Folio 85: Harrington to Finch. My dispatch and that from Duke of Newcastle are written...

Folio 85: Harrington to Finch. My dispatch and that from Duke of Newcastle are written on the supposition of having to give an equivalent for the squadron stipulated in the treaty. HM noted that Count Osterman realised in our present situation that this may not be practicable but will continue in friendship. In these circumatances please remodel article. Tell Osterman that France has declared to Sweden that if an English Squadron went to the Baltic a French one would follow. This might make any help sent by ships from HM useless to Russia, and inform him that numerous great armaments are being made in French ports and land forces are embarking on their men of war, making it necessary to HM to keep his own force at home to protect his dominions. Spain has a similar squadron in readiness - those two together would make a formidable fleet. Hope HM's intentions to honour his obligations as soon as possible will please Russia without £100,000 p.a. as equivalent. Inform Osterman that his notion of French friendliness is misplaced and HM has most certain knowledge that Sweden's preparations for attacking Russia have been fomented by French intrigue and supported by French gold, and that French ministers have tried hard to get a subsidy from King of Prussia for Sweden to carry out the invasion. Frederick II would insist that for this subsidy of 1,000,000 crowns they would fight in Livonia as well as Finland. These, and other French measures at the Porte and Copenhagen, done to break power of Russia. HM wishes to know if anything more has developed between Princess Elizabeth and the French ambassador and Nolcken through the channel of the French surgeon. Dated Hanover, 5 July 1741.