish to put a Question to my noble Friend the Secretary for Foreign Affairs, in accordance with an intimation I have given him by writing; and perhaps he will answer it this evening; but if he thinks that inconvenient, I will ask it again to-morrow. I wish to know, When Her Majesty's Government intend to lay on the Table the despatch on the subject of the Alabama claims, which is said to have arrived from America within the last few days; and also whether my noble Friend will inform the House what state the negotiations are now in with regard to that question? I need not tell the noble Earl how much anxiety—I will not say apprehension—exists in this country in reference to the answer of the Government of the United States, and also as regards the policy of Her Majesty's Government in reference to the question.
§ EARL GRANVILLEMy Lords, I will answer the Question of my noble Friend now, as my answer is not likely to load to any discussion. It is true that a despatch from the United States arrived in this country last Thursday. While in this House on the evening of that day, I was informed that the American Minister was waiting for me at the Foreign Office. I went there, and his Excellency read to me and presented me with a copy of the despatch which he had received from Mr. Fish. The 106 Government of the United States decline to adopt the view of Her Majesty's Government; but it appears to us that the despatch requires, and seems to invite, an answer from Her Majesty's Government. Under these circumstances, it is impossible for me to state the exact time at which we can produce the correspondence or make a communication as to the state of the negotiations. My noble Friend has referred to the anxiety which he and others feel on the subject of these negotiations. I quite appreciate what my noble Friend has said on that point. The anxiety is one in which I assure him Her Majesty's Government fully share. They are desirous of maintaining the Treaty; but, at the same time, they are entirely aware of the great responsibility which rests on them of upholding the interests and the dignity of this country.