§ EARL GRANVILLEMy Lords, I wish to ask the noble Earl, Whether there is any truth in the rumour of a further movement of the Fleet in Turkish waters; and, if so, whether that movement has been the result of any communications between Her Majesty's Government and the Russian Government? I wish, also, to ask if it is convenient for the noble Earl to state whether any further progress has been made in respect of a Conference of the Great Powers for the purpose of bringing about Peace?
§ THE EARL OF DERBYMy Lords, in answer, first, to the latter Question put by the noble Earl, I am sorry to say that since the House last met no further progress has been made, so far as I am aware, for the assembling of a Conference or Congress. On that point it is scarcely necessary for me to observe, that whatever delay may have arisen, has not arisen on the part of Her Majesty's Government. With regard to the other Question of the noble Earl, respecting the movements of the Fleet, what has happened is this—Admiral Hornby was sent up the Sea of Marmora with full discretionary power of selection as to the place of anchorage. It was suggested to him by the Admiralty that Prince's Islands would be the safest and most convenient; he had, however, full power to act to the best of his judgment 1843 in the selection of the place that might be thought most advisable; and, after communication with Mr. Layard, Admiral Hornby thought it desirable to move the vessels to the Bay of Moudania, which is rather further from Constantinople; but where, I believe, there is better anchorage, and where he will be in telegraphic communication with the capital, while at Prince's Islands he would not be. I may add, that the movement which has been effected has not been the result of any negotiations between this Government and that of Russia.
§ EARL GRANVILLECan the noble Earl give the House any information with regard to the threatened advance of the Russian troops on Constantinople?
§ THE EARL OF DERBYNo, my Lords. At present, as to an advance on Constantinople, I am not aware of anything. As regards a subject on which there have been communications—a possible advance on Gallipoli—I have received a communication, but it has arrived only within the last few hours, and the Government have not as yet had time to consider it. I shall, however, take an early opportunity of stating the purport of it to your Lordships' House.