The Long Ago Times

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LONDON, February 18th, 1824 — In a session that has stirred the tranquil waters of the House of Commons, Lord Nugent launched a trenchant critique of His Majesty’s Ministers regarding their policy towards Spain, particularly amidst the specter of French ambitions. The debate, marked by its fervor and the gravitas of its subject, touched upon Britain’s stance during the tumultuous conflict between France and Spain, challenging the government’s assertion of neutrality.

Lord Nugent, aligning with Mr. Brougham’s earlier expressed reservations, questioned the celebratory tone of the government’s address on its neutrality policy, which came under scrutiny following the recent cessation of hostilities. He contended that Britain’s initial approach towards Spain failed to match the nation’s stature, evolving into a disingenuous adherence to neutrality that, in practice, veered towards hostility against the Spanish cause.

Central to Lord Nugent’s disapproval was the perceived impact of Britain’s stance on Spain’s struggle, which he argued, contributed significantly to its downfall—not through overt hostility but via a facade of neutrality. He announced his intention to call for the production of papers, aiming to substantiate his critique without contradicting the King’s speech on the importance of neutrality for national interest.

Lord Nugent lambasted the government’s passive stance at the Verona Congress and its failure to oppose France’s aggressive maneuvers against Spain, which could have potentially averted war. He decried the abandonment of principles crucial for Britain’s identity as a bastion of freedom and its lukewarm support for Spain’s 1812 constitutional system.

The discussion then veered towards the Duke d’Angouleme’s declaration ending the Spanish Regency’s power, a move Nugent refrained from criticizing directly, instead highlighting it as a clear indicator of France’s annexation ambitions. This action stood in stark contrast to earlier assurances, altering the war’s nature against Spain and questioning Britain’s commitment to its declared neutrality.

Lord Nugent underscored a critical contradiction: the British Cabinet’s assurances of non-support for France’s invasion juxtaposed with actions that seemingly undermined Spain’s government and its constitutional rights. This discrepancy was further illuminated by the withdrawal of the British minister from Seville, an act Nugent deemed hostile and indicative of Britain’s inconsistency with its proclaimed neutrality.

Sir W. A’Court, the British envoy, found himself at the center of controversy, accused by Nugent of failing to mediate effectively between Spain and France and instead fostering conditions conducive to Spain’s constitutional cause’s failure. Nugent articulated a betrayal, not just of Spain’s fight for liberty but of Britain’s global reputation as a defender of freedom.

Amidst these critiques, a poignant moment of national reflection was shared by Lord Nugent, who recounted the humiliation experienced when British merchant vessels sought protection from Mr. Appleton, the American charge d’affaires, against the French blockade—a stark symbol of Britain’s diminished authority and a call to reconsider its diplomatic posture.

In response, Mr. Canning and Mr. Sturges Bourne defended the government’s actions, framing them as efforts to avert a broader European conflict, and justified Sir W. A’Court’s decisions as borne out of necessity in unprecedented circumstances. They contended that Britain’s neutrality had been maintained, albeit in a complex geopolitical landscape where direct intervention was deemed impractical and undesirable.

The debate culminated in a division vote, revealing a parliamentary majority in support of the government’s stance, with 171 votes for the amendment against 30 for Lord Nugent’s motion. This outcome underscores the prevailing belief in the Commons in the appropriateness of Britain’s diplomatic conduct, even as questions linger over the true nature of neutrality and its implications for international relations and moral standing.

As the dust settles in the Commons, the broader implications of this debate resonate beyond the hallowed halls, touching upon themes of liberty, sovereignty, and the delicate balance of power in a changing world. The discourse around Britain’s role on the global stage, particularly in relation to burgeoning national movements and the interplay of colonial ambitions, remains as relevant and contentious as ever.

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