L29/560/8

Grantham, St. James's to Keith (No 18, draft, Most Private and Confidential) The Russian and Austrian ministers wish to be informed in regard to an answer to the Insinuation Verbale. The Russian minister wishes to know at what stage in the negotiation it might be transferred to mediators. It is impossible to give a precise answer. Communicates general state of business on the 21st June after Mr Grenville told the French Ministry that the independancy of America and the Treaty of Paris might make the basis of a future treaty. Vergennes remitted a paper in which he admits the Treaty of Paris as the basis but proposes "so many vague exceptions to it as to do away with almost every trace of the treaty". Mr Grenville resigned and Fitzherbert was appointed, being ordered to state the necessity of the French ministers being more explicit. Vergennes stated if the American Agents went on with their negotiation he would specify the demands of France. Instead of making the explanation expected, a single article was proposed by Vergennes for discussion. On being reprimanded, an assurance was given that the whole of the project should soon be given in. Full powers of the Dutch and Spanish ambassadors have arrived at Paris. American commissioners satisfied with the first steps taken with regard to them.

27 Sep 1782

From: 1782 To: 1782

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Lucas,
Grantham, Thomas Robinson, 2nd Baron,
Keith, Robert Murray,
Grenville, Thomas,
de Vergennes, Count,
Fitzherbert, Alleyn

political correspondence, ambassador, Foreign Secretary, Russians, Austrians, French, Americans, treaties, Dutch, Spanish, commissioner, Vienna, Westminster Saint James, Russia, Austria, Paris, France, Holland, Spain