L29/564/8

Elliot, Berlin to Grantham, St. James's (marked 'A' private and secret) Writes regarding Prince Henry's military and political talents and of the "little cordiality" which exists between Prince Henry and the King of Prussia. Despite general impressions to the contrary, the King did carry on correspondence with the Prince on political topics. Elliot's conversation with the Prince during his residence at Rheinsberg: King of Prussia was unfavourable to Lord North's administration because he considered it was largely led by the counsels of Lord Bute. He also felt that the general line pursued was to connect Britain, Russia and Austria by close alliances and to overthrow Prussia's influence at Petersburg. He is pleased that the two succeeding governments have been composed of men whose principles and views were more favourable. While the King of Prussia was jealous of the ambitions of the Emperor, "France must be considered as his Natural Ally". Any demonstration of the Courts of London and Berlin of their wish to be more "intimately united" would alarm France and Austria. Russia cannot be trusted. The only service the King of Prussia could at present render Britain was to help endeavour towards a general peace.

23 Oct 1782

From: 1782 To: 1782

item

Lucas,
Grantham, Thomas Robinson, 2nd Baron,
Elliot, Hugh,
Henry, Prince,
Guilford, Frederick North, 4th Earl,
Bute, John Stuart, 3rd Earl of

Foreign Secretary, political correspondence, general royalty, central government, general, Prussians, Russians, Austrians, French, peace and battles celebrations/commemorations, Berlin, Westminster Saint James, Rheinsberg, Britain, Russia, Austria, Prussia, St.Petersburg, France, London