HL Deb 10 March 1884 vol 285 c957
LORD LAMINGTON

said, he wished to explain an observation which he made on Friday night. The noble Earl opposite (Earl Granville) appeared to have been under the impression that he (Lord Lamington) said Mr. Gladstone's Government had ceded the Ionian Islands to Greece. He was perfectly aware that Lord Palmerston was in Office at the time, and what he said was that Mr. Gladstone, having been sent out as High Commissioner, suggested the concession of the Islands.

EARL GRANVILLE

said, that what he had stated the other night was perfectly accurate. Mr. Gladstone had been sent out by a Conservative Government, and the cession of the Islands was made under Lord Palmerston's Government. Mr. Gladstone had recommended great reforms in a Liberal direction; and, although Mr. Gladstone approved of the cession, it was not upon his recommendation that it took place. It happened that they were suddenly summoned in the autumn for a Cabinet. Mr. Gladstone met Sir George Lewis outside the door and asked him what was the object of the summons, and was told that Lord Palmerston and Lord Russell wished to obtain the sanction of the Cabinet to the cession of the Ionian Islands.