The only Parliamentary discussion upon the Draft Treaty was commenced
by Mr. Disraeli on Monday, when he complained of delay in producing papers, denounced the reticence maintained towards the House, and asked for information about a projected Treaty which involved the extinction of Belgium—" an extinction which I look upon as a calamity to Europe and an injury to this country,"—and affected " engagements entered into by this kingdom which will demand the gravest consideration." Mr. Gladstone, in reply explained the delay in producing documents by the necessity of bringing them down to the very latest date, declared that Mr. Disraeli " had not in the slightest degree overstated the gravity" of the Draft Treaty, and concluded by saying, " We consider that the publication of such a paper as this professed project of treaty between France and Prussia, and for the objects set forth in it, must immediately draw forth, from the spontaneous action of the two Governments concerned, all the declarations that can be necessary for the fullest elucidation of the subject."
