L29/568/64/1

Grantham, St. James's to Fitzherbert (No 29, secret & confidential) Unanimous resolution of Cabinet on the terms of peace to be offered to Spain upon condition that Spain relinquish demand of Gibraltar. M. de Rayneval stated that the addition of St. Lucia by Great Britain to the proposed offer from France of Guadeloupe and Dominica had given "great surprise" at Versailles. Grantham reminded de Rayneval that Dominica could never be considered as part of the exchange. De Rayneval had two propositions which were received by Grantham with the "greatest attention". De Rayneval denied being instructed to speak on what might be considered an equivalent for Martinico or what terms might be accepted by Spain. The proposals for exchanging Gibraltar for French islands is difficult. Addition of St. Lucia and Maritinico would be paid for by an equivalent. Where would the equivalent be found? The other proposal holds out a prospect of preserving Gibraltar. Grantham sent a note to de Rayneval regarding the resolution of Cabinet on the propositions. Hopes the French Preliminaries can be completed while waiting for the Spanish answer. East India article still presents some difficulties but not insurmountable. Fitzherbert is to note: 1. The temper of the American Commissioners. 2. The effect which the signature of the Provisional Articles has had on France. 3. The opinion of the French Minister upon assurances of a war between Russia and the Porte. Repeated application has been made regarding the Mediation. Whatever answer is given to the Insinuation Verbale will be given in concert with the Belligerent Powers. Presumes answer to the Dutch will be: 1. A confutation of Dutch assertions in their first article. 2. Restitution of everything but Trincomale. 3. As little admission as possible of any indemnification beyond what has already been pointed out.

12 Dec 1782

From: 1782 To: 1782

item

Lucas,
Grantham, Thomas Robinson, 2nd Baron,
Fitzherbert, Alleyn,
de Rayneval, Gerard

Foreign Secretary, political correspondence, Plenipotentiary, French, Spanish, Dutch, Russians, Turks, Americans, commissioner, Cabinet, peace and battles celebrations/commemorations, land warfare, naval warfare, general, trade and industry overseas, general, Westminster Saint James, Britain, Spain, France, Holland, Gibraltar, St.Lucia, Guadeloupe, Dominica, Versailles, Martinique, East Indies, Russia, Turkey, Trincomalee