House of Lords, January 29, 1828.

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The Doctrine of Non-interference.

Much has been said here and elsewhere, at various times, on the question of interference by one state in the affairs of another.  I do not admit the right of one country to interfere with the internal affairs of another country, except where the law of necessity or great political interests may render interference absolutely necessary.  But I say that non-interference is the rule, and interference the exception.  This is the ground of the policy on which this country acts.  She disdains a daily interference with the affairs of other countries.

House of Lords, February 11, 1828.

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No Personal or Political Hostility to Canning.

I rise to protest against any such imputation being cast upon me, as that I ever entertained any personal hostility to Mr. Canning.  On a former occasion I stated distinctly to your lordships, why I did not think proper to remain in the government of which Mr. Canning was the head.  The communications that passed between me and Mr. Canning have, unfortunately, I must be allowed to say, been made public enough, and I defy any man to point out anything like personal feelings in those communications.  It is true, that when I found it necessary to withdraw from the government, I also thought it my duty to lay down the military office which I hold; but I beg leave to call your lordships’ recollection to the explanation which I gave at that time, and to my subsequent conduct.  After I left the government, I always met Mr. Canning in the way in which I had been accustomed to meet him, and did not depart from those habits which had marked our previous intercourse.  But I will go further and say, that I had no hostility towards Mr. Canning’s government.  I did, it is true, propose that a clause should be added to the corn-bill, but did I not at the same time beg of the government to adopt that clause, or something like it, and not to abandon the bill?  I must again repeat, that to the day of his death I felt no personal hostility to Mr. Canning; and that I am equally free from the imputation of having entertained any political hostility towards him.  To whatever persons the declaration of the right honourable gentleman (Mr. Huskisson) was intended to apply.[9] I claim to myself the right of not being included in the number of Mr. Canning’s enemies.

[Footnote 9:  Referring to an angry speech of that gentleman in the Commons.]

House of Lords, February 25, 1828.

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Corn Law of 1828, Principle on which founded.