§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYI wish to ask the noble Earl opposite the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, If he can inform the House how 2 far the information recently received from Madagascar corresponds with the telegraphic information which created such a sensation in this country some time ago? I ask the Question, because, in a recent speech at a dinner in the City, the Prime Minister used language with respect to this information of so ambiguous a character that I am afraid much misconception may be caused by it. His language was open to the interpretation either that the information originally received was true, but that the French Government had made suitable apology or reparation, or that the information received some time ago was false or exaggerated. I should be very glad if the noble Earl found it consistent with his duty and with the public interests to give us some information on the subject.
§ EARL GRANVILLEMy Lords, voluminous despatches have been received from Madagascar, and are being considered by the Departments and by Her Majesty's Government. The French Government are in daily expectation 3 of receiving their despatches. I have agreed with M. Waddington that, as soon as these arrive, there shall be no delay in the intercommunication of the information both Governments have received. I believe both Governments are animated by the same feelings of self-respect and of friendly feeling towards one another; and it is, therefore, reasonable to expect that a perfectly satisfactory solution of the question may be arrived at. It might not contribute to this result if I gave any premature opinion on the Papers which have arrived, even if I was prepared, which I am not, at this moment, to do so. I quite understand the desire of the noble Marquess for information on so delicate a question; but I trust he will not press at present for it under the circumstances which I have mentioned.