L30/14/281/2

Sent from Lucius O'Brien, Dublin:

14 Jun 1781

From: 1781 To: 1781

Acknowledges Grantham's letter of 28 May relative to the Irish linen trade with Spain. The question is by no means confined to Ireland only. Almost all the printed linens that have been sent by His Majesty's Subjects to Spain have been sent from Great Britain; Scotland furnishes an infinite variety of fancy goods. Judging from certain acts of parliament of the present session, O'Brien believes the linen trade of Britain in all its variations is likely to become a favoured and successful object. It seems to O'Brien most plain from the whole series of treaties from the earliest period to the present time, that England is entitled to be considered in Spain with respect to all her manufactures, and that in all those treaties, Ireland has a right to say she is included. Did not think it necessary to include the detail of these to Grantham, but has sent a very full extract of them to his friend Mr Kuaz. Grantham will recollect particularly in the preliminaries to the Peace of Utrecht, Louis XIV stipulated that he would not even accept of any advantages in the Spanish trade which should not be equally extended to the British dominions; O'Brien has too high an opinion of the Spanish honour to suppose that the Court of Madrid can persevere in a violation of that right, if it is made clear to them. With respect to the time of urging the claim, O'Brien cannot conceive that any can be so proper as that in which the whole rights of interests of both Empires shall be under consideration, upon the negotiation of a general Peace. If Grantham is to be concerned in this negotiation, O'Brien hopes that this important subject will meet with every necessary attention and support.

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O'Brien, Lucius,
Kuaz,
Louis XIV

Ireland, linen, Spain