L29/561/24

Grantham, St James to Sir Robert Ainslie, Constantinople (No 4 draft) Acknowledges letters. (Marked 'Cy') The King approves of Ainslie's conduct, in particular the way Ainslie has prevented the exporting of timber to the ports of France. Hopes the troubles in Crimea may be "Speedily & happily adjusted". Preparations in Russia and conduct of the Czarina do not seem to indicate peace. It is "even insinuated that Her Imperial Majesty is more than willing to seize the opportunity which the Crimean troubles afford her of immediately engaging in a Turkish war" with the object of establishing an extensive eastern empire for a younger branch of her family. Czarina it is said "flatters herself with the fullest concurrence of the Emperor" who would be induced to assist Czarina with the view of extending his dominions with the acquisition of Bosnia and Serbia. The late disaster at Constantinople "will perhaps accelerate the execution of her Projects". The Court of France is suspected to have fermented the troubles in the Crimea in order to divert Czarina from close alliances with Britain. If France, assisted by Spain should support the Turks "it is impossible to forcast extent or duration of so complicated a war as would ensue". The confidence and friendship which Ainslie has shown to the Russian Minister at the Porte has given "great satisfaction" to the Empress. The Emperor wishes to establish direct commerce with India. (End of cypher) Ainslie's last accounts from India represent Britain's affairs in that part of the world as being in a "more prosperous situation" than her enemies believed. The French "have entertained the most sanguine hopes of success in that Country". French disappointment together with the failure of the attempt upon Gibraltar may influence Britain's enemies to adopt "moderation, justice and humanity". (Marked 'Cy') Advices from Petersburg say that the Spanish Minister had informed the Vice Chancellor that the Spanish treaty with the Turks was nearly completed. The Turks wished the King of Spain to promise that no fleet of any nation should pass the Straights of Gibraltar. Grantham thinks this idea came from the Court of Spain. Requests Ainslie to discover if possible where it may have originated.

18 Oct 1782

From: 1782 To: 1782

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Lucas,
Robinson, Thomas (2nd Baron Grantham),
Ainslie, Robert,
George III,
Catherine the Great, Empress of Russia,
Bourbon

Foreign Secretary, political correspondence, CORRESPONDENCE, ROYALTY, timber, trade and industry overseas, general, , central government, general, naval actions, treaties, naval ships, Russians, Turks, French, Spanish, Turkey, Istanbul, Westminster Saint James, France, Crimea, Russia, Turkey, Bosnia, Serbia, Britain, Spain, India, Gibraltar, St.Petersburg