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84 and English Admirals commanding joint squadrons in the Baltic and Black Seas, and negotiations between the two governments were opened with a view, if possible, that those instructions should be identical. M. Drouhyn de Luys, who was at that time Foreign Minister of France, gave, some years afterwards, in a paper read at the French Institute, an account of these negotiations. It seems that up to the last moment the English Government held out for the adoption of the British view of maritime rights, and would not yield to the utmost pressure of the French Government; and as late as the 25th March, Lord Clarendon made a declaration to a deputation of merchants engaged in the Russian trade, to the effect that England intended to adhere to the ancient rules of maritime law. But, at the last moment, three days after this, i.e, on the 28th March, a Cabinet Council was held, and it was decided to adopt the French view of the matter, and accordingly