It appears that communication without further discussion with Ms. or affording them the opportunity of replying to the observations contained in the French Mem., the Bill has been laid on the Table of the Assembly to enable the French Government to ratify the Treaty, it may be inferred has been introduced at the present moment in order to obtain the acquiescence of other parties to the Treaty before it is adjourned or discussed.
It is unnecessary that I should direct attention to the fact that the French Government were but little prepared for the sudden action taken with the view, it must be interpreted, of bringing to a sudden close a practice which had been under the exception of necessity existing, but which had been modified by the language of the French Government being calculated to hope might be assented to the satisfaction of both parties.
A friendly interchange of communications had taken place between the Deputy, YE, and the French Deputy on this all-important question. It was therefore with considerable surprise and disappointment that I received from him the intimation that the Bill for the ratification of the Treaty had been laid upon the Table of the Legislative Assembly.
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