§ VISCOUNT CARDWELLMy Lords, in the absence of my noble Friend Earl Granville, I rise to ask my noble Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether he can give the House any information as to the progress of the negotiations which have been going on between this country and Russia, and as to the prospects of a Congress?
§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYMy Lords, I am not, at present, able to enter into details as to those negotiations. I can only say, that, within the last few days, the prospects of a Congress being held have materially improved.
§ THE EARL OF REDESDALEYour Lordships will, probably, have seen in the newspapers a statement to the effect that Russia insists most positively on the cession of Bessarabia. Now, it appears to me that this is a matter of such intense importance, not merely in reference to the Treaty of San Stefano, but in regard to International Law, 722 and all former Treaties, and the demand is, in itself, so preposterous, that not this country only, but every civilized country in the world, ought to protest against it.
§ THE DUKE OF SOMERSETI rise to Order. I put it to your Lordships, whether a matter of such great importance should be brought forward without Notice?