Folio 270: Rondeau to Harrington. Recent reports of French king attempting to be...

Folio 270: Rondeau to Harrington. Recent reports of French king attempting to be mediator between parties at war have caused unease and to prevent this I have insinuated the ill-consequences of such a situation and the slight it would cast on HM and the States General. Duke of Courland, in confidence, told me to inform you that the last Grand Vizir, shortly before he was deposed, asked for the French king's mediation, which was granted immediately. The Emperor had not only consented to it but tried to persuade the Czarina to consent as well, assuring her of French king's `honesty, candour and integrity' in these matters but she preferred to rely on HM and States General, her `good and true friends'. Apprehendsion of some secret articles between French king and Emperor, in view of their friendship, which may be prejudicial to HM If this surprising situation should be discovered, HM would be very satisfied to be told. Duke of Courland is of my opinion, but could not find out what secret agreement had been made between courts of Vienna and Paris, but if he could penetrate their plans HM would be told. Lanczinski, the Russian minister at Vienna, being a Papist, could not be trusted to find out. Send orders how I should behave towards Count Ostein in this matter, as Vienna behaving in such an unhandsome manner. Dated St Petersburg 26 Nov 1737.