L29/568/10

Grantham, St. James's to Fitzherbert, Paris (No 4, copy) Fitzherbert's object is to be the establishment of a permanent peace. He is to continue the "proper language" he has hitherto used and to "employ it so discreetly and respectfully towards the mediators that France shall have no Pretence to make more Mischief than has already been attempted with great Success I doubt at Vienna". The Ministers of the Mediating Courts have pressed Britain by an Insinuation Verbale to open a congress. They are anxious to know when and at what period of the negotiations at Paris it may be transferred to the Mediation. Impossible to give any precise answer while Britain's principal business is to discover extent of the "pretentions of our Enemys, by a direct negotiation with them". Grantham has reason to think that the "independency of America, however ultimately advantageous to France, would not if accepted now by the Commissioners be a Measure agreeable to Her, as the bond between them would thereby be loosened before the Conclusion of a Peace". A general explanation of all the articles was expected from Vergennes and not that one should be brought forward singly. Vergennes pretends he cannot go on until the Spanish and Dutch full powers arrive. Change in Vergennes due to his desire to secure a portion of the coast of Newfoundland before any American claims may be set forward. Vergennes intends to create delay and throw the blame upon Britain. Fitzherbert to declare that all articles must be seen together.

3 Sep 1782

From: 1782 To: 1782

item

Lucas,
Grantham, Thomas Robinson, 2nd Baron,
Fitzherbert, Alleyn,
de Vergennes, Count

Foreign Secretary, political correspondence, Plenipotentiary, peace and battles celebrations/commemorations, French, Americans, commissioner, Spanish, Dutch, Westminster Saint James, Paris, France, Vienna, Britain, Spain, Holland, Newfoundland & Labrador