Folio 138: Whitworth to Stanhope. The day of Whitworth's audience with the king:...

Folio 138: Whitworth to Stanhope. The day of Whitworth's audience with the king: Ilgen comes with information that the king is ready to hear the articles. Lengthy discussion with Ilgen of Whitworth's proposals. Ilgen criticises strongly the Saxon ministers: expresses Prussian standpoint on numerous aspects of international affairs in relation to the treaty, felt by Whitworth to be irrational opinions. Whitworth's attempts to make Ilgen see British view. Ilgen doubts the king will pass the Polish article. Whitworth's audience with the king; discussion of various clauses. King sends for Heusch. Discussion of the clause relating to the extradition of the three villages. King's attitude to the Quadruple Alliance. King takes copies of the two projects and sends for his ministers, who will carry decision to Whitworth at his home. The decision proves to make unacceptable alterations to the 7th and 3rd articles. Golofkin's promotion of the interests of the Czar. Resumption of discussion with Prussian ministers of aspects of the treaty, especially regarding the Polish question. The Prussians want the 7th article to be secret, and dispute aspects of the 3rd, 8th, and 9th, and the Treaty of Guarantee. Prussians disturbed by Whitworth's indication of his intention to withdraw, and press him to stay until they discuss it with the king. Roots of the ministers' manipulation of the King. Praise of helpfulness of Rothembourg, who has received news from Stockholm of events involving Prussia and not pleasing to her. Rank assures Prussians that Uarderfeldt will be admitted to the congress at Aland shortly. Enclosing an extract of a report (not now enclosed) made by Rank to the Abbé Dubois illustrating attempts to pervert Whitworth's negotiations. PS.: Ilgen and Kniphausen inform that the king has approved the Project of Guarantee as amended at the last conference. Treaty retained by the king: he intends to give decision in the morning. From Berlin. Date: 1719 June 3/14.

Rothenbourg's reports of Kniphausen's opinions on the signing of the treaty. Kniphausen intends to go to Hanover to see King George. Kniphausen brings news that the king has still not made his final decision. Golofkin's dining with the king troubles Whitworth. Date: 1719 June 4/15.

Ilgen does not approach Whitworth. When approached himself, states that the king has not informed him. Whitworth told that Golofkin told the king that conclusion of the treaty without inclusion of the Czar would end their friendship. The ministers visit the king: on return of Kniphausen he gives the impression to Rothenbourg that the treaty was broken unless changes could be made: these changes, Rothenbourg tells Kniphausen, would be unacceptable to Whitworth and he would return to Hanover. Necessity to convince French that failure to conclude treaty was not owing to diplomatic incompetence. Letters of Credence prepared for Maash in Sweden and Borck in Vienna. Likelihood of a particular peace being in process between Sweden and the Prussians, to enlist the support of the Emperor. Eicholtz has had several conference with Prussian ministers and the Mecklenburg envoy in Berlin. Date: 1719 June 5/16.

King makes it clear he does not wish to conclude treaty: Whitworth wishes to arrange an audience with the king, but finds that he is gone. Whitworth awaits the king's orders that he may know when he can return to Hanover. Date: 1719 June 6/17.

Topics

International

Treaties and alliances

Europe and Russia