Folio 176: Harrington to Rondeau. HM's intelligences about present designs of Sweden...

Folio 176: Harrington to Rondeau. HM's intelligences about present designs of Sweden against Russia may be communicated to the duke of Courland and Count Osterman in strictest confidence, as mark of HM's friendship to Czarina. First, the plan of the new Swedishministry, is to transport into Finland by the French squadron 2 foreign regiments, commanded by Bosquet and Rutensparre to garrison Helsingfors and Fridricksham. Hostilities to begin in winter, not to besiege Vyborg, but go direct to St.Petersburg. Long report of how, when and with what troops they will obtain their ends. Expedition to be financed by France. This is to make Czarina jealous enough to make her begin hostilities and represent her as the aggressor. HM has too high an opinion of the Russian court to fear it will allow itself to be caught in such a snare and allow Sweden such an advantage. HM wants duke of Courland and Count Osterman to know that his opinion of the best way to proceed is to prepare forces in those parts sufficient to repel any attempts made by the Swedes and by no means begin the attack. Dated Whitehall, 1 June 1739.